The Bridge River Valley in Gold Bridge, BC, is more than just a place on the map — it is a living landscape that supports wildlife, clean water, outdoor recreation, and a resilient community.

After the devastating wildfires, this region is finally beginning to heal. Wildflowers, shrubs, and young trees are taking root. But now, these fragile ecosystems are under threat from proposed salvage logging around Gun Lake and other burned areas.

Proposed logging blocks around Gun Lake.

Why this matters:

• Nature is already recovering: We are more than two years into natural regeneration. Salvage logging would strip away new growth at the most critical stage.
• Science Research shows that salvage logging delays recovery and reduces biodiversity. A U.S. Forest Service study found that post-fire salvage harvest reduced regeneration and slowed recovery for decades (Povak et al. 2020). Similarly, a global meta-analysis confirmed that salvage logging significantly harms biodiversity after wildfires (Thorn et al. 2018).
• Contradiction with provincial advice: BC’s own forestry guidance acknowledges that immediate replanting without salvage logging improves the survival rates of new forests. Yet, approvals are moving forward that undermine this principle.
• Risks to our community: Logging on steep, fire-damaged slopes above homes and trails will increase erosion, landslide risk, and cause possible long-term damage to infrastructure. Logging down to the water in a community watershed, when so much of the riparian area has already been lost will increase run off and erosion in a critical drinking water source for property owners and water license holders. 

Local voices:

"We’ve already lost so much in the fires. The thought of machines tearing up what little is left feels like another blow." — Michelle Njorte, Gun Lake resident

"The land is showing us it can recover if we let it. Salvage logging isn’t recovery — it’s destruction." — Andre Charland, Local trail user

"These slopes protect our water, our homes, and our wildlife. Once they’re gone, we can’t get them back." — Bridge River Valley community member.

Aftermath of logging near Gun Cr Road.

Grizzly bears and deer returning to regenerating forest.

Our demand:

We call on the BC Ministry of Forests and local decision-makers to:

1. Put an immediate halt to salvage logging approvals in the Bridge River Valley.
2. Consult with independent environmental experts on non-intrusive, science-backed recovery methods.
3. Engage local residents and communities in meaningful consultation before irreversible actions are taken.

Together, we can protect this landscape.

The Bridge River Valley is a rare and irreplaceable gem. Salvage logging is short-sighted and destructive. We must choose restoration, not exploitation.

Please add your voice.

Sign this petition today to help protect Gun Lake and the Bridge River Valley for future generations.

👉 Sign now and share widely. Every signature strengthens our collective voice.

More info:

• https://brvca.ca/committees/resourcemanagement/
• https://thenarwhal.ca/bc-wildfires-salvage-logging-investigation/