DEPARTMENT OF LANDS AND FORESTS FOR 1930 15 



was transferred to the head office in Toronto, and Mr. J. H. McDonald, Forest 

 Engineer, an efficient Forestry Officer of several years standing with the Depart- 

 ment, appointed Superintendent. He has actively undertaken the responsi- 

 bilities of the park, now in existence since 1893, and it is confidently expected 

 that when his experience and technical knowledge are brought to bear on the 

 administration there will in due time be evolved a system that will redound 

 to the advantage of the public and be entirely consistent with the original 

 aims and objects of those who were responsible for the establishment of this 

 virgin area of 2,749 square miles. 



Certain requests have been made for the construction of a motor road 

 across the Province easterly from the Ferguson Highway to connect with the 

 Northern Road from Lake Ontario and River St. Lawrence area to the Ottawa 

 Valley points. A portion of this suggested road traverses a small corner of 

 Algonquin Park in the southwest corner, and a division of opinion seems to 

 exist as to the advisability of undertaking the project. However, if and when 

 the time appears opportune for furthering the project, the Government will 

 take such action as may be within the best interests of the Province as a whole 

 and that will not be to the particular disadvantage of the great park area whose 

 sanctuary requirements must be well maintained. 



Quetico Park consists of 1,740 square miles in the Rainy River district 

 along the International Boundary between Minnesota and Ontario. It is 

 becoming increasingly popular, particularly with Americans. The park stafT 

 consists of a Superintendent, fifteen rangers and a housekeeper. In addition, 

 to the buildings at headquarters, which are at Kawene, there are now 38 stop- 

 over cabins for the use of rangers on patrol. Most of these cabins are equipped 

 with stoves, blankets and cooking utensils. Telephones have been installed in 

 four of the cabins to facilitate communications between the patrols and head- 

 quarters. During the year two new cabins have been constructed and con- 

 sideration will require to be given to the renovation of the existing headquarters' 

 buildings or the construction of new ones in the near future. Ninety-six portages 

 have been cleaned out, two new ones have been cut and 280 signs have been 

 placed on the portages. 



In enforcement of the park regulations a number of persons were appre- 

 hended, and several served time in the Fort Frances jail. Two were given 

 suspended sentences and one was fined. Confiscations were as follows: One 

 Ford truck, five beaver pelts, one marten pelt, one shotgun, one revolver, 

 one belt, three hunting knives, one flashlight, 71 traps. 



1,234 persons entered the park during the year and purchased fishing 

 licenses; the bulk of these being from the United States. Deer, moose, beaver 

 and partridge are all increasing in number. 



Rondeau Park, situated in Kent County, comprises some 5,000 acres, it 

 being a point extending into Lake Erie being part of Kent County. It is the 

 rendezvous during the summer months of those resident in the southwestern 

 part of the Province and in the city of Detroit and adjacent American areas, 

 who are seeking health and recreation. Over 250 leaseholders spend the summer 

 months and countless visitors and week-end tourists find opportunities here for 

 rest and enjoyment. Ample accommodation for transient tourists is made, 

 and amusement features for the young provided. 



A very capable Superintendent, a technical forester, is in charge and is 

 assisted by a competent staff. 



