VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit BC Timber Sales operations in the Strait of Georgia Business Area, encompassing Gold River on the west coast of Vancouver Island, Sayward on the east, and including Mainland areas across from Campbell River.

The audit will take place between July 19 and 31 and will examine harvesting, road construction and maintenance, silviculture, fire protection and associated planning activities carried out by BC Timber Sales and timber sale licence-holders.

Some of the audit area is subject to land use planning under the South Central Coast and the Central and North Coast land use plans, which provide a framework for ecosystem-based management, as well as the Vancouver Island land use plan.

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 lands.
• Audits appropriateness of government enforcement.
• Investigates public complaints.
• Undertakes special investigations of current forestry issues.
• Participates in administrative appeals.
• Makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899