Hello all. Got this from my local Canoeing Association. Thought some
might be intereted in it.

Cheers,

David H. Johnston

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French River Provincial Park Tel: 705-287-2900x224

Hwy. 637 Facsimile: 705-287-2922
Killarney, ON P0M 2A0 www.OntarioParks.com

Dear Stakeholder, April 1,
2004

We wish to inform you about upcoming changes to the management and
operation of six Northeastern Ontario provincial parks - the French
River, and the Temagami area parks which include Sturgeon, Lady Evelyn-
Smoothwater, Obabika, Solace and the Makobe-Grays rivers. Starting in
the spring of 2004, Ontario Parks will begin collecting fees for
overnight camping in these parks. The intent of this letter is to
explain what these changes may mean to you, as a park user.

The French River and Temagami area parks have long been popular
backcountry destinations for campers and day-users. However, intense use
coupled with lack of staff, equipment and financial resources has
resulted in a slow, but steady decline in the condition of campsites and
portages and, in the end, a decrease in visitors' enjoyment of the
backcountry experiences these parks offer.

Ontario Parks needs a variety of resources, most particularly financial
resources, to help protect the natural and cultural features of the
French River and Temagami area parks. Revenue collected through charging
fees for overnight camping will allow Ontario Parks to hire staff to
actively patrol and work in these parks. Staff will also teach visitors
how to travel with care and respect through these unique natural
environments, maintain and rehabilitate campsites and portages, and
enforce regulations which protect the integrity of the natural and
cultural features of these backcountry areas.

Fees collected for overnight camping will be used to protect, operate
and manage the French River and Temagami area parks. All fees collected
under the Provincial Parks Act are deposited into a Special Purpose
Account from which Ontario Parks draws funds to aid in the protection,
management or operation of individual provincial parks.

Permits for the French River will be available from select lodges and
marinas in the French River area. Camping permits for the five Temagami
area parks will be available through Finlayson Point Provincial Park.
Reservations for camping are not available at this time.

Fees will take effect on April 30, 2004 for the Temagami area parks and
on May 21, 2004 for the French River. Backcountry/interior camping fees
will be $7.50 per night per adult (18 years of age and over). Youth,
Ontario Seniors and Ontario persons with disabilities will pay lower
rates of 50 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. These rates are
consistent with fees charged in other Ontario provincial parks with
backcountry camping opportunities.

Ontario Parks appreciates that many outfitters and user groups have
already planned their trips to these natural areas and that camping fees
were not a consideration. This year, when encountering visitors without
camping permits, staff will take into account the late notification of
fees and exercise discretion. Ontario Parks anticipates compliance of
close to 100 per cent in 2005.

For specific information about obtaining permits, access points,
overnight parking and trip planning please contact the parks directly at
the numbers and/or addresses listed below:

French River Provincial Park Temagami Area Provincial Parks
Attn.: Chuck Miller Attn.: John Salo
Park Superintendent Park Superintendent
705-287-2900 705-569-3205
Fax 287-2893 Fax 569-2886

Email: Email: