It sure has been a while since we last wrote, and this letter comes with exciting news. We're happy to announce a change in ownership! As of tomorrow, we're handing the reins of WTR over to a fantastic couple, Tom and Melanie Parker. We have every confidence they'll not only continue our unique vision of emphasizing education and ecological awareness in this special wilderness, but take WTR to new and even better heights.

As many of you may know, the decision to sell was a difficult one. During the past two years, we've poured blood, sweat, tears, and many hours into making Mike's dream come true. We couldn't have done it without the financial support and business consultation of key family members, and the emotional support of our family and friends. We've had some great times in the backcountry, and Mike and his staff were privileged to have shared it with some folks who truly enjoyed it. And during this wild adventure, we've met and formed what we know will be lifelong relationships with some very special people.

We genuinely couldn't think of anyone better than Tom and Melanie to carry on the 83-year old tradition of WTR. Tom has been an outfitter and guide in the Swan Valley and surrounding wilderness areas for over 30 years, and currently owns Buck Creek Guide Service. He's also the Conservation Specialist for Northwest Connections, the non-profit conservation and education organization he and Melanie co-founded. Tom has an intimate understanding of wildlife and natural history throughout the Northern Rockies. He worked for several years on a mountain lion-wolf study in Glacier National Park, has captured and monitored lynx in the Great Bear wilderness, and has conducted field work on grizzly bears and other species in the Bob Marshall Wilderness. This, combined with his decades of experience guiding bear, lion, deer, elk, and goat hunters - for his own business and under contract with other outfitters throughout this wilderness complex - gives him a foundation of experience from which to draw for WTR Outfitters.

Melanie graduated with degrees in environmental studies and education from the University of California, Santa Cruz and the University of Montana. She is a life long educator and outdoorswoman. She is currently the executive director of Northwest Connections, and in that capacity is a strong advocate for place-based conservation.  She and Tom have two children, Kyra (7) and John (5), in whom they work to instill a strong connection to the land, the animals, and the people.

So please join us in welcoming Tom and Melanie! If you'd like to get into the Bob, give them a shout (contact info above right).

If you'd like to get a hold of us, please use our personal emails (also above right).

Michael and Megan