On May 2 volunteers will converge on the Bush Creek hatchery in Ladysmith to haul illegally dumped waste out of the surrounding forest and watershed. Over the past three years, the community cleanup, run by the Ladysmith Sportsmen’s Club, has removed nearly 160 tonnes of garbage. “Illegal dumping is a serious offence, one that harms our forests and puts communities at risk,” said Ravi Parmar, minister of Forests. “But because of this initiative, we’re reducing the risks and protecting our environment. We’re adding to the 160 tonnes already removed, through on-the-ground, people-led land restoration.” Mosaic Forest Management, which manages approximately 585,000 hectares of private forest land across Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast, will once again supply staff volunteers, donated materials and disposal support for the effort. Volunteers can email judsonboys@shaw.ca to get involoved. More information on Mosaic’s reporting pilot will be available at MosaicForests.com this summer.