Bass Lake, Mara & McRae Point 2020 Information Guide by Willow Publishing

Bass Lake, Mara & McRae Point 2020 information guide

WHAT’S INSIDE For Your Information....................................... 3 Bass Lake Provincial Park.............................. 4-6 Mara Provincial Park.................................... 7-8 McRae Point Provincial Park....................... 9-10 Local Services........................................... 14-15 Kid’s Corner................................................... 16

Superintendent’s Message On behalf of the team here, welcome you to Bass Lake, Mara, and McRae Point Provincial Parks! We are glad that you took time to visit, whether you join us for a few hours, a whole day or spend your entire vacation with us; we hope that you will make our parks a regular destination for camping and day trips. Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point offer an excellent, friendly, family camping and day use environment. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with a team member so we can address your concern immediately! I welcome you to contact me personally via email or phone at the information below if you have any questions, feedback or suggestions. We want your stay to be the best it can be and we will do everything we can to ensure that it is. We strive to keep our parks clean, quiet, safe and enjoyable for everyone. Thank you for your interest in Ontario Parks and specifically Bass Lake, Mara, and McRae Point Provincial Parks.

2020 PARK OPERATING DATES Bass Lake May 8th – October 12th, 2020 (Second Friday in May to Thanksgiving Monday)

Mara May 8th - September 7th, 2020 (Second Friday in May to Labour Day)

McRae Point May 8th - October 12th, 2020 (Second Friday in May to Thanksgiving Monday) Once the parks have closed, vehicle traffic is no longer permitted and there will be no facilities available to those who wish to walk in. Please plan to not have access to washroom or boat launch facilities before or after the listed operating dates. *NEW FOR 2020 *

Scott Thomas, Park Superintendent scott.thomas@ontario.ca 705.326.7054 x223

ALL of Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point campsites are now 100% reservable! We no longer offer designated first come first serve camping. All campsites can now be reserved by calling the Ontario Parks Reservation Line (1-888-668-7275) or online at www.ontarioparks.com. All Picnic Shelters can now be reserved up to five months in advance of your arrival date by calling the Ontario Parks Reservation Line (1-888668-7275) or online at www.ontarioparks.com!

Monarch butterfly. Photo by: J. Hojberg

O u r

C o v er

All photos by J. Hojberg

Park Information

Foxes at McRae. Photo by: J. Hojberg

Emergency Information ***911 is for EMERGENCIES ONLY***

NON EMERGENCY INFORMATION POLICE OPP 24 Hour Communications Centre**.......................1-888-310-1122 Orillia Detachment (8:15 am - 9:00pm)............................. 705-326-3536 Barrie Detachment............................................................ 705-726-6484

MARA: 181 Courtland Street, Ramara Township GPS: 44.590000, -79.360000............................................. 705-326-4451

HEALTH Soldiers Memorial Hospital (Orillia).................................. 705-325-2201 170 Colborne Street West, Orillia...............GPS: 44.361812, -79.252555 Telehealth Ontario..........................................................1-866-797-0000 Poison Control Centre....................................................1-800-268-9017 Conservation Officers................................. 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667)

McRAE POINT: 4366 McRae Park Road, Ramara Township GPS: 44.5690000, -79.329000........................................... 705-325-7290

Local Radio Stations - Traffic and Weather 105.9 FM, 89.1 FM, 95.7FM, 101.1FM, 107.5FM, 104.1FM, 93.1FM

Reservations........................................... ontarioparks.com/reservations ........................................................1-888-ont-park (1-888-668-7275)

** In the event of an emergency, please contact a staff member immediately by calling the park or going to the Registration Office. If staff are unavailable, emergency phone numbers are listed. If you are reporting an occurrence in the park after posted hours of operation, please call the OPP 24 hour NON emergency number.

