The Elk River Alliance (ERA) is giving thanks to the Elk Valley community for backing the We’re Trucked fundraising campaign, allowing the team to purchase a vehicle and achieve a record 2025 field season.

Earlier this year, ERA faced a major challenge: Without a reliable field truck, staff couldn’t access key sites to carry out restoration and monitoring work across the watershed.

Thanks to overwhelming community support, ERA raised $40,127, including $29,000 in business sponsorships and $11,127 in individual and foundation donations. Matching funds from BC Gaming doubled community donations up to $30,000, helping ERA purchase a new field truck and get staff back out on the river.

Chad Hughes, ERA Executive Director, was impressed by the level of community support involved in getting ERA back on the road.

“We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate community here in the Valley where our work resonates with those who also live, work, and play in the Elk River watershed,” said Hughes.

“Without the support of our community there’s no way we would’ve been able to meet our field season goals. A special thanks goes to PDC Environmental, who donated a temporary field truck to help us get around to our restoration and water monitoring sites during spring season.”

Key donors who supported the campaign include Big Bang Bagels, Elk Valley Resources (EVR), Elk River Guiding Co, Engage Construction and Management Consulting, Lotic Environmental, MacHydro, StellerVista Credit Union, and PDC Environmental.

This season our team was able to plant 20,000 live stakes and seedlings, kickoff a 3,000-seedling trial nursery, and continue aquatic habitat monitoring on our tributaries. This work protects properties from floods, provides vital fish and wildlife habitat, and helps us understand land use impacts on the Elk River.

“These achievements reflect the role that proper field equipment plays in supporting local watershed health and on-the-ground conservation work,” concludes Hughes.

ERA’s new truck has been newly wrapped, with special thanks to business and significant donors. Keep an eye out for the truck around the community as a visible reminder of what can be accomplished when a community comes together to support environmental stewardship.

ERA also extends a huge thank you to the following individuals, foundations, and non-profits who made significant contributions: Big Bud Little Bud (Michael Bull), Mr Fernie 2025 (Julie Cornete), and the DP Martin Family Foundation (Paul Martin).

Elk River Alliance photo

Article Share