Volunteers Lend a Hand for Earth Day Cleanup on Mosaic Forest Lands
Nanaimo, BC — Dozens of volunteers and key partners are being recognized for their hard work this week to help address illegal dumping on Mosaic forest land. Volunteer cleanup efforts are taking place in communities throughout Vancouver Island in connection with Earth Day and the Great Global Cleanup, one of the world’s largest cleanup initiatives.
Key organizers, including Stephanie Valdal with the Comox Valley Regional District, Dave Judson of the Ladysmith Sportsman Club, James Barth of Stop Comox Strathcona Illegal Dumping, and Tim Cowan of the Rotary Club of Comox, have been integral to getting the regional cleanup efforts off the ground. Their dedication is a testament to the high regard residents place on access to healthy forest lands.
Mosaic private forest lands on Vancouver Island are popular destinations for recreationalists. While the majority of visitors appreciate the access opportunities, the increase in illegal dumping in some areas is a significant–and costly–problem. In 2020, Mosaic recovered a substantial quantity of illegally dumped material, everything from cars to couches, at the cost of more than $85,000 to clean up.
“We’re very thankful for the efforts of these hardworking volunteers to help address the problem of illegal dumping on Mosaic forest lands,” said Mosaic Director of Sustainability, Molly Hudson. “Illegal dumping comes at a cost to everyone and can have serious effects on the environment, wildlife habitat, and the ability of others to use and enjoy outdoor recreational spaces. We’re very appreciative of the efforts of these hardworking volunteers to help keep our forests healthy.”
In conjunction with Earth Day 2021 and this year's theme, "Restore Our Earth", Mosaic is piloting a new initiative to support groups interested in hosting a cleanup event on Mosaic lands. To learn more about Mosaic’s Illegal Dumping Clean Up pilot program, visit mosaicforests.com/access#dumping.
About Mosaic Forest Management Corp.
Mosaic Forest Management is the timberlands manager for TimberWest and Island Timberlands – two affiliated companies that have operated on Vancouver Island for over a century, delivering sustainable forest management within their private forest lands and Crown tenure areas. Mosaic employs several thousand people directly and indirectly to achieve the positive economic, social and sustainability outcomes from the working forest. For more information, visit mosaicforests.com.
Media Inquiries
Evelina Lamu
Manager, Communications
Media@MosaicForests.com