In summer 2005, the Forest Practices Board conducted a compliance audit of forest planning and practices of the British Columbia Timber Sales (BCTS) program, and timber sale licence holders, in the Rocky Mountain Forest District. BCTS’s operating areas are located in the Invermere and Cranbook Timber Supply Areas.
The Board notes that, with one exception, planning and practices undertaken by BCTS and its timber sale licence holders complied with legislative requirements in all significant respects.
The significant non-compliance noted in the audit relates to sediment from road building and upgrading by the holder of timber sale licence (TSL) A69888—that has, or has the potential to, adversely affect fish streams. Of particular concern is that the TSL holder, independently from BCTS, sought and got approval from the Ministry of Forests and Range for a road use permit to upgrade a long section of forest service road (FSR), adjacent to a fish stream to access a timber sale, but did not follow the permit conditions designed to minimize the amount of sediment entering the stream.
After a wildfire, the likelihood of natural hazards such as landslides , severe surface soil erosion and flooding can increase significantly. In wildland–urban interface areas (i.e. fires near populated areas), these hazards can increase the risk to life, property and infrastructure.
This issue came to the Board’s attention during its 2004 special investigation into repairing damage caused by fighting forest fires. Of 12 wildfires sampled, 6 experienced landslides or flood events since our field visits. In three of these cases, provincial highways were affected; houses were destroyed or damaged in two cases. In its report, the Board stated its intent to examine the process and responsibilities for identifying and managing post-wildfire risks to life, infrastructure and forest resources.
The Laird Creek Water Users asked the Board to investigate approval of an amendment to a BCTS forest development plan. The complainant says that BCTS disregarded public input and proper planning procedures.
On September 7, 2005, a resident of Elkford filed a complaint asserting that Tembec Inc. (the licensee) was needlessly harvesting Douglas fir trees while harvesting pine beetle stands and had been leaving merchantable logs and excessive slash on site. As well, the complainant asserted that the Ministry of Forests had not responded appropriately in the circumstances.
Wynndel Box and Lumber Company Ltd.’s forest practices in the Kootenay Lake Forest District achieved full compliance with forest practices legislation requirements for all streamside activities. The pilot audit concluded that the harvesting practices did not disturb the proper functioning of nearby streams and minimized sediments deposits in streams resulting from road crossings.
The Winlaw Watershed Committee filed a complaint with the Board about BCTS’ harvesting in the watershed, where many residents obtained water. The Winlaw Committee has been involved in a planning process with the Ministry of Forests since 1999 and it expected BCTS to consult with it before logging in the watershed.