BASS LAKE: 2540 Bass Lake Sideroad, Oro Medonte Township GPS: 44.600000, -79.480000................................... 705-326-7054 ext. 0

FOR YOUR INFORMATION… FIREWOOD AND ICE Firewood and ice can be purchased at all of our Registration Offices, and at the Bass Lake Park Store (please see page 4 for more information on Bass Lake’s Park Store). Looking for a treat while visiting Mara or McRae Point? Come on up to the Registration Office! We are stocked with a variety of ice cream novelties and a Pepsi vending machine is located outside the building. BASS LAKE BOAT LAUNCH Bass Lake offers a boat launch on to Bass Lake. A valid permit must be purchased and displayed to access our boat launch. Please note Bass Lake’s operation dates as the boat launch is not accessible before we open or once our park closes on the Monday of the Thanksgiving weekend – no exceptions! EMERGENCY While we hope you have a safe visit to our parks, emergencies are bound to happen. Please report any injuries, lost persons, etc. to any staff member or to the Registration Office. Please notify staff if you have called 911 – this allows us to divert traffic from the gate and escort all emergency vehicles to your location as quickly as possible. See below for Emergency phone numbers. GARBAGE AND RECYCLING Each park has a designated garbage and recycling area – please refer to each park’s map or ask one of our staff for directions. Deposit all bagged garbage in the green bins. We encourage you to recycle while visiting our parks. All recyclable materials (glass bottles including any full cases of beer bottles, wine or liquor bottles, aluminum cans and plastic bottles) can be placed in the blue cages. We also provide orange cages for recycling single use propane cylinders. DRINKING WATER/WATER TAPS Water taps are located throughout our campgrounds and day use areas. These taps are to be used for drinking water only and not to be used to as a dish washing station or personal hygiene area (including brushing teeth). Please bring a container to fill up with fresh water and take it back to your campsite to complete these activities. PETS A friendly reminder that pets must be kept on a leash not exceeding two metres at all times in our parks. Don’t forget to stoop and scoop and place all waste in the provided garbage receptacles. WATER SAFETY Please keep in mind that none of our beaches have lifeguards. Keep to the designated swimming areas and ensure to watch all children or nonswimmers extremely closely when they are in or around water. PFD LOANER PROGRAM If you are a day use visitor or a camper at either Bass Lake or McRae Point, you can borrow a Personal Floatation Device! We have a variety of sizes, ranging from infant to adult. All PFDs require a rental deposit. PFDs can be borrowed from the Registration Offices at McRae Point, and from the Park Store at Bass Lake. ADDITIONAL VEHICLES Each camping permit includes parking for one vehicle. Any additional vehicles will be required to purchase an Additional Vehicle Permit (AVP). There is a limit of two parked vehicles on all campsites. If you expect more than two vehicles will be registered to your campsite, they will be required to park in one of our additional vehicle parking lots. If your campsite does not have sufficient room for an extra vehicle, or the vehicle is adding noticeable stress to the campsite, you will be asked to move the vehicle to an AVP lot. COMMENT CARDS Do you have a compliment, concern or suggestion?? If so, please consider filling out a comment card to let us know how we are doing! We read every card and love to hear from our visitors! Comment cards can be picked up at the Registration Office any time during your stay. Please deposit your completed card in the Expired Permit Box upon exiting the park. If your concern is something that we can address immediately (e.g. a dirty washroom or firepit, excessive noise from another campsite), please stop into the Registration Office or Park Store so that we can make your stay with us as enjoyable as possible!

Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

TRAILER WASTE Each park has a Trailer Sanitation Station where you can dispose of your grey water and fill up with fresh water – please see each park’s map for their location. RESERVATIONS Reservations can be made beginning opening day ending the Sunday of closing weekend in each park. All campsites are now offered as reservations sites. We no longer offer designated First Come First Serve camping. Reservations for any campsite (including Bass Lake’s group sites or Picnic Shelters at Bass Lake or Mara) can be made up to five months in advance of your arrival date. Reservations can be made by calling the Ontario Parks Reservation Line at 1-888-668-7275 or by visiting www. ontarioparks.com. Please ensure to reserve your site for your full, intended stay, as we cannot guarantee your site will be available upon the expiration date of your permit. MAXIMUM OCCUPANCY A maximum of six people of any age (this includes children and infants) may camp on a campsite (the only exception is Bass Lake’s group campsites). Should you arrive with more than six people for one site, you will be required to purchase an additional campsite for additional people. As we cannot guarantee that we will have an extra campsite available, please ensure to reserve enough campsites for the people you plan on camping with to avoid disappointment upon arrival at the park. SELF SERVE In the spring and fall, our Registration Office hours are shortened. Office hours will be posted at each location. If a staff member is not available when you arrive, please refer to the Self Serve information board to help you register. LOST AND FOUND Please come to the Registration Office or Park Store (Bass Lake only) to report a lost item or to turn in a found item. CHECK OUT TIME Check out is 2:00 pm, however, your permit is valid until 10:00 pm in our day use area! Please be sure to take all garbage with you upon vacating your site – the next occupant will thank you!

