VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit BC Timber Sales’ operations in the Mackenzie Forest District, from Sept. 26 to 30, 2011.

The audit will examine timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance, silviculture, fire protection and associated planning activities carried out by BC Timber Sales and timber sale licence holders over the past two years.

BCTS operations are located approximately 160 kilometres north of Prince George, near the town of Mackenzie. In the past two years, BCTS has harvested approximately 800,000 cubic metres of timber, mainly to salvage trees killed by mountain pine beetle.

Once the audit work is completed, a report will be prepared, and any party that may be adversely affected by the audit findings will have a chance to respond. The board’s final report and recommendations will then be released to the public and government.

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 land, as well as appropriateness of government enforcement.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

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