Backcountry Rehabilitation
Working in partnership with Ontario Parks, Friends of Killarney Park is committed to upgrading the Park’s ageing infrastructure of boardwalks along portages and trails and privies on interior campsites.
EZ Dock Kayak Launch Spring 2024In 2022 the Friends of Killarney Park funded the creation of Killarney's Canoe and Kayak Launch Area at the Chikanishing Creek Access Point.
The park then proposed to install an accessible kayak launch crib to attach to the existing docks. This device was to assist park users who may have mobility issues and afford the opportunity to try a kayak for those who had difficulties with access prior. The project also helps the park to achieve compliance with accessibility standards and regulations. FOKP contributed $3800.00 to this addition! 
Building BoardwalksOur staff and volunteers have replaced or installed sections of boardwalk in the following areas:
Boardwalks are key to providing park visitors the opportunity to safely explore the backcountry while protecting the natural flow and pooling of water that creates an environment for unique species of flora and fauna. Safe, sturdy boardwalks and footbridges will significantly minimize the human impact on the land and watershed and contribute to its long term sustainability.
Replacing PriviesWe have replaced more than 30 privies on interior campsites. Replacing privies helps mitigate the adverse effects of human impact in the Park's backcountry.
Human waste left in the interior without proper containment is visually unappealing, potentially unsafe and changes the balance of the already fragile watershed recovering from the effects of acid rain. |
Building Duckboards Spring 2024Killarney Provincial Park has expansive trail and portage networks that are used by park visitors, from day trippers hiking our trails, to multi-day campers traveling the La Cloche Silhouette and our canoe routes. Our duckboards are installed on these trails and portages to improve trail conditions over areas that are muddy and wet. This trail infrastructure makes for easier hiking conditions and less chance of injury for trail users.
The duckboards at George-Lumsden along the La Cloche, and the Helen-Nellie portage were two sections of trail infrastructure that had not been updated in years. They were identified by park staff as potential hazards with broken and rotted boards. Replacing these boards was a huge improvement to our trail that will stand the heavy usage and varying weather conditions for years to come. FOKP contributed $10k to cover the cost of supplies and flights for the equipment in the backcountry. Canoe and Kayak Launch Area at Chikanishing Access Point 2022In 2022 the Friends of Killarney Park funded the creation of Killarney's new Canoe and Kayak Launch Area at the Chikanishing Creek Access Point.
The project saw the installation of over 30 feet of dock, new canoe and kayak racks, as well as signage to assist park visitors in getting their paddling trips underway. Kayak Boat Launch at Walker Lake 2022FOKP contributed $5k to the construction of a kayak boat launch at Walker Lake Access.
Pine Plantation RehabilitationWe worked with Ontario Parks on a pine plantation rehabilitation pilot project in three areas located along the Granite Ridge Trail.
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