'Like a thrift store in the bush': Facebook group spotlights illegal dumping in the Okanagan backcountry

One Kelowna man was so fed up seeing old furniture, bagged garbageand yard waste in what should be pristine backcountry in and around the Okanagan area, he decided to do what any informed cyber-citizen would in 2016.

He started a Facebook page spotlighting the issue.

Wildlife painterRod Tribiger started the Okangan Forest Task Force where people can connect and share their experiences of what they find in the backcountry.

Tribiger rattles off a laundry list of random items he's seen.

"Vehicles, a full-sized camper dumped in the bush, bagged garbage, especially in the springtime, a lot of yard waste. Fridges, couches, mattresses ... It's like a thrift store in the bush at times."

Not about shaming people

But Tribiger says the page is not about shaming people. It's about creating awareness.

"I think the average citizen who maybe doesn't spend a lot of time in the bush, doesn't have a clue what goes on out there."

Tribeger has never spoken to someone whohas participated in illegal dumping.

"It's very hard to actually catch people doing this because a lot of it happens at night unless you're really ambitious and want to sit out there and wait for someone."

As to why they do it, he can only speculate.

"People take things up to shoot at, and then they leave it there," he said. "Or what I've seen is people coming up from the city, up into the bush and dumping and leaving ... maybe it's easier to do this than go to the dump?"

'Turns your stomach'

Tribiger says his Facebook page is not set up to catch perpetrators or even name them, and he advises people to report that kind of information to the relevant authorities, like the Kelowna RCMP or the Conservation Officer Service.

Instead, he hopes the site can document areas that need to be cleaned up, whether by the authorities or willing volunteers.

"It's unsightly. It shows a lack of care and respect for our beautiful wilderness. It turns your stomach to know that someone came here anddumped this with no regard and left."

With files from Daybreak South

To hear the interview, click on the link labelled 'Like a thrift store in the bush': Illegal dumping in the backwoods