The Elk River Alliance (ERA) is expressing its gratitude to the Elk Valley after the community rallied behind the We’re Trucked fundraising campaign, helping the organization purchase a reliable field vehicle and complete one of its most productive seasons to date.
Earlier this year, ERA faced a significant hurdle: without a functioning field truck, staff could not safely reach key restoration and monitoring sites throughout the watershed. The community stepped in quickly. In total, ERA raised $40,127, including $29,000 from local business sponsors and $11,127 from individual and foundation donors. BC Gaming’s matching program doubled local contributions up to $30,000, making the truck purchase possible and keeping field crews on the river.
Executive Director Chad Hughes said the response underscores the Valley’s strong commitment to watershed health.
“We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate community here in the Valley where our work resonates with those who also live, work, and play in the Elk River watershed,” Hughes said. He also credited PDC Environmental for stepping in early with a temporary truck to help ERA reach restoration and monitoring sites during the spring.
Major supporters of the campaign included Big Bang Bagels, Elk Valley Resources (EVR), Elk River Guiding Co., Engage Construction and Management Consulting, Lotic Environmental, MacHydro, StellerVista Credit Union, and PDC Environmental.
With the new truck in service, ERA’s 2025 field season delivered significant results: 20,000 live stakes and seedlings planted, a 3,000-seedling trial nursery launched, and expanded aquatic habitat monitoring across key tributaries. This work improves flood resilience, strengthens fish and wildlife habitat, and provides critical data on how land use is affecting the Elk River.
“These achievements highlight how essential proper equipment is to supporting on-the-ground conservation work,” said Hughes.
ERA’s new truck now carries a fresh wrap recognizing major donors—a visible reminder around the Valley of what community support can accomplish for local stewardship efforts.
Source: ERA
