Haliburton Scout Reserve

Transcription

1 Haliburton Scout Reserve tr '{h Canada s largest Scout camp, Haliburton Scout Reserve (HSR), consisting of almost 5000 acres (2000 hectares) of Cambrian Shield, located in The Haliburton Highlands in Central Ontario. With one fifth (1/5) of the property, 1100ac (500ha), being water, the package of forest, 13 lakes and ponds, 13 sections of rivers and streams, 15 marshes, and 3 beaver ponds in varying stages of succession, provides

2 wilderness homes for a large assortment of animals, fish, birds, insects, and a significant variety of trees, shrubs, and plants. This total package provides many areas of substantial bio- diversity and multiple significant ecosystems. A collaborative project, completed in 2001, involving HSR staff, campers, and environmental studies friends of HSR, resulted in an ecological inventory in excess of 100 items of Flora & Fauna in nine categories. The inventory is included in the HSR Trail Guide as a have you seen? checklist and appropriate individual items are highlighted in the descriptions of individual Trails. Lake Kennabik (Kennabi), the largest lake on the reserve is surrounded by two dozen wilderness sites with space for 8 60 campers per site. Each site is accessible by water only and has: boat dock, buoyed swim area, rowboat, ring buoy, reaching assist, picnic tables, portable latrines, ground cooler, fire pits. There are also 6 8 outpost campsites, primarily utilized as overnight sites or daytrip destinations by units hiking the 35km (+/- ) of marked trails, and nine sites suitable for guest/family camping. In addition to the camping and outdoor experience objectives that each group/unit brings with them, there are about 24 additional program resources/activities that groups can include in their programs. The majority of these will be pre- booked when booking the site, or with the program staff upon arrival. Some are active and some are passive and some require supervision and instruction by trained/certified Program Staff.

3 Location: The physical address is 3161 Kennaway Road, east of the town of Haliburton, in Central Ontario, and is only accessible by appropriate forms of road transportation. Offshore and distant North American Groups/Units intending to fly should make their destination Toronto, and request appropriate assistance/contacts/directions in arranging road transport when booking their site(s). trl UI FI UI.-l F4 2l? \ Hry C(l iirji U ul E, -O 4> El olatooe=a 9.i62-t,4 Hl E AFXi7, rtt = )hlirllilr ljl.{ (\l co +!n (o l* slt u'tl >-l <l -rl =l (9t il E,I S=oE3l.H3*zl EHEr+I ZE,OZ;:I ul tiii-l ooclto'ihl F{ r{ ljl v I N U \D Given above is the sketch map of Southern Ontario showing major highway access to the Town of Haliburton from Toronto and provincial border crossings.

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5 Above is the map of Haliburton Scout Reserve and Surrounding Properties showing the many Lakes, Rivers, Streams, Creeks and Wetlands within and adjacent to the Reserve as well as Described Hiking Trails, Outpost Campsites, and Points of Interest. Contact Information: Scouts Canada Central Ontario Service Centre, 10 Kodiak Cres., Unit 120, Toronto ON M3J 3G5 T , F Centre Info: scout- reserve Latitude/longitude: / GPS: N / W Environmental Features:

6 There are some 15 areas of marsh/wetlands, 3 beaver ponds in varying stages of succession, several types of forests, naturally regenerating woodlot areas, and an ecological inventory of over 115 items, comprising a 5000 acre collection of significant Bio - Diversity. Descriptions of many of these areas/features are found in the Haliburton Scout Reserve Trail Guide. There are some 70 species of Birds, Mammals, Fish, Reptiles, and amphibians resident within the 5000 acres of the Reserve; either permanently or temporarily as they follow the seasons and the availability of food. There are various migratory birds nesting in the many types of forest, breeding, rearing their young, and preparing to migrate, and the cycle continues for another year. Fish, Reptiles, and Amphibians do not migrate; they winter on the property by hibernation or a process best referred to as suspended animation. Many of the mammals hibernate, have dens or nests to survive through the winter, while the larger mammals such as deer and moose will herd and roam following availability of food, and the wolves continue to prowl and hunt. While not every hiker or camper will observe each one during their stay; The fact that so many live on the Reserve, if only temporarily, certainly re- enforces the need for all hikers and campers to use all their senses while experiencing everything the Reserve has to offer. While there may not be fragile eco- systems in the classic definition, each of the many eco- systems, forest types, marshes, wetlands, streams, or open grasslands is important in providing food, nesting sites, dens, burrows, pollination, and regeneration and we prefer to view each one as fragile in that any significant disruption that cannot be overcome in a reasonable period of time could mean a substantial decrease in the number of species available for all to observe and enjoy.

7 Available Environmental Education (primarily self- directed): The entire 5000 acre (2000 ha) Haliburton Scout Reserve; with its many diverse environmental characteristics and identified ecological inventory exceeding 115 items; should be totally viewed as an experiential educational facility capable of providing as broad a range of outdoor opportunities and experiences as the interests, needs, and desires of the Troops/Units individually/collectively dictate. The initial informational site and facility that Troops/Units will come in contact with will be the Program Centre and the Program Staff; both of which provide a wealth of program information, assistance, and direction to appropriate resource material. Groups/Units are encouraged to utilize this resource, to ensure that the youth have the best possible camping and experiential learning experience, assist in potential problem resolution that may arise, and help answer now what do I do.

