Funded primarily through a federal investment of $224,924 through Western Economic Diversification, the REDTREE project is directed by Dr. Rob Hood and coordinated by Sydney Johnsen, its mandate is to contribute to the long-term economic stability of regions affected by mountain pine beetle.
Anne Kokko and Rheannon Green pan for golden opportunities in Princeton, BC
In Princeton, students Anne Kokko and Rheannon Green identified the China Ridge Trails with great potential to increase tourist visits and subsequent economic benefit. One aspect of their study suggested new and improved trail signs. Further project funding produced a three-year strategic plan for building and marketing a quality winter tourist experience with the trails serving as a key attraction for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
In Lytton, the REDTREE team is working with Lytton First Nations. Local tourism stakeholders have agreed that developing a tourist experience into the Stein Valley Nlaka’pamux Heritage Park which has the potential to attract tourists to Lytton, lead to new tourism business, and benefit First Nations and other businesses. As part of his Masters of Science, Environmental Science program, last year’s Bachelor of Tourism Medal winner Greg Simmonds is working on the details of a guided experience that would attract visitors wanting to explore the physical, natural, historical and cultural features of the Stein.
The desire to share knowledge from these collaborative community experiences led to the 1st BC Rural Tourism Conference, “Building Experiences and Partnerships”. Hosted by REDTREE, students, faculty, community representatives and rural tourism business operators met on the shores of Shuswap Lake, April 6–8 at the Quaaout Lodge.
See http://redtree.tru.ca/ for more information on the project
