There is an expansive network of roads in Algonquin Provincial Park (APP) to facilitate forestry resource extraction. This leaves a research need for examining how the logging road network in APP affects the large mammals, and what local-level and landscape-level variables influence that use. Local-level data was collected directly at observation points, and landscape-level data was produced from ArcGIS for 40km2, 80km2, and 130km2 buffer areas. The objective of my study was to look at the use of primary and branch logging roads by five large mammal species in APP, and determine if landscape-level variables had an influence on the level of movement and utilization. The five species included moose, white-tailed deer, American black bear, eastern wolf and coyote. My null hypothesis (H0) states that there will be no difference in large mammal use between the primary and branch logging roads within APP and that local- and landscape-level variables will have no influence on them; my alternative hypothesis (H1) states that there will be less large mammal activity on the primary logging roads, more large mammal movement on the branch logging roads and local- and landscape-level variables will influence this use. Tracking was done by vehicle on six transects across the park for three repeated surveys where species identification and local-level variables were recorded. Landscape-level variables were acquired through GIS analysis in the lab. Based on the results from the local-level data, branch and primary logging road use differed in composition, though no significance was found between the use by large mammals for these two types of road. Through generalized linear models, specific combinations of landscape-level variables did influence large mammal movement on the primary and branch logging roads within three habitat range scales (130km2, 80km2, and 40km2). The most significance was seen at the buffer of 40km2 on the branch logging roads, with the variables road density (p < 0.01), percent forest cover (p = 0.04) and topographic ruggedness (p < 0.01) all having a strong impact on large mammal movement. The only significant findings for primary logging roads were also at the 40km2 scale with percent forest cover (p = 0.03) and percent water cover (p = 0.02) having an impact on large mammal movement. Overall, the landscape variables had greater influence on branch logging roads that may be explained by the quality of the surrounding habitat, as well as greater influence at smaller buffer scales. Further research and monitoring of the large mammals in APP is recommended to expand on this preliminary study. Greater understanding of the local- and landscape-level variables at differing habitat ranges will assist in understanding these large mammal movements and provide data to base logging road management on. As large mammals are wide-ranging species, my study informs APP that their logging road network does not seem to hinder the movements of this group of animals. Overall, the large mammals in APP did not have any significant difference in their use of primary and branch logging roads of APP. Further research has the potential to give greater understanding of the impacts of the logging road network on the five large mammal species studied in APP. There is also the potential for useful management strategies to emerge for large mammals in this park, and how to incorporate human activities within their habitat while maintaining sustainable populations.

Since its inception, ecotourism has been promoted as a solution to some of the problems of biodiversity conservation. It has been touted as having the potential to balance the diverse interests of various publics by ensuring the protection of landscapes from development and extraction, offering unique tourism experiences, contributing economically to local communities, and fostering support for conservation efforts. Inconsistent success in achieving these goals, however, suggests that the effectiveness of ecotourism ought to be assessed on a case-specific rather than an industry-wide basis. Further, different stakeholders are likely to perceive the impacts of ecotourism in very different manners. The research on ecotourism and conservation rarely considers multiple perspectives, instead reflecting a one-sided understanding of the issues. As a step towards addressing these shortcomings, this thesis brings to light differing perspectives of ecotourism at the site of Algonquin Provincial Park. Through interviews and surveys, I uncover differences in conceptualisations of key ideas of conservation, knowledge of Algonquin Park, and perspectives of ecotourism between two primary groups of participants: tourists visiting the park and residents living in surrounding areas. Their responses reveal that, to residents, the park is a representation of livelihood; for tourists, the park represents ???pristine nature.??? The park is staged for its various publics, strategically representing only those aspects that will be looked upon favourably to a given group. These multiple constructions may be beneficial, however, as diverse viewpoints of these participants prompted attitudes and behaviours that were advantageous to the varied objectives of the park???s mandate, ultimately contributing to the success of the park as a site of landscape and biodiversity conservation.

The purpose of this study was to develop management guidelines to ensure the long term ecological sustainability of the beach and sand dune area of Grand Beach Provincial Park. A qualitative approach was taken including interviews of individuals who use Grand Beach. A literature review was completed describing the history of use at Grand Beach Provincial Park, ecological processes specific to the park, and management guidelines in other jurisdictions in Canada with similar natural features. Aerial imagery provided a temporal look at intensely used areas in the park. Recommendations include: 1) completion of a biophysical study of the park including an inventory of flora and fauna species 2) development of a monitoring plan incorporating the natural environment with the human dimension of the park 3) engagement of park visitors through signage, education and awareness, and 4) engage the scientific community to form partnerships for further research studies in the park.

This thesis explores Recreational Carrying Capacity (RCC). The investigation looks at the theory of RCC, and trends in recreational use and management to make a first estimate of the RCC of Garibaldi Provincial Park, British Columbia, Canada. An extensive literature review is used to synthesize the social, ecological and managerial factors called for in RCC theory; and to summarize relevant aspects of park policy and recreation trends. This review serves as a foundation for adapting a RCC model from the literature. The model is then used to estimate the RCC of the developed backcountry areas of Garibaldi Provincial Park. The emphasis of the thesis is on the ecological component of RCC: a bio-climatic zone inventory, a soil capability survey, and a visual impact assessment are all undertaken to build an estimate of the ecological sensitivity of the study area. The model also uses social influences and BC Parks policy to assist in the formulation of the RCC for the study area. The RCC estimates derived are not precise because of weaknesses in the data base. Nevertheless, the estimates do indicate that the most desirable areas for recreation within Garibaldi Park have reached or exceeded the capability of the biophysical resources of those areas to sustain the recreational activities undertaken. As important as the RCC estimation is the identification of biophysical limitations of the study area. These limitations call for careful site selection in the development and management of Garibaldi Park to protect the biophysical resources which attract recreational use. If the model is to be of greater assistance in park planning and management then more precision is required in the investigation. Increased precision requires dividing the broad bio-climatic zones into sub-zones or micro-zones to allow site and route selection for managing the study area. RCC theory and the RCC model used are useful as planning tools because of the comprehensiveness required by the theory and the explicitness of the values used within the model. However, this comprehensiveness demands a large data base which is not available in the case study of Garibaldi Park. This points to the need for further research if RCC theory and the model used are to be of utility to park planning in B.C. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Community and Regional Planning (SCARP), School of / Graduate

