BCTS and timber sale licence holders in the Lakes TSA, located near Burns Lake, complied in all significant respects with forest practices legislation, with the exception of two minor instances of poor harvesting practices causing soil disturbance. BCTS took immediate steps to address the soil disturbance findings.
Audit: BCTS – Lakes Timber Supply Area
Unauthorized Construction of a Cabin and Trail on Sinclair Mountain
A resident of Smithers asked the Board to investigate the unauthorized construction of a cabin and an ATV trail on Sinclair Mountain. The complainant asserts that the construction of the trail and cabin contravened the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and that, despite the contraventions, the Ministry of Forests did not take appropriate enforcement action.
Unauthorized Construction of a Cabin and Trail on Sinclair Mountain
Impact of Harvesting on a Tourism Business near Ootsa Lake
The Board received a complaint from the owner of a tourism business near Ootsa Lake, in the Nadina Forest District alleging that logging by Tyeewood Inc. is harming his business and trespassing on timber harvesting rights previously granted to him. The Board investigated whether logging in the area was consistent with strategic guidance for tourism and recreation; whether harvesting was consistent with MOFR’s commitment to the complainant; and whether consultation on the proposed forest development was adequate.
Impact of Harvesting on a Tourism Business near Ootsa Lake
Nadina Beetle Treatments
A resident of Francois Lake complained to the Minister of Forests in May 2003 about the Ministry of Forests (MOF) using Monosodium Methanearsonate (MSMA), an arsenic-based pesticide, to control bark beetles. In July 2003, as she was dissatisfied with the minister’s response, she complained to the Forest Practices Board that the Nadina Forest District had allowed MSMA to be used to kill bark beetles. She asserted that arsenic compounds spread to other species of animals and humans, which caused damage to the environment.
The complainant was concerned that MSMA was being applied in close proximity to private property, which was contrary to its intended use as described in advertising and in testimony at an environmental appeal. The complainant asserted that the MOF did not adequately track which trees had been treated and, as a result, treated trees had been harvested, causing harm to fallers. Further, the complainant asserted that milling treated trees and burning the waste caused mill workers and the general population to come into contact with arsenical compounds.
Nadina Beetle Treatments
Bridge Design and Construction at Reiseter Creek near Smithers, B.C.
This complaint investigation concerns a bridge built by West Fraser Mills Ltd. (the licensee) across a tributary of Reiseter Creek, 20 kilometres northwest of Smithers. A local resident (the complainant) complained to the Forest Practices Board in December 2001 that:
- The licensee designed and constructed the bridge in contravention of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act and its regulations, causing the bridge to fail and possibly damage the creek; and
- The Ministry of Forests did not adequately enforce Code provisions dealing with roads and bridges.