Park Etiquette Whether you have come to enjoy one of our beaches for a few hours or are spending your vacation at one of our parks, we all must work together to ensure we respect our fellow park users and the environment. This can be done by following a few simple steps: Clean Up Garbage Leaving behind garbage on your campsite or litter in our day use areas ruins the natural beauty of our parks and the enjoyment of the next visitor. When leaving, please take a thorough look around your campsite and ensure that all garbage and recycling is taken to the central depot and placed in the correct receptacles. On busy weekends, our maintenance staff do not always get the chance to check every site between visitors, and we all know how disappointing it is to arrive to a site full of someone else’s garbage! Drive Cautiously Our narrow park roads are filled with children on bikes and pedestrians. It is extremely important to obey the posted speed limit of 20 km/hr throughout the entire park and drive with extreme caution to ensure the safety of all visitors (including the odd animal)! Always remove/detract any towing mirrors on your vehicle when not towing as these present a significant hazard. Refrain from Using Excessive Noise One of the most common complaints we receive in parks is about loud neighbours – this includes loud voices, barking dogs and loud music. It is easy to forget that voices can carry a fair distance in outdoor environments. Please be courteous to your fellow campers and keep your noise level to a minimum. Keep in mind that making excessive noise and disturbing others is considered a Provincial Park Offense! Respect Campsite Boundaries Rather than taking a short cut across someone else’s campsite to get to the comfort station or water tap, please stick to the designated roads and pathways. Respect your fellow neighbours! 3

Welcome to

Bass Lake Located on the peaceful shores of Bass Lake, Bass Lake Provincial Park offers traditional recreational camping. Visitors can expect to enjoy swimming, boating, and excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing at Bass Lake. Opened in 1957, Bass Lake has expanded to 182 campsites, 3 group camping areas and 3 reservable picnic shelters, a park store and boat rental operation. Rolling landscapes, quiet walks along the Waterview Trail, a day at the beach, or trying your hand at fishing are all great ways to remember your experience at Bass Lake and will keep you coming back year after year.

Photo by: J. Hojberg

Bass Lake Launch. Photo by: J. Hojberg

Bass Lake Store & Boat Rental

Waterview Trail

At Bass Lake, enjoy some of the natural and historic points of interest on our three kilometre trail which winds its way through a variety of habitats. Along the way, uncover Bass Lake’s history at the Rowe Homestead – a working farm for more than 100 years! Visitors will also get the chance to see the effects of glaciers from 10,000 years ago and the importance of the next generation of flora and fauna. The first half kilometre of the trail which begins at our beach parking lot, has been paved to make it accessible.

Come by and visit us at our Park Store! We have cool drinks, ice cream treats, and snacks available for purchase. Don’t forget to check out our Ontario Parks merchandise line that includes clothing and plush animals, which are ALWAYS a hit with both children and adults!! During peak season, we also offer boat rentals seven days a week! Our fleet includes canoes, pedal boats, paddle boards and kayaks. Rentals are offered in either two or four hour blocks. Rental fees are posted at the Park Store. In addition to the applicable rental fees, a $100 security deposit is required for each boat rental and is payable by credit card only. Paddles, lifejackets and a safety kit are included with each rental.

REMEMBER - please leave all wild flowers, plants, insects and animals alone. Disturbing the natural environment causes damage to the ecosystem. Let’s leave them for everyone to enjoy!

Explore our LEARN TO programs

Photo by: S. Pain

LEARN TO CAMP

Will teach you to all the camping skills you need to camp on your own. All camping equipment is provided.

