About 75 people representing a broad range of sectors - forestry (licensees, associations), mining, exploration, oil and gas, tourism, recreation, agriculture, several government ministries, trucking and safety - recently met for a three-day workshop in Richmond to kick-off Phase 2 of the Natural Resource Road Act consultation process.
Phase 1 of the consultation process has been completed (the public was provided with the opportunity to submit comments to the NRRA website up until Dec. 15).
Information provided at the Phase 1 website is being compiled for further consideration along with concerns and recommendations generated during the Phase 2 workshop.
During the session, participants discussed key topics, shared perspectives, and voiced concerns and support for the legislative initiative, and the consultation process.
The group identified at least 14 issues (e.g. the safety framework, cost-sharing mechanisms, balancing rights and obligations, access management, standards, etc.) that deserve further work.
Working groups have been created to think further about possible solutions, and positive and negative implications of those various solutions.
Working groups will be developing feedback and recommendations for project leads to consider, and eventually present to politicians for their decisions prior to drafting legislation.
Timelines are tight so volunteers will be working hard to consider and prepare information for delivery early in 2012 (some due by Jan. 23).