The Elk River Alliance’s annual Elk River Shoreline Cleanup is back this World Rivers Day, Sunday, September 28, and you’re invited to join!

In its 14th consecutive year, the Elk River Cleanup brings the community together to collect rubbish from the shoreline from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in their local area, helping to maintain a beautiful river for future generations.

The Elk River Alliance and partners from the AmbassadorWILD program will set up meeting locations where participants can pick up garbage bags, gloves, data cards, and snacks.

Stations will be set up at the Dogwood Park boat launch in Fernie, the entrance to the Elk River Trail in Sparwood, and near the ESSO by Elkford Bridge in Elkford.

Aleshia Conley, program assistant at the Elk River Alliance, says the Elk Valley community thrives best when outdoors, especially on hot summer days spent floating, rafting and fishing down the river, but these activities all impact the river.

“There’s nothing better than seeing our community embrace the Elk River and all it has to offer,” said Conley.

“However, with that comes inevitable bits of garbage. A single lost shoe while floating down to the boat launch, or a beer can tipped overboard while reeling in a fish, can compound over the summer months.”

Last year’s Shoreline Cleanup collected nearly 10,000 pieces of trash from the Elk River watershed, including 2,174 cigarette buts, almost 800 beverage cans, and more than 1,500 food wrappers.

“It’s great to see the community show up each year to come together for the Elk River and do their part,” continued Conley.

“We know this year will be no different, with people joining the cleanup festivities to care for their watershed.”

“While we have three official locations set up, we love for folk to venture far and wide to clean up the Elk River. Other boat launches, recreational areas, and safe spots along roads and highways are all encouraged,” concluded Conley.

Prizes will be up for grabs for the most garbage collected, best photos, and the ERA choice award. All participants also go in the draw to win one of three random prizes.

The Elk River Alliance would like to acknowledge the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC and Big Bang Bagels for sponsoring the event, and the following organizations for providing prizes: Gearhub, Fernie Distillers, Elk River Guiding, Big Bang Bagels, Kootenay Fly Shop, Park Place Lodge, and Ski Base.

For further event details and to learn more go to elkriveralliance.ca

Photo submitted

Elk River Alliance

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