1928 DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS 11 



vestigation into the many features of the Park demanding attention. When 

 it is understood that many thousands throughout the summer months weekly 

 visit this glorious spot for health and pleasure, comfort and repose, and it is 

 the only provincially owned virgin timbered area within the old southwest part 

 of Southern Ontario, one can realize what a heritage the people therein pOvSsess. 

 Several hundred deer run wild within the comparatively small area of 5,000 

 acres, and the finest mixed forest growth, typical of Old Ontario, exists. Lots 

 may be leased at reasonable rentals and building restrictions are not severe. 

 Quetico Park in the northwestern part of the province, comprises over 

 one million acres, and is situated on the Minnesota border; beaver and other 

 fur-bearing animals thrive within its area, while the finest stands of white pine 

 provide material for the great wheels of the lumbering industry in Fort Frances. 

 Countless parties as they pass over streams and moss covered floors from the 

 neighbouring states find solitude and solace midst nature's boundless blessings. 

 The fishing is good and guides are easily secured. 



SURVFAS AND WaTER PoWERS 



The Department completed some important surveys in the northern part 

 of the province in the running of base and meridian lines, and in co-operating 

 with the Dominion Government in respect of acquiring data for the traversing 

 of water ways, and definite points where permanent posts for future guidance 

 can be placed. Some parcels for tourist purposes were subdivided and listed 

 for sale to meet the demands of tourists. 



The increase in expenditure over the former year in connection with our 

 sur^■eys was some $25,094.20. (See Appendix No. 16.) 



The only water power of importance developed during the past year under 

 direct control of this department was that on the Seine River where three falls 

 exist, namely: Sturgeon, Calm and Moose Lake. The consolidated develop- 

 ment of these rapids will produce power for the Backus-Brooks interests who 

 have completed development the past year, and will transmit their power ap- 

 proximately one hundred miles to Fort Frances for the use of their enlarged 

 paper plant there. 



Negotiations are under way with the Dominion Government respecting 

 the possibility of providing storage on Lac Seul to provide the present Manitoba 

 power interests and the prospective Ontario users with controlling levels in 

 connection with this lake. Joint legislation may be found necessary and the 

 undertaking involving the erection of a costly dam will be effected through a 

 mutual co-operation of all interested parties. 



The general revenue from water power rentals increased considerably 

 during the past year, the greater part of such increase being due to the Lower 

 Abitibi power leases held by the Abitibi Company. 



TIMBER ADMLNISTRATION 



New Reserves 



Practical efforts have been made to segregate and set apart for the per- 

 petuation of timber wealth suitable areas and these will be created into timber 

 reserves and rigid measures adopted for their protection and reproduction in 

 order that future generations shall be assured of raw supplies for industrial 

 development. 



