Ric Careless and Bob Ahrens [part 1, 2007] interviews

Date

2011-05-25

Authors

EKOS Communications
Elders Council for Parks in British Columbia
Searle, D. Richard (Donald Richard), 1951

Journal Title

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Abstract

Ric Careless interviewed by Rick Searle. Careless speaks about his involvement in protecting natural areas (1970-2006) through his work in the Sierra Club on Vancouver Island, Tatsheshini Wild/BC Spaces for Nature,the Wilderness Tourism Association and as a land resources specialist with BC Cabinet. He names the parks he is most familiar with, including Nitinat Triangle, Purcell Wilderness, Spatsizi, Height of the Rockies, Tatshenshini and Chilcotin. Amongst his memorable experiences, Careless lists demonstrations for Nitinat Triangle, meeting Princess Margaret and Chretien and his encounters with wildlife. He names protecting Tatshenshini as a major accomplishment. Throughout his interview, Careless voices his concerns about this generation keeping the legacy of protection alive and his wishes that the public connects with parks through personal experiences; these connections is what will make parks lands truly safe for the future. Ahrens speaks about his work with BC Parks (1949-1979) in roles as chief of planning, assistant director, director and deputy minister. He discusses his interest in nature, work in forestry industry and organization of BC Parks in the early years. Ahrens speaks about working in all of the parks at the time and explains the change in focus from multi-purpose parks close to urban areas to larger, more scenic park expansion under the 1970s government. He discusses park use and creation of “mischief designations” like wilderness areas and recreation areas. 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

Interviews conducted by Rick (D. Richard) Searle, Fall 2007. Careless interview running time: 00-16:31 minutes, Ahrens interview running time: 16:32-53:46, Quicktime H.264 files. Donated to UVic Archives in 2008 by Rick Searle executive producer of EKOS Communications.

Keywords

Careless, Ric, 1951-, Ahrens, Bob, Elders Council for Parks of British Columbia, British Columbia. Forest Service., British Columbia. Parks Division., Parks -- British Columbia, Kokanee Creek Park (B.C.)

Citation