PROVINCIAL PARKS POLICY 

 AND OBJECTIVES 



The Provincial Parks, within the administration of the Department of Lands 

 and Forests, provide public parklands in as near a natural condition as pos- 

 sible, coincident with the intensity and type of use of the particular park. 

 Provincial Parks provide space with emphasis on the natural environment and the 

 format of public outdoor recreation which are in keeping with that environment. 

 Such recreational pursuits include camping, picnicking, swimming, boating, canoe 

 tripping, hiking, fishing, and in certain parks, hunting, and the inspirational enjoy- 

 ment of the natural enviroment. The emphasis, therefore, is on recreational 

 activity which cannot be indulged in at home and which should be distinguished 

 from recreation associated with an urban environment. 



The Objectives of the Provincial Parks are: 



1 . To provide for the people of Ontario outdoor space in which they may enjoy 

 the kinds of recreation usually associated with the natural environment such 

 as camping, swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, and the 

 general enjoyment of nature. 



2. To provide this space in areas where it is needed. 



3. To reserve for future use areas sufficient to meet anticipated demand. 



4. To achieve in each park optimum use consistent with the retention or restora- 

 tion of a natural appearance and atmosphere, and to recognize special 

 recreational uses and values in certain parks. 



5. To include, in parks, rare and/or unusual features of natural and historical 

 significance. 



6. To preserve all significant natural and/or historic features in Provincial Parks. 



7. To provide in parks only those facilities which are necessary for the enjoy- 

 ment of the outdoor activities for which the park is intended and the well-being 

 of park visitors. 



8. To promote in park users an increased appreciation of the natural and 

 historical significance of parks through such media as museums, exhibit 

 centres, conducted trips, talks, interpretive trails and publications. 



9. To prevent the use of any Provincial Park for purposes which will alter the 

 natural features or atmosphere to the extent that they interfere with the 

 enjoyment of those engaging in the activities for which the Park is intended. 



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