This summer, locals and tourists basked in the refreshing waters of the Elk River watershed to avoid unusually dry and hot conditions. Unfortunately, where there are people, trash is soon to follow.

The Elk River Alliance (ERA) –a local environmental charity – is asking the Elk Valley community to come together and help ensure a clean river for generations to come by taking part in the Elk River Shoreline Clean-up.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 24 (World Rivers Day) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will be based in Fernie (Dogwood Park boat launch), Sparwood (entrance to Elk River Trail, across from Sparwood Secondary School), and Elkford (Elkford Bridge, by the Esso).

While those are the meeting locations, the Elk River Alliance encourages more adventurous participants to go to out-of-town boat launches, recreational areas, and along roads. Garbage bags, gloves, and snacks will be provided at meeting locations.

Last year the clean-up drew over 100 people and removed 83 bags of garbage from the shorelines. Cigarette butts, beverage cans, and various pieces of plastic were some of the most frequent items of trash.

This year, ERA hopes the turn out will be even bigger.

Lead image: Participants of last year’s annual clean up with garbage pile extracted from the river. Elk River Alliance photo

Elk River Alliance

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