OntarioParks.com/learntocamp LEARN TO FISH

Borrow Fishing Equipment for FREE

Free two-hour program introducing kids, teens and adults to fishing. Lifejacket, licence and fishing equipment are provided.

ontario.ca/learntofish

For a complete list of 140 loaner sites, dates and locations for Travelling Tackleshare events please visit: tackleshare.com

Brought to you by:

4 Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

BASS LAKE PROVINCIAL PARK

Bass Lake’s History Before the land became what we now know as Bass Lake Provincial Park, it was owned by English settlers – the Rowe family. In 1830, seventeen-year-old Basil H. Rowe and his two brothers, Charles and Stanhope, arrived in Canada from Devonshire, England. In 1832, they began to build their homestead along the wooded shores of Bass Lake. The Rowe family grew their original homestead into a successful farm, with many buildings. They grew wheat, barley, oats, clover and timothy and also raised pigs, cattle, sheep and horses. While their fields have now grown over with other plants, keep an eye out for the Butternut and Red Oak trees growing along the Waterview Trail – it is quite possible these were planted by the Rowe family when they settled the property! The family replaced the first homestead in 1885 with a square timber house, which included features such as a huge stone fireplace in the parlour and a cold cellar under the house to store vegetables in. Charles and Stanhope eventually emigrated to the United States, while Basil stayed to look after the farm on Bass Lake. Basil married a daughter of Captain Hamilton from Matchedash Township and they went on to have eight children! There is only one of the original Rowe buildings left – the stone milkhouse, which can be seen along the Waterview Trail. The milkhouse can be seen along the Waterview Trail. It was used for the family to store their milk, cream and butter and was kept cool by it’s earthen floor. Bugs were kept out by cheesecloth covering the windows.

Rowe Homestead along Bass Lake Trail. Photo by: M. Johnston

The Rowes built a new house in the 1920s, but unfortunately, that house was dismantled in the 1990s due to safety reasons – it’s former location has been taken over by a grove of sumacs. The farm stayed in the Rowe family until 1948, when they turned over half of their property to another local family and the other half to the Bass Lake Co-operative who developed it as a recreational area for farmers and their families. Both halves of the farm area eventually became part of Bass Lake Provincial Park!

WINTER WONDERLAND While Bass Lake closes for camping after Thanksgiving, we are still open for day use year round! You are welcome to come for a leisurely stroll through the park during day use hours of 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. Our winter day use gate, located off Line 15, is open and the parking lot is plowed in the winter. Like during peak season, our enforcement staff will be checking to ensure that all vehicles have a valid permit – don’t forget to purchase your permit from our coin operated pay and display machine or to display your park pass!! Bass Lake day use area. Photo by: S. Pain Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

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Welcome to

Mara

Mara Sunset. Photo by: E. Lacroix

Mara Provincial Park is known for its natural beauty, excellent family camping, and GREAT sandy beach. Mara opened its gates to campers in 1965. At that time, the park offered 100 campsites with picnic and swimming facilities. Since then, there have been many improvements to the park, including the addition of more electrical sites, along with accessible sites; an accessible comfort station with showers; a picnic shelter and our newest addition – a playground right on our beautiful beach! Unwind and take pleasure in the atmosphere that Mara has to offer. Enjoy the natural and peaceful setting of the campsites, take a walk on the nature trail, or enjoy a day at one of the best beaches on Lake Simcoe. Don’t forget to take a few minutes and bask in one of Mara’s spectacular sunsets.

Water Safety – It’s Your Responsibility

Mara Beach. Photo by: E. Lacroix 1. There are no lifeguards on our beaches. Water safety is your responsibility at all times. 2. Take the steps to be safe around water. Learning how to swim and water survival techniques help keep us all safe. 3. Always supervise children and non-swimmers by watching them when they are in or around the water. 4. Ensure children and non-swimmers wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) in or around the water. 5. Swim in only designated swimming areas. When the water is rough, or conditions are not clear – STAY OUT! Never swim alone. You should always swim with a buddy. 6. Using a floatie? Offshore winds often blow inflatables out into dangerous waters. Ensure inflatable rafts or toys are used in shallow water areas only and pay attention to changing wind conditions. 7. Be responsible. Avoid substance use when involved in water-related recreational activities. 8. Protect your neck. Never dive into shallow or murky water. 9. If you suspect a drowning or any other type of water emergency, call 911 and contact the park office immediately. Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