8 The Trappers Cabin provides a unique insight to a significant portion of the developmental history of the local Township (Dudley) and surrounding County (Haliburton). This authentic cabin is the backdrop for learning something about two of the three major activities that developed this portion of the province trapping and logging; the third was homesteading/farming which is referenced in the HSR Trail Guide. The HSR Trail Guide provides a vivid description of the 35 Km of hiking trails (see map #6) and various outpost campsites. These descriptions highlight the various ecological facets surrounding you as you progress along the trail. They also draw your attention to the remnants of a couple of original homesteads/farms. There is also an explanation and example of how Beavers are the largest agent of change in Ontario s forests, ahead of forest fire and humans. The HSR Trail Guide is available at the reserve for a modest fee, or can be downloaded from the web and follow the links or, Environmental Management: We are the beneficiaries, and now the custodians of a significant piece of God s Country

9 This statement reflects our concern for, and attitudes towards, Nature and Environment begun in the late 1940 s, and perpetuated through multiple generations to the present day. This makes our primary function to be a responsible custodian, enabling following generations to make the same statement. The concerns and attitudes expressed are manifest in virtually all documentation relating to HSR, usually in very simple terms. There are a number of basic rules and admonitions that will be found in the HSR Trail Guide, Planning Guide, Principles of Leave no trace, etc. These basic rules and admonitions are reviewed with all unit leaders (youth and adult) at their meetings held at the beginning of each week. These are best summarized in the following statements. Observe, use all your senses, enjoy, do no irreparable damage, and leave it better for your having been here. Enjoy your hike, but be respectful of nature as you go along. Remember leave nothing behind but footprints, and take nothing home with you but pictures and memories. And Have Fun! Follow the rules to protect our forests and waters from invasive species and do not cut or damage live and growing trees. The rules are enforced, both on entering camp and via the outgoing site inspection prior to transport off the site. The enforcement can be an admonition, a financial penalty, or in the case of blatant disregard, a refusal to allow a return booking until there has been a significant change in leadership and attitude. (Yes it has happened Thankfully not recently or very often) Main Achievements to Date: Being custodians of some 2000 hectares (5000 acres) of forests, lakes, rivers, creeks, beaver ponds, and marshes, all of which we regard as areas of high bio diversity; We have a responsibility, within reason, to ensure that operating methods, procedures, and program usage do so in ways that provide long term viability of these areas, subject to natural development and selection. Invasive species (those that may detrimentally displace existing species) are not viewed as part of the natural selection and development process of the Haliburton Highlands and we take considerable steps to keep them out of the Reserve. Admonitions and prohibitions such as:

10 Due to concerns surrounding the Emerald Ash Borer and the Asian Long- horn Beetle we do not permit Troops/Units to bring in wood from outside the Reserve. To protect our waters and the fish therein we expect Groups/Units to assist us by following the necessary procedures to clean their boats and equipment before arrival. While we do allow Groups/Units launch and use their own boats and motors (subject to HP restrictions) we reserve the right to refuse access to any all boats and/or motors that have not been properly cleaned or do not meet the camps horsepower limits. We try and ensure that all Troops/Units are aware of the various Forest Pests such as Garlic Mustard, Dog Strangling Vine, Giant Hogweed, and look alike with appropriate admonitions to observe, report, and due to the toxicity of some, Do Not Touch. These admonitions and prohibitions are contained in the HSR Trail Guide, and are reviewed with both the Adult and Youth Leaders during their Leaders Meeting held at the beginning of each week. To facilitate the natural regeneration of the various wilderness sites we close one or two each year. This practice prevents any site from becoming camped out. Haliburton Scout Reserve, long regarded as The Gem of Canadian Scout Camps ; - - A wilderness camp with 2000ha (+/- ) of Blue Lakes and Rocky Shores on the Cambrian Shield is the largest Scout Camp in Canada. The quantity of program resources/activities available to groups/units, in addition to wilderness camping and hiking, has expanded from an original staff of one, a single canoe, two campsites, and an historical trappers cabin to some 24 wilderness lake sites, 8 outpost sites, some 25/30 program resources/activities, flotillas of various types of watercraft, a country store enabling groups/units to grocery shop on the Reserve, and an annual staff of some 40/50 young men and women. The Reserve has been temporary home to over 250,000 Youth and their Leaders from Canadian and International Scout groups over the past 67 years. A leading example of ecological stewardship that balances wilderness camping uses with environmental and wildlife protection, including site inspections with

11 remedial action prior to transport off the site and/or other appropriate penalties for ecological infractions. Goals for the Future: Future Goals are defined by a master planning process that looks forward years based on the following Mission and Visions that defines, in broad strokes, the future direction(s) of program(s), stewardship of natural resources, finance and administration, and facilities management. MISSION Haliburton Scout Reserve is dedicated to the development of adolescents and adults through quality outdoor programs which support Scouts Canada s mission by providing a variety of experiences and leadership growth opportunities with a wilderness focus, and a supportive, qualified staff. VISIONS PROGRAM- In 25 years, we want to increase the program opportunities (existing or new) to our clientele within a wilderness Scouting environment, by; Being customer service focused. STEWARDSHIP OF NATURAL RESOURCES Haliburton Scout Reserve will be a leading example of ecological stewardship that balances wilderness camping uses with environmental and wildlife protection by; Development of appropriate documentation and processes to ensure that camping units understand their role and expectations in achieving this vision; Development and implementation of a site use plan including expansion of trail access and programs. FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION Haliburton Scout Reserve will be adequately funded to carry out its mission and will have effective administration for the stewardship of natural resources, delivery of program and maintenance and operations. FACILITIES MANAGEMENT

12 Haliburton Scout Reserve facilities will be managed, consistent with the Mission, to ensure proactive maintenance and development, by: Meeting or exceeding government regulations, adhering to risk management guidelines, and Heeding ecological stewardship. This is a living process currently identifying some 75 odd action items divided into high, medium, and low priority, and within each category immediate 1-2 years, short term 3-6 years, and later beyond 6 years. Languages: The primary language of the reserve is English; However as the staff is annually recruited from the largest multicultural concentration in the country, it is probable that there will be a number of secondary languages available at a rudimentary level.