Squamish Valley residents, appalled by devastation left at Anderson Beach after a Surrey grad party, were happy to see students return yesterday.
"I'm glad to see that the kids took responsibility for their mess," said area resident Frank Kalous.
Two busloads of students from Frank Hurt Secondary School in Surrey returned to Anderson Beach in the Upper Squamish Valley yesterday for a massive clean up effort of the aftermath of garbage and debris left over from the school's grad party held during the May long weekend.School principal Cate Turner initially organized a total of 59 students as a clean up team.
About 40 of the students were grads that participated in the party two weeks ago.
"We were a little inconsiderate and didn't clean up after our mess," said student Jordan Linnen who participated in the party.
The remainder were students from Grades 10 and 11 who tagged along because they also wanted to pitch in.
"I think it's really important that people realize what they did to this environment and this campsite was wrong and we want to make a difference and try to change it," said Sarah Dalzell - of the school's Global Issues Club - who didn't attend the party.
The clean up trip was scheduled after local conservation officer Dave Jevons contacted Turner last week to inform her of the mess.
Squamish Valley residents - many saying they see the same devastation every year at grad time - came across piles of debris, including cut and graffiti-sprayed trees, plastic, smouldered camping gear, broken glass and human excrement.
"When we had the grizzly bear in town a few weeks ago, people were asking me why that happens," said Jevons.
"This is why. The bears come across the garbage and begin thinking it of as a food source. When by accident or circumstance they come into a community they see the garbage and associate it with a food source, and that's when conflicts happen."
A CBC news crew was on hand to document the clean up, which began yesterday (May 31) at noon.
"I think when we just stepped back from the situation, bringing the students up just seemed like the right thing to do," said Turner of why she organized the trip.
Students were assisted by Miller Capilano, who hauled the garbage away. The District of Squamish also aided the clean up by giving the clean-up crews free dumping.
"I'm glad to see that the kids took responsibility for their mess, " said area resident Frank Kalous. "It would be great if everybody would do that before they leave."
The area around Anderson Beach was also disturbed by truck and ATV traffic. However, Frank Hurt students were not responsible for that damage, said one student in a letter to the Chief.
"There was another group of people up at Anderson Beach that weekend as well, and they were the ones with the ATVs and were 'making loud noises across the entire valley,'" said student Laurel Pelton.
