Pass on the enjoyment and protect the environment. That was the thinking behind 7 Canyons Advetures Pass it On program, started two years ago. At the end of each wetland wildlife safari in the Columbia River marshes near Golden, B.C. (pictured), each guest is invited to take a Pass it On postcard to be given to other travelers, family or friends. In the future, if the receipients join 7 Canyons for a tour and hand in their card the company will donate $5 to Wildsight, a local environmental organization.
"It's a pay it forward concept," says Larry Sparks, 7 Canyons general manager. "We've had a great response so far. And they generate a lot of conversation."
It's a selfless act but one that is familiar to Jim DeHart, executive director of the BC River Outfitters Association, a coalition of the province's best river tour companies. "As an association we have leading best practices guidelines in safety, stewardship and guest experience," he says. "But all of our members still manage to exceed them, especiall on the environmental front."
DeHart's own company, Destiny River Adventures, on vancovuer Island, charges a $2 habitat surcharge, raising more than $8,000 for local environmental and river restoration projects.
Canadian River Expeditions, now Nahanni River Adventures, was a driving force behind the creation of Tatshenshini-Alsek Provincial Park, protecting the northern B.C. wilderness from mine development.
On the Thompson and Fraser rivers north east of Vancouver, Kumsheen Rafting Resort has instilled clients with a value for rivers and is a supporter of the Creek Protection Society of B.C.
The list of good deeds goes on. Each company has its own story, but the important thing, says DeHart, is that the companies that rely on rivers are the biggest stewards, as well.
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