Cleaning up the Bay
White Squall, along with key community partners has been involved in campsite rehabilitation and installation of wilderness thunderboxes on the crown is-lands of Georgian Bay in the Parry Sound region for over 10 years. As in 2013, we had to partly shift focus to the southwest coasts of Franklin Island as that area was not looked after well and gets considerable visitation. Our main target area was the outer islands from Cathcart group north to Big McCoy. Due to a cool and wet summer, the incidence of fires left unattended was less, however one fire was doused on Lally Island during a particularly hot, dry period. The stewardship work was completed primarily by using a motor boat and on some occasions paddlecraft were used.
Throughout 2014, two White Squall staff visited sites on Franklin, Lenice, Big McCoy, Green, Snake, Lally, Cathcart and Stapley Islands. Franklin Island has well over 20 sites to visit, Big McCoy has 4, and all other Islands typically have one or two. On all sites visited, thunderboxes were checked and cleaned. Where needed, new pits were dug and the boxes repositioned. Two new boxes were placed. Garbage was picked up, bagged and removed by boat. Fire rings were inspected and redundant fire rings removed.
Public Education
At various times during the summer, our staff had conversations with campers about island stewardship. Without exception there was strong support for the stewardship effort. Beyond that, individual groups re-affirmed their commitment in minimizing impact and cleaning up sites they encounter. There are many examples of paddlers going out on their own and contributing to the overall effort which is really encouraging.
Local businesses are engaging customers in conversation about the fragility of the islands and what they can do to protect them. Several provincial paddling clubs have been in touch with their membership, emphasizing the importance of treading softly in this biosphere land and waterscape.
Community-wide Voluntary Fire Ban
The 2014 summer was wet with less risk of fire. Campsite visitors continue to cut live trees and burn available fuelwood. Several local businesses have signed on to this voluntary fire ban, as well as key municipal, environmental and kayaking organizations.
Summary Note
We are heartened by the state of the islands despite increased visitation, particularly on Franklin Island. But we draw attention to the fragility of the islands if campers and visitors continue to use fires as regular practice in periods of hot, dry conditions. Over many years of observations this is the key contributor to campsite impact on the Bay islands. The involvement of so many organizations and individuals in the stewardship of this corner of the biosphere is exciting and great to see.
GLSKA Action in 2014
The islands and eastern shoreline of Georgian Bay are recognized as one of the best freshwater kayaking areas in the world, and most members of GLSKA have enjoyed the wonderful paddling they have to offer. In return, we have tried to repay the Bay by participating in clean-up activities on the many over-used campsites. Over the years the club has done this at times by direct involvement, and by joining or supporting local groups and businesses with donations.