Page 23 Division of Fish and Wildlife 



ALGONQUIN PROVINCIAL PARK NATURALIST PROGRAM 



The season 1949-50 was the sixth for the Algonquin Park Naturalist Program. 

 Despite its similarity to programs in national and state parks in the L T nited States, 

 it arose spontaneously, as a result of public demand. The program of the summer of 

 1944 was organized by Prof. J. R. Dymond, of the University of Toronto, a summer 

 resident of Smoke Lake, at the urgent request of the Department. It has since been 

 expanded and organized to meet public needs. 



This year one nature trail was enlarged to make a total of three trails with 

 labels identifying the plants, trees, shrubs and other points of nature interest. Accord- 

 ing to actual count of nature trail registration. 6.440 Park visitors used the trails 

 and there were many requests for more trails. 



The Park Naturalists gave 34 nature talks at the various hotels and lodges. 

 These evening gatherings were attended by a total of 1,200 people. Coloured slides 

 were used to illustrate the geography, history and purpose of the Park. Stress was 

 laid upon the wildlife and its natural environment, and the interdependence of plants 

 and animals. These points, as well as identification of the Park flora and fauna were 

 again emphasized in the nature hikes. A total of 353 hikers attended the 26 conducted 

 nature hikes. 



This year also saw the beginning of construction on the Park Museum of 

 Natural History. When completed, this will serve as a focal point for the nature 

 program. Here, on display, will be specimens and exhibits explaining the wildlife 

 of the Park. With this in mind, a representative insect collection was started this 

 year. In addition, collections representing the trees, shrubs, plants, and small mammals 

 were made. A project was started to study the ecology of a typical bog lake. With 

 the information and specimens gathered it is hoped that an exhibit can be built to 

 show the history, flora, fauna and the importance of such a lake. 



To further the enjoyment and the education of the visitor, a pamphlet was 

 written to describe the Park and the program. This was distributed at the Park 

 entrances with the travel permits. 



In Algonquin Park, where conventional entertainment is at a minimum and 

 where the emphasis is placed upon the natural environment, an interpretive service 

 such as this is a step toward public education as a means of gaining public co-operation. 

 Only through public contact on a popular level, can the work of management and 

 research be brought to light and appreciated. It is recognized that an interest in 

 natural history is an important incentive in bringing people to Algonquin Park rather 

 than to one of the many other places where outdoor recreation is available. 



BEAR BOUNTY 1949-1950 



Under The Wolf and Bear Bounty Act. 1946, a §10.00 bounty is paid on any 

 hear 1 2 months of age or over, and a S5.00 bounty is paid on any bear under 12 months 

 of age, which has been killed between April 15th. and November 30th, in a township 

 of which 25' '< of the total area is devoted to agriculture, and which is located in one 

 of the counties or districts described in the Regulations. The Act further specifies that 

 the bear must be killed in defence or preservation of livestock or property, by a bona 

 fide resident of the township. 



The following is a comparative statement, showing the bear bounty statistics 

 for a period of five years, ending with the fiscal year 1949-1950. 



