VICTORIA – An audit of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and timber sale licence holders (TSL holders) in the Stuart Nechako business area in the Vanderhoof Natural Resource District found compliance with B.C.’s forestry legislation, according to a report released today.
“BCTS and TSL holders fully complied with requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and complied with almost all requirements of the Wildfire Act,” said Tim Ryan, board chair. “Auditors did find that the TSL holders did not conduct required fire hazard assessments after logging. However, they removed all slash that could pose a fire hazard as a standard operating practice and so the finding is not considered significant. This is an area of improvement for the future.”
“Lack of fire hazard assessments has been a recurring issue in our audits and we have published an information bulletin to help explain the requirements,” said Ryan. “That information is available on our website for all forest licensees.”
The board examined forestry activities carried out between June 2015 and June 2016. During this period, BCTS built 3.7 kilometres of road and had maintenance obligations for 326 kilometres of road, 15 bridges and 3 major culverts. TSL holders constructed 59 kilometres of road and 2 bridges, maintained 24 kilometres and deactivated 90 kilometres of road and 5 bridges, and harvested 3896 hectares of timber. Planting and stand tending activities were also examined.
BCTS is responsible for operational planning, silviculture, and most road and bridge construction, maintenance and deactivation outside cutblocks. TSL holders are responsible for harvesting, fire protection, and most road and bridge construction, maintenance and deactivation within 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.
Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899
