1915: Park Rangers

When nearby Algonquin Park was established in 1893, men who knew the bush like John Joe Turner and Jack Burchat, could earn a few extra dollars working as a ranger. Their duties included apprehending poachers, maintaining portages and camping areas, and watching out for fire, a forest’s fiercest enemy.

"I would recommend giving the ranger at Basin Depot a saddle horse, as the country is so open and traversed by so many roads he could quickly do the work of two or three men… and could come out quickly in case of help being required in case of fire."
—Algonquin Park Superintendent Bartlett, 1914

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