Section 189(3) of the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act allows the Forest Practices Board to report to government and the public on matters related to Board duties. In considering whether or not to issue such a report, the Board considers a number of factors, including whether a report would serve the public interest by:

• helping to improve forest management
• helping to sustain public confidence in forest management
• encouraging fair and consistent application of the Forest Practices Code, and/or
• clarifying the interpretation or application of the Code.

The aim of the following report is to suggest changes to reform in the way that some administrative reviews are conducted, in order to enhance public confidence in the new forest practices regulatory system.

The new Forest Practices Code of B.C. Act requires a review of all cutblocks (areas identified for timber harvesting) approved before June 15, 1995, and scheduled for harvesting after that date.

These cutblocks must be assessed for conformity with five significant requirements of the Act and the Cutblock and Road Review Regulation.

The Forest Practices Board carried out this study about four months into the six-month period in which cutblocks must be assessed and reported. The study provides an early indication of:

• how many cutblocks must be reviewed;
• how many cutblocks have been assessed and reported;
• how many cutblocks are reported to conform with the Regulation’s requirements; and,
• which of the Act’s five significant requirements substantively affect the cutblocks.

The work by the Board allowed it to provide a timely indication of the effect the Act may have on harvesting plans that were in place when the Act came into force on June I5, 1995.

After December 15, 1995, when all cutblocks are assessed and reported, the reports will be reviewed by Ministry of Forests’ district and regional managers to determine if changes to previously approved plans are needed.