This summer, locals and tourists basked in the refreshing waters of the Elk River. Unfortunately, where there are people, trash is soon to follow. The Elk River Alliance is asking the Elk Valley community to come together and help ensure a clean river for generations to come.

The event will be held on Sunday, September 25 (World Rivers Day) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. and will take place in Fernie, Sparwood, and Elkford.

The Elk River Alliance (ERA) will provide garbage bags, gloves, snacks, and a chance to win prizes.

Prizes include a Elk River photo print donated by Mark Locki, $50 gift cards donated by Eldho’s Independent Grocer, $10 gift cards donated by Big Bang Bagels, hats donated by Elk River Guiding Company, and various fun goodies donated by GearHub (including an EVOC backpack worth over $200).

Last year the clean-up saw about 90 people remove 48 bags of garbage from the shorelines. Plastic bags, pop and beer cans, cigarette butts, 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.

“Most river users are responsible, but with increased use over summer the Elk and shoreline needs a good cleaning,” said Chad Hughes, ERA Executive Director, “We’re also seeing a lot of historical trash and other material washed down during high water and last year’s flooding.”

To find out more about the event visit elkriveralliance.ca, or the Elk River Alliance facebook page to attend the event. The Elk River Alliance is very grateful to all prize donors, and to Big Bang Bagels for sponsoring this event.

Lead image: Elk River bridge sunset. Mark Locki photo

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