On a recent walk up Lookout Street in Trail, I glanced into the ravine that borders Trail Creek.
At various points, I could see construction debris, a mattress, and even a deep freezer thrown in the ravine.
Litter in the town of Trail usually gets cleaned up at some point, but debris dumped into our wilderness typically does not.
We’ve all seen illegally dumped debris.
If you think it doesn’t affect you, please consider the following:
Illegal dumping can make animals sick if they eat garbage, and they can become entangled or cut by debris.
Trash also tends to attract wildlife that may not be native to this area.
From mosquitoes and flies to raccoons, this can lead to new diseases and predators entering the area, impacting our ecosystem.*
Garbage dumped into our environment spoils the natural beauty of the West Kootenay, and who wants to live in a town associated with illegally dumped garbage?
It demeans us as a community.
Local government has to step in and provide money for cleanup, and this costs everyone (think higher taxes).
Abandoned campers for example, can cost hundreds of dollars to tow and relocate to the dump.
I’ve seen several.
What can you do?
If you see illegally dumped debris contact Trail bylaw officers at city hall.
If you know who committed the offence report that information as well.
Make these people pay with fines.
If you have spare time, grab a garbage bag and pitch in.
Last year we filled up a bag with plastic pop bottles and cans from a small area of Trail Creek. Recycling is free, or you can get money back from bottles and cans.
Even if it’s just a few item on your street, it makes a difference!
Steven Becker,
Trail