Riverside Trail Mara’s 0.5 kilometre Riverside Trail winds through a soft maple wetland and along a stream bank which is rich in flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for the Jack-in-the-Pulpits, and if you are lucky enough, you may just spot a painted turtle, duck or even a great blue heron! REMEMBER - Please leave all wild flowers, plants, insects and animals alone. Disturbing the natural environment causes damage to the ecosystem. Let’s leave them for everyone to enjoy! Mara Water. Photo by: M. Johnston 7

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8 Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

Welcome to

McRae Point After its development in 1970, McRae Point Provincial Park welcomed its first visitors in the summer of 1971, providing facilities for swimming, picnicking, boating and camping. Since the initial opening, McRae Point has been a preferred destination for many campers. This park has seen numerous improvements in its 41 years of operation, such as an accessible comfort station and campsites, the addition of electrical sites, and a state of the art water treatment system. McRae Point’s North Campground consists of electrical campsites that offer a raised pull-through area ideal for large trailers and motor homes. The South Campground consists of two loops, one of which is comprised of electrical campsites. Campsite terrain is lush, well maintained grass and sites backing on to the lake offer a truly special view. There are comfort stations located in all campgrounds with a large shower building located in the North Campground. While visiting McRae Point, make sure to take time to walk the Water’s Edge Trail or relax in the day use area. McRae Point is a great place to enjoy this camping season.

McRae - Blandings Turtle. Photo by: J. Hojberg

FALL COLOURS Just because summer has ended, it doesn’t mean the camping season has to! Come join us at Bass Lake and McRae Point to enjoy all that fall has to offer, including the cool, crisp temperatures, beautiful colours, and sound of crunching leaves!! As the park is quieter, you may even get the chance to see some of our wildlife who have come out of hiding! Bass Lake and McRae Point are open for camping until Thanksgiving Monday every year – join us to experience one of the most beautiful seasons our park has to offer!

Photo by: J. Hojberg

The Water’s Edge Trail The Water’s Edge Trail circles McRae Point which is known for magnificent sunsets and breathtaking views of Lake Simcoe – in the summer, you will be treated to a refreshing, cool breeze and a view of the beautiful crystal-clear waters. In the fall, you can enjoy the vibrant colours of the trees all around you on the trail! The trail begins near our boat launch and is fairly flat, but don’t forget to watch out for raised roots along the path!

Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

Ticks and Lyme Disease

Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes scapularis) on a blade of grass

Do ticks and Lyme disease make you wary of going outdoors this summer? By being aware of ticks and understanding the role they play in spreading Lyme disease you are taking the first step to protect yourself and your loved ones. There are many different species of ticks and not all of them carry Lyme disease. The most common tick you may encounter is the American Dog Tick, which does not carry Lyme disease. The only tick that carries Lyme disease in Ontario is the Blacklegged (Deer) Tick, Ixodes scapularis. Both ticks can be found in wooded areas or tall grass habitats. In Ontario, Blacklegged ticks are more commonly found in rural areas along the north shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, and the St. Lawrence River. Blacklegged ticks are known to feed on migratory birds and as a result, they can be transported throughout the province. Therefore, while the potential is low, it is possible for people to encounter Blacklegged ticks, or to be infected with Lyme disease from the bite of an infected Blacklegged tick, almost anywhere in the province. Ticks feed slowly, and an infected tick must feed on a person for at least 24 hours in order to infect them with the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Because of this delay, prompt detection and removal of ticks is one of the key methods of preventing Lyme disease. If you become infected from a tick bite, symptoms usually begin within 1 - 2 weeks, but can take as long as one month to begin. The “classic” symptom is a bulls-eye rash that can develop anywhere on the body; however, this rash may not occur in all cases. Early symptoms of Lyme disease can include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, stiff neck, jaw pain, and sore muscles. If untreated, problems with the heart, nervous system, and joints can occur months or years later. Lyme disease is easily treated in the early stages so seek medical attention if you feel unwell. When you are out in tick habitat you can better protect yourself by taking a few precautions: 1. Wear long sleeves and tuck your pants into your socks. 2. Wear light coloured clothing so you can detect ticks before they attach. 3. Use insect repellent containing “Deet” (please follow manufacturer’s directions). Apply it to your skin and outer clothing. 4. Conduct a tick check. Look on your clothes, body and pets. Pay close attention to your groin, scalp and armpits. By following these simple suggestions you can have a safe and enjoyable time exploring Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point Provincial Parks. For more information please consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s website: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/ services/diseases/lyme-disease.html. You can also visit: www. ontario.ca/lyme

These Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are found on a wide range of hosts including mammals, birds and reptiles. Blacklegged Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) are known to transmit Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) to humans and animals during feeding, when they insert their mouth parts into the skin of a host, and slowly take in the nutrient-rich host blood. Photo by: Jim Gathany, CDC

Found a Tick?

DO: 4 Use fine point tweezers 4 Grasp the tick as close to your skin as possible 4 Gently pull the tick straight out 4 Disinfect the bite area with rubbing alcohol or soap and water 4 Save tick (alive if possible) in a jar, with a piece of damp paper towel for identification and potential testing. Park staff can provide contact information for the local Health Unit, or alternatively you can take the tick to your family doctor for testing. 4 Watch for symptoms and seek medical attention if you feel unwell or if you cannot safely remove the tick. DON’T: 5 Grasp around bloated belly and squeeze the tick 5 Use a match, heat or chemicals to try and remove it 5 Twist the tick when pulling it out

10 Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

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BASS LAKE, MARA AnD MCRAE POINT PROVINCIAL PARKS Summary of Provincial Park Offences When visiting Ontario Parks, you must show respect and consideration for your fellow visitors and the park environment. The following table lists some of the common laws enforced in provincial parks. The Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006 and other legislation governing behaviour in provincial parks can be reviewed at provincial park offices and at: www.ontario.ca/laws. These laws are enforced by provincial park wardens who have all the power and authority of a member of the Ontario Provincial Police within a provincial park. Many of the listed offences could result in eviction from a provincial park. If evicted, you are prohibited from re-entering any provincial park for a period of 72 hours. Minimum fines listed below do not include court costs or victim fine surcharge. Offence Alcoholic Beverages • Having liquor in open container in other than residence (campsite) • Consuming liquor in other than residence • Driving or having care or control of a motor vehicle with open or unsealed container of liquor • Person under 19 years having liquor • Being intoxicated in a public place • Unlawfully have liquor in listed park (during liquor ban)

Rowdyism / Noise • Use discriminatory, harassing, abusive or insulting language or gestures • Make excessive noise • Disturb other persons Refuse • Litter or cause litter • Fail to keep facility clean • Fail to restore facility to original condition Vehicles • Unlawfully take motor vehicle into park or possess or operate it • Speeding – more than 20 km/h • Operate vehicle off roadway • Disobey stop sign

Min. Fine $ 100.00 $ 100.00 $ 175.00 $ 100.00 $ 50.00 $ 100.00

$ 150.00

$125.00

$ 125.00 $ 100.00 $ 125.00 $ 85.00 (plus 3 demerit points)

Parking • Park vehicle in area not designated • Park vehicle in prohibited area • Fail to display permit on parked vehicle Pets • Permit domestic animal to be without leash • Permit domestic animal to make excessive noise • Permit domestic animal to be in designated swimming area or on a beach • Permit domestic animal to disturb people • Permit domestic animal to be in a posted prohibited area

$ 30.00

$ 75.00

Environmental Protection • Damage / deface / remove Crown property • Disturb / harm / remove natural object • Disturb / cut / remove / harm plant or tree • Kill plant or tree • Disturb / kill / remove / harm / harass animal

$ 125.00 $ 125.00 $ 125.00 $ 150.00 $ 150.00

Campfires • Start or tend fire other than in fireplace or designated place

$ 150.00

Fireworks • Possess fireworks • Ignite fireworks Hours of Closing • Enter park after closing • Remain in park after closing

Explanation If you are 19 years of age or older, you are permitted to possess or consume liquor (beer, wine, spirits) only on a registered campsite. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that liquor is properly stored while in a vehicle. Liquor must be in a container that is unopened and the seal unbroken or is packed away and not accessible to any person in the vehicle. Many parks enforce a complete liquor ban on Victoria Day and for the preceding ten days. A liquor ban is also in effect at Sibbald Point Provincial Park on Labour Day and for the preceding four days. If you are visiting a provincial park with a liquor ban, you are prohibited from possessing liquor anywhere within the park. Provincial parks are established to provide a setting for peaceful and natural experiences. Rowdy behaviour, which includes excessive noise, or obscene language or gestures, is not permitted. You cannot disturb any other person or interfere with their enjoyment of the park at any time.

