Robert W. Starratt (d. 1967) was born in New Brunswick. During the 1930s, he pioneered bush flying in the north, operating Starratt Airways from Hudson, Ontario, until it was integrated with Canadian Pacific Airlines in 1941. During World War II he served as director of steel procurement for the Depart of Munitions and Supply in Ottawa. He came to Canoe River as president of Canyon Creek Forest Products in 1950. He and his wife Iris (previously referred to incorrectly as Evelyn) moved to Cedarside in 1952, and in 1957 purchased 1200 acres of land south of Valemount. After Robert’s death his family donated 600 acres of their ranch to the province.

The wildlife sanctuary is managed by the B.C. Wildlife Branch and Ducks Unlimited.