FOREWORD 



The Annual Report presents a review of the past year's 

 activities of the Department of Lands and Forests within a 

 functional Branch framework. Additional detail is provided 

 in "Statistics, 1970" which is released concurrently. 



The interrelationships between the Department's many 

 activities and its over-all aim is implied m the Department's 

 goal statement: 



To encourage on private lands and waters, and to provide 

 from Crown lands and waters, a continuing combination of 

 renewable resource production and outdoor recreation 

 opportunities most consistent with the social and economic 

 well-being of the people of Ontario 



The term "renewable resource production" refers to the 

 non-agricultural production of plants and animals for com- 

 mercial purposes. Examples are timber, fish (commercial 

 catch), and fur. 



The term "outdoor recreation opportunities" refers to all 

 recreational pursuits, usually associated with the natural 

 environment, which contribute to the physical health and 

 mental well-being of the participants, the term is interpreted 

 broadly to include cultural activities concerned with the 

 understanding of natural history and the Ontario environ- 

 ment through observation and scientific study. 



The term "continuing combination" is particularly impor- 

 tant since it refers to the multiple use of renewable, natural 

 resources and their custody for future generations, and the 

 concomitant management of the environment. 



The concept of multiple use, or integrated resource man- 

 agement, is basic in meeting man's needs. Our land and 

 water resources are limited, but the demand for a wide 

 variety of goods and services is increasing each year. Ac- 

 cordingly, consideration of the single-use concept is becom- 

 ing increasingly difficult. 



The term "continuing" implies the concept of stewardship 

 for future generations. It also refers to the Department's 

 deep interest in the principles of ecology and their applica- 

 tion in the management of the natural environment. 



The Department is developing more specific objectives 

 which are under review. As presented below, they state the 

 objectives preferred at this time. 



RESOURCE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 



To encourage on private lands and waters, and to provide 

 from Crown lands and waters, the optimum, continuing 

 contribution of renewable-resource production Industries to 

 the economy of Ontario and its communities. 



OUTDOOR RECREATION 



(a) To provide opportunities for a wide variety of outdoor- 

 recreation experiences, oriented to day use, accessible 

 to, and for the benefit of, all the people of Ontario. 



(b) To provide on an economically sound basis, opportuni- 

 ties for the enjoyment of outdoor-recreation experi- 

 ences on an overnight or extended-use basis. 



(c) To provide continuing outdoor recreation opportunities 

 for tourism to benefit the economy of Ontario and its 

 communities. 



