The Cowichan River is cleaner than ever, thanks in large part to the efforts of some dedicated nature lovers and environmental organizations.
On Aug. 20, the eighth annual Cowichan River Cleanup commenced with more than 100 volunteers showing up to help pick trash and recyclables from the riverside and river bottom.
The event was hosted by the Cowichan Lake and River Stewardship Society (CLRSS), targeting the upper portion of the Cowichan River—from the weir to Stoltz Pools downstream—with the rest of the river to be tackled this coming Saturday.
“We think it’s very important because the Cowichan River’s important to all of us,” said CLRSS chairman Gordon Davidson. “We’re involved in a number of projects around the lake and river, and this is one of our larger community-focused events.”
There were volunteers on land picking up trash, sorting recyclables, keeping everyone hydrated and fed, while others were on and under the water — in small boats receiving waste collected from the river bottom by the 16 certified divers working at different points along the water course.
The most common finds in the water were bottles and glass shards, although there was also garbage, jewelry, sunglasses and clothes.
Davidson also said the amount of waste in the river is decreasing.
“We’ve heard reports that the river is a lot cleaner than they’ve ever seen it,” Davidson said. “It’s finally sinking in and it’s gratifying to see that.”
Christine Brophy, project manager for the Cowichan Shoreline Stewardship Program, supervised the divers and did some diving herself. She said most of the divers came from Sundown Diving in Nanaimo, although there were others from throughout the valley.
She echoed Davidson’s comment about the river exhibiting less garbage each year.
“I’ve seen way less random weird stuff that people are probably just throwing off their properties. Less debris in that way,” she said, adding the waste bins installed mid-river by the tubing companies are helping too.
