You're invited to visit the Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists website to checkout the new "ABR Incident Report".

http://www.abrweb.ca/Feedback.htm

You're invited to use it to report incidents of disrepair (portage boardwalks, thunderboxes, etc.), dangerous conditions (hanging trees, relocated firepits, etc.), infractions (garbage, tree damage, etc.) and even to make construction commentary of suggestions.

The form is intended to compliment the park's new "Forest-recreation Visitor Comment Management System". Jim Murphy (park management) was given a preview of the form last week at his East Gate office and encouraged our efforts.

Barry Bridgeford
(central York Region)

That's great, Barry.

How and to whom is this information going to tunnel? Should users expect eventual replies?

Bryce, the address for the Park is on the form. (And the address for the ABR, who would like to receive a copy, too.)

Excellent idea, Barry.

We've done that "fill in the back of the permit" thing, but whether anything comes of it, who knows.

Would it be possible to have the Park acknowledge receipt of these feedback forms?


Here's hoping I don't find a use for the ones I'm printing out.



Barbara

I just re-read Bryce's post and realized I completely misunderstood what he was getting at. Which is very strange, because I don't think I'm married to him.





Barbara

I should've looked at the form first. I thought it was an email system (ie user form) where someone could type up their report and click 'Send', delivering to my questioned recipients who would do my questioned actions.

Seeing the two solutions, I like having at least one of them around, though personally I'd be more apt to use a digital delivery than paper (no stamps, direct delivery, etc.). If paper is the way to go, some means of advertising a complaint system would be great for folks on their way out. Guess that's not feasible.

Fairly unrelated, but when I first went to Algonquin I found it weird that I didn't have to "check out". Imagining now, that would be a real PITA if you had to swing by the permit office on the way out given their locations at some of the access points. But it would be a nice way to interface with outbound patrons of the park, asking about their experience and more importantly, how it can be improved.

We've very rarely taken the time to return the expired permits to the boxes provided at access landings. Or, to be more accurate, we just don't remember to do it. Doubt it makes much difference, though...who picks them up, when?

And we very rarely get "out" before the offices close. (Not in much of a rush to leave the Park.)

I know that the permit we filled out was seen on top of a filing cabinet in the access office on subsequent visits...for months. Not a big incident to report, but still....



Barbara

Hi Bryce

As a follow-up to my advisory work for the park's Forest-recreation Visitor Comment Management System (FRVCMS), I was provided with a resulting draft outline of their operating parameters.

I expect that the finalized parameters will be very similar to those of the draft outline, which included ...

"Comments will be documented and acknowledged within (yet to be specified timeframe)."

"If a conclusive response is not achievable within the specified timeframe, an interim acknowledgment is sent within 5 working days, stating the anticipated date of response."

"Comments will be tracked and timelines for resolution will be monitored."

"Park users will be advised of outcomes as soon as possible after a decision is made."



Barry Bridgeford
(central York Region)