VICTORIA – An audit of two range agreements for grazing cattle in the Thompson River Natural Resource District found that the rancher met most requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act, but the presence of cattle feces in a stream diverted for drinking water did not comply with the legislation, according to a report released today.

“Auditors found that the rancher did not ensure the protection of water that is diverted for human consumption,” said Tim Ryan, board chair. “Cattle were defecating in a stream that is used by one household to supply drinking water.”

“Auditors also found that the rancher’s cattle had impacted stream beds and stream banks at one location near a water dugout, and another stream-side area was at risk of being damaged by cattle,” Ryan added. “These areas were small and did not cause any significant impacts, but the practices should be improved in the future.”

These overlapping range-agreement areas are held by one rancher and are located northwest of Chase. Auditors’ work involved interviewing the range agreement holder as well as ministry staff, reviewing the range use plan and maps, and examining the majority of activities undertaken in the field within the two-year audit period of September 2014 to September 2016.

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
Phone: 250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899