Audit of Western Forest Products near Gold River

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will examine the activities of Western Forest Products Inc. on forest licence A19231 during the week of July 20, 2015.

The auditors will examine all operational planning, harvesting, roads, silviculture, and wildfire protection practices for compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act.

The audit includes all forestry activities carried out over the last two years, primarily on Nootka Island, 45 kilometres west of Gold River. Other nearby communities include Zeballos and Tahsis.

Forest licence A19231 covers approximately 116,000 hectares and has an allowable annual cut of about 300,000 cubic metres per year. The area contains a rich array of natural resources and recreational values.

Once the audit work is completed, a report will be prepared, and any party that may be adversely affected by the audit findings will have a chance to respond. The board’s final report and recommendations then will be released to the public and government.

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:

Kairry Nguyen
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4707 / 1 800 994-5899