Background

SOD stands for Squallions Out Digging and  describes the stewardship efforts of White Squall Paddling Centre on Georgian Bay over the past few years.   Our experience is that if campers and day users of crown islands see a clean site with a privy, there’s a far better chance of them leaving it that way or even in better shape.  We hope too, that this will translate to others as time goes on and will foster a stronger ethic towards wild places.  Active stewardship is not just education and raising awareness, it’s also about getting hands dirty.

To that end, we’ve been sending out staff on a regular basis throughout the summer to visit crown land islands.   The area comprises the Cathcart Group to the south, up to Big McCoy Island in the north.   Staff are equipped with a sea-worthy motor boat, auxiliary motor and all safety equipment.  We train them in navigation, boat handling and rescue.  They are given direction as to what sites are getting the most impact, and how to maintain, remove, locate and install outdoor toilets.  These skills are ones that evolve over time, and we’re always looking at better ways to do things.

We want to emphasize that our efforts are a very small contribution, and it’s really the collective energy and commitment of users, community groups, government and commercial outfits such as ourselves that will ensure Georgian Bay is cared for in the long run.   We have also had the support and encouragement from the following:  East Georgian Bay Stewardship Council, Georgian Bay Land Trust, Great Lakes Sea Kayak Association, Georgian Bay Biosphere Reserve and Gilly’s Marine.

East Georgian Bay Stewardship Council

Black Feather                    

Georgian Bay Land Trust                                             

Great Lakes Sea Kayak Association                                                                                      

Proposed Activity for 2011