VICTORIA – An audit of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and timber sale licence holders (TSL holders) in the Kamloops business area found compliance with B.C.’s forestry legislation, according to a report released today.

“BCTS and 18 out of 19 TSL holders fully complied with requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act,” said Tim Ryan, board chair. “Auditors did find one TSL holder had built one section of road that caused soil erosion near a small fish-bearing stream, a practice considered an area for improvement. We are pleased to see that since the audit, the TSL holder has fixed this issue.”

The board examined the activities carried out between May 1, 2014, and May 29, 2015. During the audit period, BCTS built 7.5 kilometres of road and 1 bridge, and had road maintenance obligations for 1152 kilometres of road and 37 bridges. TSL holders constructed 23 kilometres, maintained 140 kilometres and deactivated 34 kilometres of road, and harvested 1729 hectares of timber.

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.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

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