The Vedder Mountain Trails Association hosted the 11th annual Vedder Mountain Trails clean up and trail maintenance day on May 1.
VMTA, representing the interests of Fraser Valley Mountain Bikers Association, Back Country Horseman of BC, Vedder Running Club, Chilliwack Outdoor Club, Cascade Offroad Motorcycle Club and Lower Mainland ATV Club on Vedder Mountain, coordinated the efforts of nearly 100 recreationists to revitalize the well used and well loved trail network and recreational area.
Every year about this time VMTA hosts this event in response to the overwhelming amount of illegally dumped garbage in this area. This year’s event yielded about 3,000 kilograms of garbage and recyclables collected with the efforts of some 200 volunteer man hours. Following a free lunch supplied by Jack’s Cycle and the Ministry of Natural Resource Operations (MNRO), some fund raising activities were able to raise nearly $300 for donation to Chilliwack Search and Rescue. The afternoon was dedicated to rehabilitating a badly eroded mountain bike trail to improve sustainability, safety and to maximize the fun-factor.
VMTA continues to strive to improve the recreational experience that people enjoy on Vedder Mountain and the clean up and maintenance day is only part of that. VMTA Director Mark Steinebach said, “Making sure our playground is spotless and well maintained is only part of what we do here. We are continually involved in negotiating trail access and sustainability with other users like logging companies and the Government of B.C., ensuring that our trail system is well mapped and appropriately signed and continuing our work to have recreational interests here officially recognized.”
A broad range of support for this annual event came from individuals, local business, and government and this ensured a successful and effective outing. Jack’s Cycle and Vedder Mountain Trails Association provided funding and organizational support along with support of the local Ministry of Natural Resource Operations (MNRO) recreation officer Mike Peters. First Class Waste Services provided disposal services. Additional support came from the following: City of Chilliwack (Pitch-In Program), Valley Veterinary Services, Save-On-Foods Sardis, Swagman, Outdoor Gear Canada, Momentum Sports, Cycles Lambert, Norco Products Ltd, Kona Bikes, Orange Sport Supply, Chilliwack Search and Rescue, Specialized Bikes and Fox.