The Eagle River Coalition team is thrilled to collaborate with the Re/Max Elevate Vail Valley team to remove tires from in and near the Eagle River in Edwards
later this summer! 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, 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 noted the pile near the bank steadily growing, and this spring, approached the Eagle River Coalition team to propose a collaborative project with his office, Re/Max Elevate Vail Valley. We are thrilled to join forces to address the issue together.
Brad, we are inspired by your advocacy and so happy to get to collaborate on this project with you! Thanks for taking the time to work with us and bring attention to this issue.
What got you interested in this project? 
- I’ve always had a connection to the outdoors, and over the years I’ve seen how much pressure our rivers are under—from development, erosion, and increased recreation. Every time I rafted that stretch of the Eagle River, I’d see those tires piled up along the bank and think, why hasn’t someone cleaned these up yet? When I learned more about the challenges behind getting it done, I realized this was something I could take on and actually accomplish.
How did you hear about the Eagle River Coalition?
- I first got involved through their river cleanup events, then started attending some of their educational programs. One of the most impactful moments was during a continuing education class for my real estate license—ERC gave a presentation that really stuck with me. This spurred me me reach out to them about the tire cleanup.
Why are healthy rivers important to you?
- Rivers are the heartbeat of these mountain valleys. They support everything—wildlife, drinking water, outdoor recreation, and local economies. When our rivers are healthy, our communities are healthy. It’s that simple.
What is your favorite river and why?
- The Eagle River will always be my favorite. I’ve rafted it, fished it, sat beside it just to clear my head. It runs through the center of this valley and connects so many of us.
What makes this valley so special for you?
- I moved here for the outdoors—mountain biking, rafting, snowboarding—but I stayed because of the people and connection to the land. There’s a shared love for the land here, and that makes it a really unique place to call home.
What are you most excited about with this project?
- I’m excited to see more progress toward improving the health of the river—cleaner water, better habitat, and a stronger ecosystem overall. And on a personal level, I’m looking forward to the day I can float or fish that stretch of the Eagle without seeing a single tire in or next to the river.
