VICTORIA – Forestry activities carried out by BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and timber sale licence holders met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, with a few exceptions, according to a report released today.
The audit examined BCTS program activities carried out between June 2016 and June 2018, in the Dawson Creek Timber Supply Area (TSA) portion of BCTS’s Peace-Liard Business Area. The audited activities included harvesting timber, constructing, maintaining and deactivating forestry roads and crossings, reforesting logged sites, wildfire protection and associated planning.
“BCTS and timber sale licence holders are doing a good job of managing most forestry activities in this area,” said board chair Kevin Kriese. “However, the audit did find sites where activities need to be improved in the future - by both BCTS and two timber sale licence holders. BCTS has already taken steps to address the deficiencies related to bridges and the Board expects that improvements will be made by BCTS and timber sale licence holders to address the other findings.”
The issues involve a bridge on a forest service road that was in need of repairs, three cutblocks with isolated areas of excessive soil disturbance, and failure of several timber sale licence holders to complete fire hazard assessments following harvesting.
The activities audited include harvesting of 28 cutblocks, construction of 107 kilometres of road, maintenance of 118 km of road and 4 bridges, silviculture activities on 79 cutblocks, and fire hazard assessment and abatement on 16 cutblocks.
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
