Audit of woodlot near Duncan finds issues

VICTORIA – An audit of woodlot licence W0033 held by Penelakut First Nation in the South Island District near Duncan found that, with two exceptions, forest planning, silviculture, fire protection, harvesting and road activities complied with forest practices legislation, according to a report released today.

Auditors found that the woodlot licence holder built a log culvert crossing that was not safe for industrial users. In addition, it did not submit the required annual reports on its activities to government.

“The board is concerned with the growing number of instances of unsafe bridges showing up in recent audits, and points out the requirement for licence holders and forest professionals to ensure bridges are structurally sound and safe for use,” said Tim Ryan, board chair.

Penelakut has managed woodlot W0033 ─ 800 hectares of Crown land ─ since 2007. Located west of Mount Prevost and south of the Chemainus River, W0033 has an allowable annual cut of 4,200 cubic metres per year.

The board’s audit field work took place on May 20, 2013.

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.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

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