Most fish species tend to feed on larger prey as their size increases. The lack of suitable prey during critical periods of their life can prevent them from shifting their diet to larger prey and also from reaching larger body sizes. In this study, we compared the energy budget of lake trout ( Salvelinus namaycush) populations with contrasting food webs. Non-piscivorous lake trout (NPLT) populations reached a much smaller size and grew at a much slower rate than picivorous lake trout (PLT) populations. Food consumption rates were on average, 2--3 times higher in NPLT when they were expressed on a wet weight basis. However, only a slight difference in their energy intake was detected (less than 10%) once consumption rates were corrected for differences in prey caloric content. Growth efficiency was about two times lower in NPLT compared to PLT, while their metabolic costs were higher and assimilation efficiency was lower. It is most likely that the increased metabolic costs were associated with higher foraging costs, since more feeding attempts must be made to acquire a given quantity of food when fish are feeding on smaller prey. Furthermore, the portion of indigestible matter is likely to be higher in the diet of NPLT than in PLT (e.g. chitin versus bone). These results are consistent with theoretical models of fish growth that have showed that lake trout must have access to larger prey, even if they are rare, to reach larger body sizes. Our study also illustrates how the restructuring of a prey community by the arrival of an exotic species into a food web could alter the growth rate of a top predator. Furthermore, our study suggests that age at first maturity is influenced by growth efficiency in indigenous populations of fish. Therefore, the dynamic of a population and its vulnerability to exploitation are likely to be influenced by their energy allocation strategy.

No description available.

Archival records are essential for understanding changes in the environment. However, these records are largely ignored by archivists, who overwhelmingly focus on records of human history. Algonquin Provincial Park in east-central Ontario was established in 1893 and is the oldest park in the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources, Provincial Parks system. In addition to the many official functions and activities that occur in Algonquin Provincial Park, it is host to extensive environmental monitoring, assessment and research. However, no adequate system is in place to ensure that the records of archival value are identified, appraised, and preserved. An appraisal methodology is required to assist archivists to identify environmental records of long-term value. Using Algonquin Provincial Park as a case study, through primary source analysis of its structures and functions and comparisons with other park systems, various archival appraisal theories and methodologies are tested in order to determine the best method for appraising environmental records in general and the records of parks. It is determined that macroappraisal is the best method for appraising only the records created by the official functions and activities of Algonquin Provincial Park. However, the park depends on and interacts with many external affiliated organizations, including the Algonquin Forestry Authority, The Friends of Algonquin Park, Algonquins of Golden Lake First Nation, leaseholders, researchers, protest groups, anglers, businesses and contractors. The creation of environmental monitoring, assessment and research records is increasingly accomplished external to official government functions and activities. Many of these external groups create environmental records of archival value, yet, no formal strategy to preserve irreplaceable records is implemented in Algonquin Park. Elements from archival appraisal methodologies such as macroappraisal, the documentation strategy and the Minnesota Method are helpful for determining the relative archival value, and therefore level of documentation, of these external individuals, groups and organizations. This combination of methodologies is the most effective for ensuring the preservation of important environmental information and subsequently the environment. Various preservation partnership strategies are also suggested for these records identified as having archival value. / October 2006

The thesis explores how elemental architecture in collaboration with the Shield can manifest a threshold condition in which a modern day hero myth can be enacted in the Canadian wilderness. Through the lens of Joseph Campbell, Tom Thomson and the archetypal structures of the Finns and Algonkians, a design proposal is derived for a Waterway Park in the Algonquin region that expands the mandate of the Ontario Parks System. In the realm of psychology, Carl Gustav Jung defines individuation as a universal quest that encourages facing and overcoming ones internal demons in order to live a more integrated existence. Located in Oxtongue River Ragged Falls Provincial Park, this proposed experimental pilgrimage retreat connects a series of primary and secondary paths to cabins, a sweat lodge and a chapel. This model illustrates a method of inhabiting a protected wilderness site that can be applied to existing and future Parks to inspire a condition of corporeal and spiritual rejuvenation in Ontario’s near North.

The thesis explores how elemental architecture in collaboration with the Shield can manifest a threshold condition in which a modern day hero myth can be enacted in the Canadian wilderness. Through the lens of Joseph Campbell, Tom Thomson and the archetypal structures of the Finns and Algonkians, a design proposal is derived for a Waterway Park in the Algonquin region that expands the mandate of the Ontario Parks System. In the realm of psychology, Carl Gustav Jung defines individuation as a universal quest that encourages facing and overcoming ones internal demons in order to live a more integrated existence. Located in Oxtongue River Ragged Falls Provincial Park, this proposed experimental pilgrimage retreat connects a series of primary and secondary paths to cabins, a sweat lodge and a chapel. This model illustrates a method of inhabiting a protected wilderness site that can be applied to existing and future Parks to inspire a condition of corporeal and spiritual rejuvenation in Ontario’s near North.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--York University, 2001. Graduate Programme in Political Science. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 550-592). Also available on the Internet. MODE OF ACCESS via web browser by entering the following URL: http://wwwlib.umi.com/cr/yorku/fullcit?pNQ66354.