FILE PHOTO - Okanagan Forest Task Force volunteers are seen cleaning up the backcountry near Kelowna in this undated photo.

Image Credit: Dale McKee

A forest cleanup crew in the Okanagan got a big boost of support from Tolko Industries for a documentary they're making.

“My computer was old and had no capabilities for what we were trying to do,” Kane Blake with the Okanagan Forest Task Force told iNFOnews.ca, Jan. 17. “It crashed badly and I posted (on social media) we needed funding for a computer.”

The task force is a network of Okanagan volunteers concerned for the cleanliness of local forests and urban areas. Based out of Kelowna, the force works to keep forests clean and bring public awareness to illegal dumping and vandalism throughout the Okanagan, all out their own pockets. 

They're in the process of making a documentary about their efforts titled What Lies Behind The Trees.

Someone with the Vernon-based forestry company saw the group's social media post about its technical problems and the company stepped up to help with the cost of a new computer.

Rachel Telfer from Tolko Industries (left) hands a cheque to Kane Blake with the Okanagan Forest Task Force.

Image Credit: SUBMITTED

“I am beyond excited, it has lots of power and memory to put together all of our videos for years to come," he said. “We are very grateful to Tolko for continuing to support us and allowing us to get working on the documentary."

READ MORE: Okanagan group known for ridding the forest of garbage receives Conservation Officer Service award

At every job the volunteers document the GPS location of the illegal dump and do an environmental impact report, where notes are taken on everything including what material were dumped, what hazards there are and what toxic materials may be leaching into the ground.

Often heavy machinery is used to clean up the messes. An underwater dive team part of the group documenting what garbage they're pulling out the lakes.

The educational documentary will include photos, videos and drone footage of the backcountry cleanups and underwater footage with the dive team.

READ MORE: iN VIDEO: The owner of this dump pile found in Kelowna may have been found

Tolko did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Tolko is a family-owned company that manufactures and markets specialty forest products in North America.

— This story was updated at 8:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan.19, 2023, to correct the spelling of Rachel Telfer's surname.

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