Teck seeks Community Input on Road Closures

The Elk Valley Cumulative Effects Management Framework (EV-CEMF) has initiated two road deactivations on and around Teck land near the District of Elkford.

The EV-CEMF is made up of stakeholders such as Indigenous and provincial government bodies dedicated to ecosystem management by assessing human activities and natural processes that build to impact the environment, otherwise known as cumulative effects. Road rehabilitation was selected as a priority in addressing such effects, with the study area spanning the entire Elk Valley.

Teck, a founding supporter of the Elk Valley CEMF, is seeking community input from outdoor recreationalists at a Road Deactivation and Access Management Workshop held on Oct. 28. The meeting will discuss priority areas for land access, road deactivation, and historical trail use on Teck land.

“Road rehabilitation can improve conditions for grizzly bear, bighorn sheep, old growth and mature forests, and aquatic ecosystems,” said Norman Fraser, Lead of Indigenous Initiatives for Teck.

“It is important for us to gain feedback and input from communities prior to initiating work in the region, recognizing that outdoor recreational access is also a core value for many residents of in the Elk Valley… Capturing this knowledge will help us to identify the right opportunities and develop well-informed plans.”

The workshop will take place at the Elkford Community Conference Centre. Social distancing protocols will be in place. Those interested in attending must email communicationsteckcoal@teck.com.

Another input opportunity will be held at Teck’s annual backcountry user and outdoor recreational meeting on Dec. 2.

For more information on the EV-CEMF, visit the Government of British Columbia’s website.