Board of Directors

Anne Sherrod
Many years ago, Anne Sherrod enjoyed numerous opportunities to backpack, raft, kayak and ski in parks and wilderness areas all over the western U.S. and British Columbia. From these experiences came a sustaining passion that enabled her to spend the next 25 years working to protect these precious areas. Anne is now Chairperson of the Valhalla Wilderness Society and its chief writer.

Wayne McCrory
A Registered Professional Biologist, Wayne has over 30 years experience in British Columbia and the Yukon in wildlife biology. He has an honors degree in Zoology from the University of British Columbia. He was the leader of the successful campaigns to save the Spirit Bear Protection Area, Khutzeymateen grizzly sanctuary and the Goat Range (White Grizzly) Park, and has been involved in numerous other campaigns to preserve wilderness and protect bears, including the Kitlope. He was a former researcher with the Canadian Wildlife Service, and has studied bears for over 20 years, producing over 50 technical reports and scientific papers. Wayne is recognized as one of Canada’s foremost experts in managing park use to accommodate the needs of wildlife, especially grizzly bears. A former member of the B.C. Grizzly Bear Scientific Advisory Committee (GBSAC), he is a founding director of the Valhalla Society.

Craig Pettitt
Craig, a former Forest Service employee, is a VWS Director, and the coordinator of the Society’s Forest Watch program. His invaluable experience in the field has enabled him to document numerous violations of the Forest Practices Code. Craig is increasingly known for his field investigations of logging practices and landslides, and his workshops to teach resident groups how to do their own monitoring.

Richard Caniell
Director Richard Caniell, a former conspiracy investigator, manages the Society’s legal affairs and is a key contributor to campaign planning and strategy. One of the founders of VWS, Richard’s multi-media presentation “The Valhalla Experience” was a determining factor in protecting Valhalla Park. More recently Richard assisted numerous West Kootenay residents as they struggled through watershed protests, arrests and lawsuits.

Sarah Pugh
Director Sarah Pugh has worked with the Valhalla Wilderness Society in various capacities since 1991. In 2002, after receiving a BA degree in B.C. history and environmental studies, she came to New Denver to work. Sarah is now a well-known spokesperson against private control and commercial development in B.C.’s park system.

Gene Parker
Gene has supported the VWS in many ways since its inception. He is a Registered Nurse in the Slocan Valley. The office staff has long depended on his “gene-ius” as a carpenter, electrician, consultant on any and all machines, and general facilitator of whatever needs to happen.