VICTORIA – An audit of MaMook Natural Resources Limited’s practices on Tree Farm Licence 54 on Vancouver Island found it met most requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, according to a report released today. However, the audit found some non-compliance with road maintenance and reporting requirements.

“While the harvesting and road construction practices on TFL 54 met legal requirements, we found there was no system in place to ensure road and structure maintenance was done, and that reforestation obligations were not reported to government” said board chair Al Gorley. “MaMook is now in the process of addressing the reporting issue.”

“While the audit did not find any damage resulting from lack of road maintenance, given the high resource values, steep coastal terrain and high precipitation levels in this area, this non-compliance was considered significant. A licensee must have knowledge of the roads and structures for which it is responsible, and a process to ensure that the roads and structures are safe for industrial users and are not damaging the environment.”

TFL 54 is an area-based licence located on the west side of Vancouver Island near Tofino and Ucluelet as well as the First Nations communities of Ahousaht, Esowista, Opitsaht, Hot Springs Cove and Itatsoo. MaMook’s practices on the TFL are subject to Land Use Objectives for Clayoquot Sound and met those requirements.

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 land, as well as appropriateness of government enforcement.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Helen Davies, Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4708 / 1 800 994-5899