There is still no decision on the controversial proposal by ATAC

Resources for the construction of an all-season road through wilderness north of Keno City.

The Mayo office of the Yukon Environmental and Socio-economic Assessment Board recommended more than four months ago that the road be approved with conditions.

The two decision bodies, the Yukon government and the First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun, are continuing to discuss the recommendation, both parties indicated Friday.

When a designated office issues a recommendation circumstances to a decision body like the Yukon government, the government normally has 30 days to accept, reject or alter the recommendation.

When there are two decision bodies and one is a First Nation, the legislation appears to be open-ended in terms of a deadline for a decision.

Dawna Hope, the manager of lands and resources for the First Nation, said they’re still in discussions with the Yukon government, emphasizing the matter is an important issue for Nacho Nyak Dun.

Kara Johancsik, a communication officer with the Yukon government’s cabinet office, said the two governments want to take the time to agree on a decision document.

Legislation allows for the Yukon government and First Nations to issue separate decision documents.

“We are not at the point where we have to deal with different decision documents,” Johancsik said.

“We are still consulting and taking the time because we want to reach a decision together.”

She said the government would not speculate about what would happen if the parties can’t agree.

ATAC Resources is proposing to upgrade 12 kilometres of existing road and build 53 kilometres of new, all-season road to its Rackla Gold Property.

The company maintains its advanced exploration project is at a point where bigger equipment and more fuel are required. It’s not feasible to fly in the larger equipment and the increased quantities of fuel, says its project proposal.

ATAC indicated in its proposal it has explored other options such as the use of a winter road or a heavy-lift aircraft, but has found them not viable.

Support for the road project is centred around the economic benefit and jobs it would create.

Opposition notes the lack of a land use plan for the area south of the Peel River watershed, and questions the wisdom of allowing an all-season road through virgin wilderness for a project that is still in the exploration phase.

Such a road would undoubtedly have an impact on wildlife populations that have yet to be exposed to road traffic, many argue.

Some argue that it doesn’t matter how well traffic on the road is restricted and policed; those who want to find a way to access and use the road will do it.

Among the conditions recommended by the assessment board is the use of a guard house to monitor and police road traffic. The board also recommends the company consider the removal of bridge decking during periods when road access is not required.

The First Nation of Nacho Nyak Dun expressed a number of concerns in its submissions to the assessment board.

Other bodies such as the Mayo District Renewable Resources Council opposed the road.