A busy guy

Tom Kramer is passionate about his recreation

by Glynis Fediuk

ATVers lined up

Tom Kramer has spent much time quadding and fishing in the Flathead Valley. — Photo courtesy Tom Kramer

Tom Kramer is a man of many pursuits. Fishing, quadding and camping take up much of his free time, and he is involved in keeping the backcountry accessible to motorsports enthusiasts. Kramer told RidersWest about some of his activities in the Elk Valley.

Diverse interests

Growing up in Fernie, Kramer enjoyed fishing on the Elk River with his father. He has ATVed sporadically for a few years but has owned an ATV since 2006, and this allows him access to choice fishing spots.

“I’m an avid fly fisherman,” said Kramer,” so I like to take my ATV and get close to the rivers, and take out my equipment and go fishing for the day and then come back.”

Kramer has spent 25 years fishing on the Wigwam River, a spot he said is his favourite. He’s also on the executive of the Elkford ATV Club and a member of the Crowsnest Pass Quad Squad, and actively participates in trail maintenence efforts.

Motor management

Having been involved with several committees and in government work, Kramer was concerned about seeing a decrease in the amount of land available to recreationists. For the past three years, he has sat on the Southern Rocky Mountain Advisory Committee as a representative for motorized vehicle users.

“We’re a voice for keeping trails open for ATV and motorcycle use,” he said. “We look at a whole bunch of issues when it comes to access and land management. We talk about what roads should be open or closed, what trails should be designated as non-motorized or motorized in both the summer and the winter.”

The committee also deals with wildlife issues, such as monitoring grazing areas of sensitive animals. The Southern Rocky Mountain Advisory Committee works with multiple sectors and government bodies. Kramer said it is to be commended for its co-operative approach to land management.

“I’m happy that the provincial government hasn’t worked around these issues,” he said. “They bring them back to the table and ask us for our input.”


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