Deposit your garbage and litter in the containers provided to discourage wildlife from becoming pests. Facilities must be kept clean at all times to eliminate potential hazards to parks visitors and minimize human-wildlife conflict.

Off-road vehicles are not permitted in provincial parks because of the environmental damage they may cause. Licenced motor vehicles may be operated on roads only. You must follow the rules of the road and remember that the Highway Traffic Act applies on all park roads. Each vehicle in the park must have a valid provincial park permit. Bicycles are only allowed on park roads and on designated bike trails.

Your vehicle must be parked in a designated area with a valid park permit prominently displayed on your dashboard.

For the protection of wildlife and other park visitors, your pet must be under control and on a leash not exceeding 2 metres at all times. You must ensure your pet does not damage or interfere with vegetation or wildlife. You must ensure your pet does not interfere with others’ enjoyment of the park. Pets are not permitted in the swimming area, on the beach or in a posted prohibited area at any time.

All vegetation, wildlife and natural features are protected in provincial parks. To maintain the park as a natural setting, the removal of natural objects is prohibited. Cutting any live growth or damaging any natural or other object is prohibited. You may not take any fallen or dead wood from a provincial park for the purpose of a campfire or other such intent.

Fireplaces are designated by park staff for safety reasons. Restricting fires to these locations greatly reduces the risk of forest fires.

$ 100.00 $ 150.00

Possession or use of fireworks is prohibited in provincial parks at all times. They constitute a fire hazard and disturb visitors who wish to enjoy the park in a peaceful manner.

$ 125.00

Only registered campers are allowed in a provincial park during the posted hours of closing.

Fines are subject to change. This is not a complete listing of offences; please refer to the specific legislation.

Wondering what to do with your propane cylinder? Ontario Parks strongly encourages visitors to use refillable propane cylinders and to reuse them as many times as safe to do so. This helps to keep our parks litter-free and reduce waste! Single use (non-refillable) propane cylinders should be deposited in Orange Drop collection cages found in many provincial parks. Single use cylinders may also be brought to an Orange Drop collection site. Visit www.makethedrop.ca and search by postal code to find out where to drop-off your cylinders and other household hazardous waste. Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

Safely disposing of your propane cylinders ensures that any remaining gases will be captured and the metal, valves and other elements will be recovered and reused. Orange Drop is responsible for managing household hazardous waste such as propane cylinders, single-use batteries, empty oil containers and other products that require special care for recycling or safe disposal. Because of risks to people and the environment: • Don’t discharge leftover propane into the atmosphere, even if the cylinder comes with a device to do this. • Don’t deposit any propane cylinders into your blue box. • Don’t put cylinders in the garbage. When it comes to the environment, we all have a responsibility! 11

BASS LAKE, MARA AnD MCRAE POINT PROVINCIAL PARKS Beautiful Butternut When we hear the term “Endangered” in Ontario, we often think of species such as the Blanding’s Turtle, the Five-lined Skink, the American Badger and the Barn Owl. But did you know that trees and plants can become endangered as well? Our cluster of parks is lucky enough to have one of these species at risk trees – the Butternut! The tree can grow to be as tall as 30 metres and produces edible walnuts during the fall. It doesn’t like shade, and usually grows in more sunny, open areas. While experts cannot definitively count how many we have left in Ontario, the estimate is somewhere around 13 000. The Butternut became endangered due to a fungus called the Butternut Canker – this fungus spreads extremely quickly and can kill the tree in a few years once it has been infected. Sadly, the 2017 Ontario Species at Risk Evaluation Report for Butternut states that the tree may be completely wiped out within 90 years. In 2018, an Ontario Parks Ecologist visited McRae Point to take a look at our butternut trees. She found our butternuts to be quite healthy and most exciting – that there was even some regeneration!! Park staff are committed to ensuring these butternut trees (and all of our vegetation) are protected. Staff keep a close eye on our healthy Butternut trees to make sure that there are not any immediate threats – unfortunately in the past, we have found bags of garbage thrown in the limbs of our butternut trees. Please help us protect these species at risk by placing all garbage in the provided receptacles and remember not to cut limbs off or disturb any trees in our park. Not only is this a Provincial Park Offence, but you just never know if a butternut may call your campsite home!!

