I would like to thank all the volunteers and businesses that supported the Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club and the Chemainus Rod and Gun in our watershed and surrounding areas debris cleanup on April 9. A total of 48,000 lb. was collected this time out.A previous cleanup, done in 2007, collected 21,000 lb.Our town has won awards for its beautiful flowers and gardens, but when you see this much garbage dumped outside city limits it’s like sweeping dirt under the carpet.A lot of the material picked up was recyclable or there are places to dispose of items such as TVs, metal, yard waste. Close to five tonnes was collected up Peerless road right past the dump. Why was the dump closed? Or are the fees to much?We would like to see this pattern change.Billions of dollars are collected in eco-fees. These fees could offset dump operating costs as well as help combat the continued illegal dumping jeopardizing recreational access, watershed protection as well as protecting wildlife. The public is asked when you hire someone to haul debris away make sure you see the dump receipt, it’s a added cost to the project but at least material is disposed of properly.This ongoing problem of litter is everywhere. We can put the fancy solar-powered garbage cans on every corner, but the garbage still has to be put into it.If anybody witnesses illegal dumping, take a picture, license plate number and call the Ministry of Environment RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 or online.Dave JudsonLadysmith