Hi Dana- thanks for your questions about the incredible Muskwa-Kechika. You are right, there is a special thrill in being able to ride for a month and not see another person- this is a priviledge that is becoming very rare in our modern world.

The camps and workshops are intended to introduce artists and naturalists to this amazing area in order to build a constituency for it's protection. You can read about one artist's experience at:

http://northword.ca/october-2007/keeping-wilderness-intact

We usually host about a dozen folks, a mix of youth and older folks, First Nations, and others, at each workshop. We find that this gives a very strong cross-cultural and inter-generational experience.

The Muskwa-Kechika is having an impact on social and environmental policy. For example, in a key section of the MK that is very important for Stone's sheep, permitting for natural gas development has been delayed for a number of years pending studies on sheep populations and dynamics, in order that appropriate rules for development can be put in place.

In general, the people of northeastern BC, both aboriginal and non-aboriginal, have the certainty that this important part of their heritage will be protected forever. This is a source of considerable pride, given that the MK was developed through public process, over a period of many years. It is an inspired vision, one that we hope will stand the test of time, but only time will tell.

Wayne.

Dear Wayne,
Wow, the horse back riding trips sound incredible and the photos are absolutely gorgeous. There is no doubt in my mind that taking part in a Muskwa-Kechika adventure would be a totally amazing and unique experience.

Could you talk a bit more about the workshops? How are they set up and what are their goals and outcomes? Also, could you describe the Youth Environmental camps you host? How many youth are involved?

How many people take part in your 2 week trips each year and how many tourists take part in all of your other activities (horseback riding recreational flying boating:
camping snowmobiling kayaking
hunting ATVing canoeing
fishing swimming rafting
hiking photography motorised boating
backpacking wildlife viewing)

What is your relationship with the government and local policy makers? Is Muskwa-Kechika having any impact on social and/or environmental policy?

I look forward to hearing your response.
Dana Frasz
Ashoka's Changemakers