Seeking Volunteers: Edwards Tire Removal Project
August 20 | 8:00 AM
| Edwards, CO
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Tires in the river? What’s the problem?
For decades, tires have been present in an area of the Eagle River just downstream of Edwards, visible from river-users who enjoy the stretch for paddling and angling. Tires don’t belong in the river – they can leach chemicals into waterways and lead to water quality issues, damage sensitive riparian areas, and threaten wildlife.
Despite regular cleanup efforts through the decades and as recently as 2019, the tires continue to appear from the depths of the river, evidence of a long-gone tire and mechanic shop that was suspected to be the source.
Local river-lover and Realtor Brad Ernest – read our interview – has noted the pile near the bank steadily growing once more, and this spring, approached the Eagle River Coalition team to propose a collaborative project with his office, Re/Max Elevate Vail Valley. We are joining forces to address the issue.
What's the plan?
As the local organization committed solely to protecting rivers in the Eagle River Watershed, the Eagle River Coalition will coordinate the project, envisioned as a volunteer-driven effort to remove tires and debris from the banks and river bottom. The tires will then be collected and recycled.
How you can help: volunteer
The tire removal project is scheduled for August 20, and we are seeking volunteers to help with heavy lifting and physical labor in and near the waterway, as well as seeking volunteers who may be willing to donate the use of rafts for the effort. Registration will be required.
If you are interested in volunteering for this effort, please get on the event volunteer contact list linked below. More information will be provided (when available) to those who sign up to get on the volunteer list.
You can donate to the project
We are seeking $10,000 to cover project coordination, supplies, tire hauling and recycling, and other expenses. Funds raised beyond the goal will support other restoration work and programs.
