Randy Stoltmann
1962-1994
Randy Stoltmann, author and mountaineer, and one of the most passionate campaigners for wilderness protection in B.C., was killed in an avalanche while on a ski traverse through the remote ranges west of the Kitlope River in May of 1994.
"For me, sharing a tent with him on his last trek sharpened the tragedy of his death, but also gave me a sense of his vision for the future of wild places," said John Clarke. "His knack for being liked by people on both sides of this argument grew from his belief that this was one divisive issue that ultimately involved everyone. Randy said to me, `In the long run, we're all in this one together.'"
In April, 1994, shortly before his death, Stoltmann drew up a formal proposal to preserve the Elaho-Upper Lillooet wilderness under the provincial government's Protected Area Strategy (PAS). Only a century earlier, this area was first traversed and described by the legendary explorer Stanley Smith.
In his proposal, Stoltmann quoted from Smith's original report on Clendenning Creek Valley:
"Close to the summit we crossed a glacier (now named Havoc Glacier) which filled the valley. The scenery in many places is very fine, and we found luxuriant vegetation close to the snow. There are falls on this route rivalling Shaffhausen or Yosemite..."
Stoltmann suggested that this wilderness area be named in honour of Smith, but Randy's friends and peers want it named for him, the one who first proposed the entire area be protected.
In his PAS submission, Stoltmann points out that part of the .Elaho/Upper Lillooet region was proposed as a wilderness area through the Parks and Wilderness for the 90s process by the B.C. Ministry of Forests "an official recognition of its special values," he wrote.
"The wilderness values are dependent on the protection of these undeveloped valley- bottom to mountain-top landscapes which make this area special compared with the surrounding region where virtually all major valleys have been roaded and at least partially logged"
Stoltmann tells of his painstaking exploration over a 12 year period of the mountain country within 200 km of Vancouver. "I feel qualified to rank the Elaho/Upper Lillooet wilderness as the most important unprotected wilderness area in the Eastern Pacific Ranges in terms of variety of special features, backcountry recreation opportunities, remoteness and overall wilderness conservation values."
"The key objective is to protect the complete, functioning natural systems in this area, from valley-bottom to mountain- top, in an undeveloped condition...
"The measure of success will be in the ability of the Etaho/Upper Lillooet wilderness to retain its wonderfully remote and primitive character."
Stoltmann details some of the natural wonders of the area.
- Rich volcanic soils in the Manatee and Polychrome Ridge sections have produced flower-covered alpine meadows rivalling those of the Black Tusk region of Garibaldi Park.
- There are about 100 major glaciers throughout the area, including 18-km-long Lillooet Glacier, and Terrific Glacier which ends in a fantastic 1,200-metre vertical icefall.
- Highest peaks include Mount Tisiphone, 3,037 metres; Lillooet Mountain, 2,939 metres; and Elaho Mountain, 2,823 metres. The Meager Group is a cluster of ornate volcanic towers, the tallest reaching 2,646 metres.
- The rare and magnificent Douglas fir/redcedar stands, plus many examples of hanging valleys and cirques, talus slopes, glacial lakes (at least one that's only about 50 years old) and a wide range of unusual plants and wildflowers.
- Existing logging roads and rough trails near the northeast part of the proposed wilderness area give access to the superb alpine country of the Lillooet-Bridge River Divide, inviting the use by weekend hikers and backpackers.
- On the southern boundary, there is logging mad access to pan of the Elaho, and John - Clarke and others hope to see the Elaho crossed by a footbridge, not the major vehicle bridge planned for this year by Interfor Ltd.
There are only three large wilderness areas remaining within easy reach of Vancouver: the Garibaldi complex, the Stein/Upper Nahatlach watersheds--and the proposed Stoltmann Wilderness.
None is fully protected. The Stein System remains threatened by logging, additions to Garibaldi to give it low elevation continuity are pending and all the major valleys of the Stoltmann Wilderness have already been scheduled for roadbuilding this year and logging the next.
There is still time to save these priceless survivors of our natural heritage, but only if members of the public make their wishes known now.
