Trip A

On trip A, the guide practiced five LNT principles, including travel and camp on durable surfaces, dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife, be considerate to other visitors, and minimize campfire impacts. This guide did not practice the LNT principle of “leave what you find” as a teachable moment did not present itself on the guided canoe trip; therefore, this LNT principle was not observed. The canoe route traveled on this guided canoe trip is shown below in Figure 6.1. The guided canoe trip departed from Smoke Lake, at access point 6, and traveled through Ragged Lake, and Parkside Bay Lake. The group spent one night on Parkside Bay Lake and traveled the same route back to the access point 6 the next day to complete their trip.

Page 87 of 144

Figure 6.1 Two-Day Canoe Route, Participant Observation

Source: L. King, 2012 The guide relied primarily on modeling appropriate behaviour, instead of using verbal messages. For example, the guide modeled traveling on durable surfaces (LNT principle) by staying on existing portage trails, instead of instructing the clients not to leave the portage trail. While clients were not observed leaving the portage trail, the group traveled through heavily impacted areas, with wide > 3 m portage routes, during dry conditions. In the absence of the guide providing verbal messages, the clients may not be aware of the importance of staying on the trail, in the context of APP, and may be tempted to walk off the trail under different conditions, such as wet conditions. Camping on durable or already impacted surfaces (LNT

Page 88 of 144

principle) was encouraged by the guide. This guide used verbal messages to point out appropriate tent sites within the boundaries of the campsite (e.g., on an already impacted, durable surface). However, the guide did not provide an ecological or social rationale for choosing the tent sites. Thus, the clients may not have known why the specific tent site was selected by the guide.

The guide modeled many techniques that can be used to minimize campfire impacts. While the guide explained how to collect appropriate firewood, the clients on the trip did not display any interest in performing this task. Thus, the guide modeled collecting appropriate firewood. The guide also modeled how to rearrange the rocks in the fire pit, to allow for a smaller cooking fire. In the absence of any verbal messages, it did not appear that the clients were cognisant of the reason for doing this. The guide did not teach the clients how to make or cook over the campfire. Again, this may be attributed to the lack of interest shown by this group.

The campfire was not the only method used for cooking. The guide also used the stove for hot drinks and meals when possible; however, many of the meals, particularly breakfast on the first day and dinners, required multiple pots. This made cooking on a single burner difficult. Although, the guide instructed the clients on how to use the camp stove. Therefore, the clients should be able to cook on a camp stove, but most likely have great difficulty starting and cooking on a fire.

The guide used verbal messages and modeling appropriate behaviour for picking up litter upon arriving and before departing from campsites, properly disposing of grey water, and food waste. The guide used instruction and modeling to teach the clients’ how to properly dispose of grey (dish or bathing) water and food waste, by digging a sump hole, covering the opening

Page 89 of 144

with leaves, pouring the dish water into the hole, and collecting the leaves and food scraps to be burned in the fire or packed out. The guide also explained why the water and food waste was being disposed of in this manner. This exemplifies the most effective means of teaching a LNT principle while on a guided canoe trip.

While the likelihood of observing wildlife on a canoe trip in APP is relatively high, the clients did not encountered any large mammals; however, there was interaction with more commonly observed wildlife. The clients did not harass or disturb the animals they encountered, and simply observed them; therefore, there was no need to correct their behaviour. The guide also engaged the clients in counting and recording the number of adult and young Common Loons as well as active Common Loon nests observed on the lakes that the group traveled through. The guide explained the current research regarding the affects of acid rain on the Common Loons in APP. The group had the unusual and astonishing experience of witnessing approximately 50 Common Loons grouped together on one lake.

The guide modeled keeping a clean and tidy site and storing food and personal hygiene products in a food barrel, secured to a tree, at night. These practices minimize potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife, such as black bears, and attracting nuisance wildlife, such as racoons, to the campsite. However, like many of the low-impact camping skills taught on the guided canoe trip, the guide did not provided an explanation or rationale for storing the food and hygiene products in this manner. While this practice my seem intuitive, many novice campers may not practice this skill and may create conflicts between wildlife and visitors due to the improper storage of food and keeping a messy campsite.

The final LNT principle observed was being considerate to other visitors. The guide modeled very respectful and courteous conduct towards other park users. When the group

Page 90 of 144

encountered other visitors, the guide offered a friendly greeting, stepped aside to let someone pass, and waited patiently at busy portage landings.