Something that started out as a fun little social media trend for visitors of Teapot Mountain could be leading to the sites permanent closure.
That’s according to the local ROCK ED Backcountry society, trying to raise awareness about the need to better protect the site.
Teapot Mountain is approximately 50 kilometers North of Prince George, off Highway 97.
Michelle Jackson, Society President, said there are several issues involving vandalism and increased traffic, but the big problem she noted is the recent tradition of people leaving teapots at the site.
“What I think happened with social media is over time people see these things, people are posting them online, and it’s getting more popular. It’s getting more famous, and people just want to be a part of it.”
She said the problem is the teapots fall from the rocks and trees people leave them on, and the broken pieces create a hazard.
Recreation and Trails BC have visited the site and said they might need to close it for public safety.
“The trail was never designed to see the traffic it sees. So it’s wearing out, and the steep sections of the trial are getting worse and worse the more they are used,” said Jackson.
The picnic tables and outhouse have also been pushed over the edge of the mountain over the years.
The Society is working on cleanup and the rehabilitation of the site, but they are asking for volunteers to help and for people to stop leaving teapots.
“Teapot is as popular as Mr.PG himself here and to have it close down would be a devastation to our community.”