How to Preserve Nature in Algoma

As residents of Algoma Country, we’re lucky to be located in beautiful Northern Ontario! Surrounded by beautiful forests, pristine lakes and rivers, wildlife and clean fresh air. There’s a lot of adventure here and a lot to protect. We’ve put together a list of ways you can help to preserve the natural surroundings.

Maintaining Fisheries

The region is home to world-class fishing, and visitors can help keep it that way for generations to come! Existing province-wide programs are in place to help maintain healthy fisheries. You can help sustain them by:

• Following the slot-size and creel limits on Ontario lakes
• Respecting established fish sanctuaries that are marked
• Purchasing a Conservation Licence to conserve fish stocks; this is a reduced catch and possession limit licence ideal for anglers who want to live-release the majority of fish they catch
• If you catch a trophy-sized fish, take a photo then safely release it

What You Take In, Take Out

Whatever you bring, take it home with you. Accommodations of all types have programs for garbage collection and recycling. You may wonder how different types of tourism businesses deal with trash. For example, at remote businesses, you may find that organic trash is composted, and paper trash is burned. There may be recycling programs that ask you to sort your glass, aluminum, and plastics. Some may ask that you take these items home with you.

If you’re out hiking, paddling, or camping here are some simple steps to follow:

• Collect all your garbage and recycling to take with you, or drop them off at a designated garbage can or station
• Do a walk around your campsite, or other accommodation, to ensure you’ve picked up all trash and personal belongings
• Use designated areas for campfires. Be sure your campfire is out, and the fire pit has no trash

Take Only Pictures

Algoma’s landscape is home to unique rock formations from glacial activity, interesting plants, and other natural objects. When out enjoying the outdoors, it’s tempting to take a memento to remember the experience. We ask that you take only pictures and leave what you find. Please don’t bring any plants, or natural objects home with you.

There are many local photographers who sell prints or calendars of their nature photography. You can usually find these available for purchase at trading posts, gift shops, or online shops. A great alternative to commemorate your trip.

Don’t Feed the Animals

Please don’t feed the animals or birds. This can cause damage to their health, alter behaviours, and exposes them to predators or other danger. The wilderness is their natural home, and we are mere visitors to it.

• The best way to respect and view wildlife is from a safe distance
• Safely and securely store your food or rations
• Make sure pets are controlled or leave them at home
• The largest predator in the region is the black bear. It’s important to be bear-wise. To learn what you should do if you encounter a black bear while hiking or camping click here

Fire Safety

One of the most devastating events that can happen in the wilderness is a forest fire. We ask that you practice fire safety. Some things to remember:

• Only have a campfire where permitted (look for signage or alerts)
• Please respect any fire bans in the area you are visiting
• Keep your fire small
• Burn all wood and coals to ash and be sure you put out the fire completely

Ontario Parks has an excellent blog about campfire safety, to read click here or visit the Ontario website to learn about fire safety

Recommended Reading

There are some great resources available for trip planning, especially if you’re planning your first trip to experience the outdoors.

• Leave No Trace
• Learn to Camp
• Learn to Fish

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