PICNIC SHELTER RESERVATIONS Both Bass Lake and Mara offer picnic shelters which can be booked for family reunions, birthday parties or company picnics. Mara’s picnic shelter can accommodate approximately 50 people and is located right on our beautiful beach. Bass Lake has three picnic shelters – the two smaller shelters can accommodate approximately 40 people and are located along our shoreline. The third is a larger shelter that can accommodate up to 100 people – it is located right inside our day use area and a stone’s throw away from our beach and playground. All our picnic shelters are equipped with the use of a charcoal barbeque, picnic tables, parking areas and washrooms close by. Please remember to bring charcoal with you should you wish to use the barbeque for your event! Alcohol is not permitted in our day use areas at any time – this includes our picnic shelters. Reservations for shelters can now be made up to five months in advance by calling our Provincial reservation service at 1-888-6687275 or by going online at www.ontarioparks.com. All vehicles entering the park the day on the day of the event must purchase a Daily Vehicle Permit upon entry at our Registration Office.

Information obtained from: Committee on the Status of Species at Risk in Ontario. (2017, November). Ontario Species at Risk Report for Butternut (Juglans cinerea). Retrieved from http:// cossaroagency.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Accessible_COSSARO_Evaluation_ Butternut_FINAL_23FEB2018_TWS.pdf. Province of Ontario. (2018, November 13). Butternut (Species at Risk). Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/page/butternut-species-risk.

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BASS LAKE, MARA AnD MCRAE POINT PROVINCIAL PARKS

Conserve our Forests There are many reasons why it is prohibited to pick up wood and cut or break off tree branches in the park to use on your campsite. Here are just a few:

Photo by: E. Lacroix

1. Dead wood may be home to all kinds of birds, small animals, insects and plants. Over time the dead wood will decompose into nutrient rich soil which helps renew our ecosystem and continues to make homes for different creatures, plants and eventually, new trees! 2. The growth and life cycle of a tree is measured over many decades. If campers and visitors were permitted to cut down trees, break off branches and otherwise take from the forest, there would be very little to no forest left for visitors to enjoy in a very short time. Conservation is one of the most important reasons we operate Provincial Parks. 3. Live wood or branches that visitors break off for roasting sticks is very damaging and can kill a tree. If the tree does survive the initial damage, the scar that is left can become an opening for water, insects, fungus and bacteria to get in and subsequently kill the tree. 4. It is against the law to destroy or deface anything on park property. This includes all plants and animals that live and grow in the park. If you are still not sure, please ask a park staff member. Unfortunately, we also see many trees damaged by nails, imbedded beer caps, carvings, strips of bark removed, axe and hatchet marks, ropes and wires wrapped around branches and trunks, and sometimes even burn marks. These are all very destructive and can kill the trees. Please leave the trees as they are and they will be there for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.

Discourage uninvited guests

Rabbit. Photo by: J. Hojberg

Bears are attracted to anything that looks or smells like food. Items like unwashed utensils, food packaging, toiletries and trash are tasty treats for bears. Be BEAR WISE when camping: • Don’t leave food or scented items unattended on your campsite • Pack and store these items in your vehicle, out of sight, with windows closed • Clean food preparation areas promptly after use • Routinely take your garbage to the park’s waste depot

Let's all be Bear Wise Always call 911 in an emergency Call 1-866-514-2327 to report a sighting ontario.ca/bearwise

Owl. Photo by: J. Hojberg Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point

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ANSWERS: ONTARIO, TRAILER, FOX, SLEEPING BAG, SKUNK, SUMMER, CAMPFIRE, MONARCH, LAKE, ICE CREAM, TENT, PINECONE 16 Ontario Parks I Bass Lake, Mara and McRae Point