Third Party: Forest Practices Board
APPEAL NO. 2015-FRP-002(a)

Interfor appealed a district manager’s determination that it contravened FRPA by failing to meet the visual quality objective (VQO) of partial retention for a cutblock on Stuart Island. The Board joined the appeal to make submissions on the importance of visual resource management and aspects of determining compliance, including factors for assessing the due diligence defence, but did not take a position on the outcome. The FAC found that the cutblock did not meet the partial retention VQO and that Interfor did not exercise due diligence.

Appeal dismissed.

FAC Decision: http://www.fac.gov.bc.ca/forestAndRange/2015frp002a.pdf

Complaint Investigation – IRC/203
November 2016

RECOMMENDATION

To manage for conservation of biodiversity at the landscape level, Interfor should have a qualified person perform an analysis and develop a plan that ensures future timber harvesting in this landscape unit resembles, both spatially and temporally, the patterns of natural disturbance and considers retention areas and connectivity over the landscape.

Response to Recommendations

Special Investigation – SIR/46
September 2016

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Government evaluate its approach to management of visual resources. This evaluation should involve not only the forest sector, but also those business sectors reliant on visual resources for their success. The evaluation should include consideration of ways to improve the clarity and enforceability of the existing regulatory framework, including consideration of making visual resource management a practice requirement for all licensees, consistent with the Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices Regulation.
2. Government and the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) review and update guidance and policy documents to ensure consistency of approach and use of best practices in the management of visual resources.
3. Government ensure that compliance with, and enforcement of, visual quality objectives is a consistent priority across the province.

Responses to Recommendations

Audit – ARC/192
July 2016

RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Update the government database (RESULTS) to address the issues identified in the audit.
2. Work with district staff to develop a plan to address the silviculture issues identified in the audit.

Responses to Recommendations

Complaint Investigation – IRC/200
March 2016

RECOMMENDATION

The Ministry of Forests, Lands, and Natural Resource Operations should facilitate a process between West Fraser and the complainants to collect and record detailed information on livestock movement to confirm whether a natural range barrier has been breached and to determine the appropriate mitigation required to be implemented by West Fraser. The Board suggests that such monitoring of livestock by the complainants occur over at least a two-year period, commencing at the start of the next grazing season.

Response to Recommendation