Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
Development of a Comment Form ... May 21, 2009
2007:
During the course of the year, park management decided to develop an enhanced database-driven trackable comment system.
This idea had grown out of requirements for the Algonquin Forestry Authority to have a database-driven trackable comment system, as a necessity for it obtaining CSA Z809-02 (Sustainable Forest Management) designation.
It was anticipated by those involved in the CSA advisory process, that an enhanced database-driven trackable comment system would meet both the requirements of the AFA certification process and the needs of park management to better serve its maintenance and customer-service requirements.
July 2008:
With the park developing their new comment processing system's database, the ABR designed and published its own version of an "incident report form" specifically for backcountry recreationalists to use in submitting comments to the park. This form was immediately submitted to park management for their information.
There had initially been indications that the park used backcountry campsite identification numbers to efficiently identify individual campsites for maintenance purposes. With the expectation that these information numbers would be posted on individual campsite signs and be indicated on official 'values-maps', this ABR Incident Report includes a spot for recording campsite ID numbers. Subsequently, park management indicated that that information was not available.
You can click here to download the ABR's Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists Incident Report (pdf).
Sept. 10, 2008:
Park management sent the ABR Executive Committee a copy of their draft comment form.
The ABR Executive Committee was asked to review it and submit its comments.
The ABR considered the two-page format to be too long and numerous improvements were suggested.
It was also felt that long lists of access points and campgrounds were inappropriate.
In addition, it was also considered that a square map section was more useful, that photos of reported conditions should be encouraged, that identifying the 'canoe route' wasn't necessary, etc.
You can click here to download the park's draft Algonquin Provincial Park Visitor Comment Form (pdf)
Sept. 26, 2008:
The ABR submitted a one-page draft form, as part of its comments.
The form contained a single, more square area for map and/or diagram.
A distinct area was provided for location notes of campground or interpretive trail incidents.
A separate area was provided for backcountry location details.
You can click here to download the ABR's draft Algonquin Provincial Park Visitor Comment Form (jpg)
None of the forms and drafts produced to this point contained any mention of forest management or the Algonquin Forestry Authority. It had originally been considered by the AFA as undesireable to overtly solicit comments based specifically on logging practices. The forms had originally been considered for general commentary and specific incidents that might just incidentally be logging-based.
May 19, 2009:
Park management has now released an official Forest Management - Recreational Experience Comment Form. It is being commonly referred to as the "green form", since it is being printed on green paper.
The government agency "Ontario Parks" governs all the provincial parks and apparently expects conformity with its existing procedures, specially regarding the forms used for gathering information from the public.
This new "green form" is serving a special purpose expressly for Algonquin Park, as required by the AFA's CSA certification.
Fortunately, it is able to double as a "Recreational Experience Comment Form".
You can click here to download the official Forest Management - Recreational Experience Comment Form (pdf)
The ABR has been assured by park management that they will also be glad to receive comments and reports submitted on Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists Incident Report (pdf) forms.
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