Audit finds licensee did not comply with bridge construction legislation

VICTORIA – An audit of Gwa’Nak Resources Ltd., on the B.C. central coast, has found poor bridge construction practices.

However, Gwa’Nak’s operational planning, timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance,silviculture and protection activities all complied with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, as well as the Great Bear Rainforest land-use order.

“There are standards in the Forest Planning and Practices Regulation that licence holders must meet, to ensure bridges are sound and safe for industrial users. Gwa’Nak did not meet these standards on any of the five bridges examined in the audit,” said Bruce Larson, board vice-chair.

“The board is very concerned that we continue to see problems with forest road bridges, but we recognize that Gwa’Nak has responded to these findings in a positive and timely manner,” Larson said.

The audit examined activities under forest licences A93095 and A93096, as well as non-replaceable forest licence A75918. The licences are located within the Great Bear Rainforest South Timber Supply Area. The activities audited are just north of Port Hardy, along Belize Inlet. Gwa’Nak’s planning and practices are managed by Lions Gate Forest Products Ltd.

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.

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