March 2025: Karst in the Bonanza Area

The T’łuładi Project area is full of impressive mountain ranges, caves, and of course karst!

Karst is a feature of the landscape that is made of limestone that's been dissolved by water, creating underground drainage and caves.

Karst in Vancouver Island/where it is found:

• Some parts of ‘Namgis territory, including the Bonanza area, has some of the highest density of caves anywhere in Canada and includes the Argus system, the longest cave system in Canada.
• The largest limestone exposure is on the northern end of Vancouver Island, north and west of Port McNeill.

Karst's cultural and ecological significance:

• Karst and caves help to improve water quality
• Salmon and other fish species use these cave systems
• Bats, which are important indicators of broader ecosystem health, use caves
• Karst helps to cool water temperatures

Have any more questions about the T’łuładi Project? Email Brian Svanvik at Brian.Svanvik@namgis.bc.ca in the Natural Resources Department.