Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
Ignorance and Vandalism ... Dec. 12, 2008
Back in 2007, a scout troop came across a campsite tree that had been intentionally damaged. One of the troop ("Carl") shared that experience on the ABR discussion forum. The extent of the blatant damage that he was able to document with his camera was so dramatic, it was decided to feature it here along with his comments.
"I would focus on educating folks on not to carve names, etc... into trees.
This photo was taken in July '07 at a campsite on Tom Thomson Lake. Each letter was appoximately 3/4" to 1.5" wide and 3 to 4" long.
The damage was no more than a day old. We replaced the bark material found at the base of the tree, and covered the bark with dirt and duff to blend in the replaced bark and cover the sap.
Several other trees were damaged as well. The campsite was littered with garbage and beer cans.
Our Scout group cleaned up the site and flagged down a boat with a Park Warden and trail cleanup personnel. He viewed the site, including the trees and took the beer cans ...
I visited the repaired tree in May '08 and 90%+ of the bark was still intact and was adhering.
I'd also like to ban all axes and hachets."
If the wanton destruction of Algonquin backcountry campsite trees continues, it may actually become necessary to consider the banning of such impliments as hammers, nails, hatchets and axes. Hopefully, the effective education of recreationalists will preclude the need for such measures.
view003.htm