VICTORIA - The Forest Practices Board has released its 2017-18 annual report, which summarizes the board's work over the past fiscal year and highlights its current projects.

During the year, the board published 18 reports: eight complaint investigations, six audits, two special reports and one special investigation. Part of the board's role is to receive concerns from the public about matters pertaining to the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act. This year, the board received 83 concerns, eight of which are now complaints under investigation.

A variety of topics were reported on this year, including the management of at-risk plant communities, grizzly bear habitat, and biodiversity at the landscape level. Other examples include potential impacts from forestry on water quality and supply, road construction on steep slopes and the efficacy of government initiatives.

The annual report also highlights responses from both government and industry to recommendations made by the board in reports published in the past couple of years.

The Forest Practices Board is B.C.'s independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, reporting its findings and recommendations directly to the public and government. The board audits forest and range practices on public lands and appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

Find the 2017/18 Annual Report, along with past reports here: https://www.bcfpb.ca/reports-publications/annual-reports/

Contact:
Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899