Boot Polish, Bears and Bush Sense: Adventures of a British Columbia Conservation Officer

Boot Polish, Bears and Bush Sense “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”Albert Einstein Share a Conservation Officer’s field experiences, whose passion to protect British Columbia’s environment brought him into close contact with wildlife and the people who share their habitat. Whether humorous, somber, bizarre or deadly, the encounters reveal the intriguing and alluring role of the officers who safeguard our wild lands. The author began his career with the BC Fish and Wildlife Branch in 1979 as a Fisheries Technican, then became a Conservation Officer in 1983. The job took him to many corners of British Columbia for 25 years, dealing with human/wildlife conflicts, environmental law enforcement, investigations and public education. He spent the last 7 years of his career overseeing the BC Oil and Gas Commission’s enforcement program as a Special Conservation Officer. Keith’s easy-going nature made him approachable as a law enforcement officer. Although passionate about his work, he always enjoyed finding humour in the job. Having a love for the forest and its flora and fauna, Keith has spent much time in the bush angling, hunting, exploring, wood cutting, bird watching and enjoying being out in nature. An avid outdoorsman, Keith also enjoys carpentry, woodworking, history and playing guitar. During his career he and his family called many areas of British Columbia home. Now retired, he resides in the central Cariboo/Chilcotin community of 100 Mile House.