Algonquin Adventures / Can someone please explain what this alert is?

**Posted by Bampot** 6/03/2024 8:20 am

Ecological monitoring devices are in use around Swan Lake. Please contact algonquin@ontario.ca if you would like more information.
Personal information is collected under the authority of the Provincial Parks and Conservation Reserves Act, 2006. Images inadvertently capturing suspected criminal, safety, or security violations, may be disclosed to the appropriate law enforcement agency. Any remaining records that contain the image of an identifiable individual will be deleted or altered to make the individuals unidentifiable.

**Posted by AlgonquinLakes** 6/03/2024 9:06 am

My guess would be they’ve got wildlife cameras in the area so they’re letting you know you could be taped without your knowledge, and if they catch you doing something you shouldn’t you could be prosecuted.

**Posted by trippythings** 6/03/2024 9:12 am

The message reads pretty straightforward to me. They have video surveillance set up, for whatever reason, and it's a courtesy notice to let people know that if they see a camera, not to worry, it won't be retaining personally identifiable information. Unless you do something naughty, in which case they'll be obligated to report it

Now the real question, who has enough time on their hands to dress up as Bigfoot and go find the camera?

**Posted by Bampot** 6/03/2024 1:43 pm

trippythings wrote:
The message reads pretty straightforward to me. They have video surveillance set up, for whatever reason, and it's a courtesy notice to let people know that if they see a camera, not to worry, it won't be retaining personally identifiable information. Unless you do something naughty, in which case they'll be obligated to report it

A video camera is only one possible type of "ecological monitoring device". If it was simply a video camera, why is there not a similar, standing alert regarding the Visitor Centre and Bird Feeder/Ice Out video cameras?

Last edited by Bampot (6/03/2024 1:44 pm)

**Posted by Shayne74** 6/03/2024 2:17 pm

Bampot wrote:
trippythings wrote:
The message reads pretty straightforward to me. They have video surveillance set up, for whatever reason, and it's a courtesy notice to let people know that if they see a camera, not to worry, it won't be retaining personally identifiable information. Unless you do something naughty, in which case they'll be obligated to report it
A video camera is only one possible type of "ecological monitoring device". If it was simply a video camera, why is there not a similar, standing alert regarding the Visitor Centre and Bird Feeder/Ice Out video cameras?

Perhaps there are different laws and privacy policies regarding private cameras vs publicly accessible units such as live webcam feeds. Honestly, I'm surprised there hasn't just been a generic alert encompassing the entire park by now. I'd be surprised if there aren't trail cams etc. placed for research purposes throughout the park. Not just in certain, publicized locations.

**Posted by trippythings** 6/03/2024 3:00 pm

Bampot wrote:
trippythings wrote:
The message reads pretty straightforward to me. They have video surveillance set up, for whatever reason, and it's a courtesy notice to let people know that if they see a camera, not to worry, it won't be retaining personally identifiable information. Unless you do something naughty, in which case they'll be obligated to report it
A video camera is only one possible type of "ecological monitoring device". If it was simply a video camera, why is there not a similar, standing alert regarding the Visitor Centre and Bird Feeder/Ice Out video cameras?

I'm just guessing, but it might be because this notice is for the backcountry where people would otherwise expect to have privacy. The camera is likely hidden, not attached to a building or some other sort of infrastructure like the cameras along Highway 60.

**Posted by Bampot** 6/03/2024 3:08 pm

Fair points - I also assumed that there would be many trail cams for research purposes throughout the park, which is why I wondered why this one on Swan Lake would have a specific alert.

**Posted by swedish pimple** 6/03/2024 3:56 pm

E- MAIL the address in the alert,, i did , and i got a reply back hours later,,,
the m.n.r. is simply monitoring the use of that road,, a traffic count to determine the usage,, a trail cam with a high priced name,,

Last edited by swedish pimple (6/03/2024 3:58 pm)

**Posted by MartinG** 6/03/2024 4:08 pm

They could be there because it is a research area. The Algonquin Wildlife Research station also does Forestry Research. The area south of HWY 60 to the North side of Parkside Bay is littered with signs like this.

Pic by Rob Howes when we walked through the area in 2018.

**Posted by swedish pimple** 6/03/2024 4:35 pm

the forestry research operations in the swan lake area was moth balled many years ago,, all of the buildings have been removed except for one really nice garage ,,, those signs are many years old, not current,,
i will guess, poaching in scott lake,,

Last edited by swedish pimple (6/03/2024 7:53 pm)

**Posted by Bampot** 6/03/2024 5:42 pm

Interesting. Thanks for the information.

I ran into some MNR researchers doing a water level study of the Petawawa watershed last fall. They paddled into Hambone with scuba gear to retrieve the monitoring devices they installed the previous year. Big Brother is watching, even in APP!

**Posted by bheard** 7/12/2024 3:45 pm

There are fantastic “trail cam” videos posted by someone on YouTube.
Check out this one
https://youtu.be/qLTGbLqUDs0?si=uIHotB9plwB1TPnR

Snippets of wolves, moose, bears, otters, porcupines, etc etc etc ….since the footage audio is left intact (no music laid overtop), you can also hear them.
I use some of his footage as a kindergarten teacher… one of the ways I try to get city kids excited about Ontario wilderness.

**Posted by Algonquin_Cornelius** 8/19/2024 8:39 am

Maybe a pilot project for campsite surveillance to catch the litterbugs