Bob Ahrens interview [part 1, 2008]
Date
2011-05-25
Authors
EKOS Communications
Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia
Searle, D. Richard (Donald Richard), 1951
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
Bob Ahrens interviewed by Rick Searle in 2008. Ahrens speaks about choosing a career in BC Parks [1949-1979], his early work in the forestry industry and education. Ahrens discusses the historical beginnings of BC Parks in reports and legislation, as well as visionaries like E.C. Manning, early parks and employees like C.P. Lyons and Mickey True. In talking about BC Parks history, he mentions balancing park, forestry and recreation interests. Ahrens also discusses different theories of park management (i.e. replanting versus laissez-faire/nature taking its course). Ahrens speaks of major figures in early BC Parks, like Donald McMurtry (intellectual), Cy Oldham (motivator) and Chester Lyons (park promoter/interpreter). He talks about his work in selection and reconnaissance work and names his work with Oldham on the Buttle Lake reservoir as a career highlight. He also tells an anecdote about Oldham hiring early park employees. He touches on lodge development in public parks, then talks about reconnaissance choices based on recommendations from forest rangers, land inspectors, public and parks’ own investigations. Ahrens speaks about early park system initiatives for roadside parks and difficulties establishing bigger parks, then tells anecdotes of early acquisitions at Davis Lake, Shuswap Lake, Okanagan Lake Park, Kokanee Creek and Buttle Lake. Part of Elders’ Council for Parks in British Columbia oral history interview series, collected for the documentary BC Parks: Celebrating 100 Years of Recreation and Protection available at http://ekoscommunications.com/node/723.
Description
Interview conducted by Rick (D. Richard) Searle, April 2008. Ahrens running time 0:00-57:51, Quicktime H.264 file. Sound issues at 10:15; corrected at 10:45. Donated to UVic Archives in 2008 by Rick Searle executive producer of EKOS Communications.
Keywords
Ahrens, Robert H., McMurtry, Donald, Oldham, E.G., Elders Council for Parks of British Columbia, British Columbia. Forest Service., British Columbia. Parks Division., Parks -- British Columbia