Shining Mountains - On the Edge

Synopsis

Are we loving our mountains to death? In this documentary, Guy Clarkson examines human encroachment in our mountain regions. From recreation to resource exploitation to residential development, it comes down to a question of how much pressure the mountains can withstand. This is certainly an eco-region "on the edge," but how to save it before it's too late? Clarkson's journey up and down the backbone of the world uncovers a passionate controversy over the idea of limits to growth. To explore this touchy subject, Clarkson skis virgin slopes with a heliski pioneer, hill climbs with snowmobilers, rides boundary trails with National Park wardens, and meets a First Nations chief who sees her tribe's future in the development of a casino and golf course. On the eastern slopes of the Rockies, a housing development runs into a coalition of ranchers and conservationists. For die-hard individualists, it's a battle for rights and freedom. "Don't talk to me about rights," says Chief Sophie Pierre, "if, first of all, you don't look after your responsibility."