100 Volunteers Combat a Mountain of Garbage

Sunday April 27 saw the Vedder Mountain Trails Association host the annual Vedder Mountain Trails clean up and trail maintenance day. VMTA representing the interests of Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, Back Country Horseman of BC, Vedder Running Club, Pacific Northwest Motorcycle Association, and Chilliwack Outdoor Club on Vedder Mountain coordinated the efforts of nearly 100 recreationists to revitalize the well used and well loved trail network.

Individuals from the various user groups lent more than 700 man-hours of volunteer labour to the effort. This yielded 5 metric tonnes of garbage and about 350 man-hours of trail maintenance to improve drainage, reduce the effects of erosion and to augment the sustainability of the trails.


There have been ongoing and disturbing incidences of illegal dumping that continues on Vedder Mountain. The ease of access and proximity to Chilliwack has made this popular recreation area an easy target for this illegal activity. “What is most disturbing about illegal dumping on Vedder Mountain is that the Bailey Road Landfill is only a five minute drive away and provides a legitimate and inexpensive means of disposal”, stated VMTA treasurer Mark Steinebach.


“While continued illegal dumping is discouraging, the enthusiasm and passion shown by the volunteers for this area is overwhelming”, said Steinebach. A broad range of support came from the community and government and this ensured a successful and effective outing. The local Ministry of Tourism, Sport and Arts recreation officer Mike Peters not only provided a large portion of the funding for the event, but also lent a hand with the clean up effort. The Chilliwack Lions Club provided lunch for the volunteers and Valley Tank and Container provided disposal services. Additional support came from the following: Vedder Mountain Trails Association, Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association, Valley Veterinary Services, Jack's Cycle, Pinkbike.com, NSMB.com, Norco Performance Bikes, Race face, McDonalds Restaurants (Vedder Crossing), Kona Bikes, Raceface, Specialized Bikes, Fox, Camelbak, Powerbar and the City of Chilliwack (Pitch-In Program).