Ric Careless- Gibsons

Ric Careless is one of B.C.'s leaders in wilderness preservation. After moving here from Toronto in 1968, he has worked quietly and effectively for more than two decades to encourage protection of the British Columbia wilds he grew to love.

His work on wilderness campaigns has contributed to the protection of 10 major areas totaling an estimated 3 million acres. Most recently, his visionary efforts contributed to the protection of the Tatshenshini wilderness area as a provincial park.

A co-founder of the Sierra Club of B.C., he is now executive director of Tatshenshini Wild, and chair of its International Network, which represents 10 million members in leading North American conservation groups.

In 1991 Ric Careless received Equinox magazine's Citation for Environmental Achievement and in 1992 he became the first non-U.S. citizen ever to be named River Conservationist of the Year by the American Rivers group.

His wilderness preservation focus is broad, bringing government and industries such as tourism, mining and forestry together to search for solutions beneficial to all.

Ric Careless's philosophy of moving away from confrontation towards environmental solutions will be valued by future generations enjoying the beautiful areas protected through his efforts.