Audit of Forest Planning and Practices: Stella-Jones Canada Incorp. – FL A20196
As part of its 2012 compliance audit program, the Forest Practices Board selected Stella-Jones Canada Incorporated’s (Stella-Jones) forest licence (FL) A20196 for audit. Operations are managed from Stella-Jones’ office in Salmon Arm.
FL A20196, with an annual allowable cut of 12 963 cubic metres, lies within the Arrow timber supply area (TSA), and nearby communities include Nakusp and Burton. It consists of four operating areas, located along the eastern side of Upper Arrow Lake. The southernmost operating area lies within the Caribou Community Watershed.
Audit: BCTS and TSLHolders – Kootenay Business Area in the Rocky Mountain District
Forestry Audit: BCTS and Timber Sale Licence Holders Kootenay Business Area, Rocky Mountain District
This audit examined the activities of the BC Timber Sales (BCTS) program and the timber sale licence (TSL) holders in the Rocky Mountain District. Numerous natural resources support a wide range of interests in the district—including recreation, wildlife, trapping, guide-outfitting, fish and tourism—creating challenges for BCTS and timber sale licensees that carry out forestry activities in the area.
Water Quality in Oyama and Vernon Creek Community Watersheds in the Okanagan Shuswap District
Audit of Forest and Range Planning and Practices Affecting Water Quality in Oyama and Vernon Creek Community Watersheds
Safe drinking water is a critically important resource to the people of British Columbia. This audit set out to assess forest and range practices in relation to water quality and fish habitat in two Okanagan community watersheds – Vernon and Oyama Creek. To do this, auditors assessed compliance of forest and range practices with applicable legislated requirements, and the effectiveness of practices in protecting these values, from September 2008 through October 2010.
Auditors noted the efforts made by MFLNRO to address water quality concerns during the audit period. New and replacement range developments were being established but had not yet been completed. However, some problems with the new developments were identified, and auditors were not able to predict the efficacy of developments to be completed after the audit fieldwork.
Overall, the audit showed that range practices need continued improvement to meet legislative requirements and further reduce risks to water quality.
J.H. Huscroft in the Kootenay Lake TSA
J.H. Huscroft in the Kootenay Lake TSA: Audit of Forest Planning and Practices
As part of the Forest Practices Board’s 2011 compliance audit program, the Board randomly selected the Selkirk District as the location for a full scope compliance audit. Within the district,the Board selected Forest Licence A20213, which operates in the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply Area. This licence is held by J.H. Huscroft Ltd., a family owned and operated company established in Creston in 1927.
Interfor, Grand Forks Woods Division – FL A18969
Audit of Forest Planning and Practices: International Forest Products Limited, Grand Forks Woods Division – FL A18969
In June 2010, the Board conducted a full-scope compliance audit of forest planning and practices of International Forest Products Limited’s (Interfor) Forest Licence (FL) A18969. FL A18969 is managed by Interfor’s Grand Forks Woods Division in the town of Grand Forks.
The audit assessed operational planning 30 harvest blocks, over 300 kilometres of roads and 14 bridges, more than 100 silviculture blocks, and over 30 blocks for fire protection activities. The audit identified a significant concern with the construction of one bridge, as well as concerns with winter road construction and a lack of formal road and bridge maintenance inspections.