VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit BC Timber Sales’ operations in the Cascades Forest District, which includes both the Merritt and Lillooet timber supply areas (TSAs).

The audit will take place from August 16 to 20 and 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.

The Lillooet TSA includes the communities of Lillooet and Lytton, as well as several provincial parks and protected areas, and 19 community watersheds.

The Merritt TSA includes the communities of Merritt and Princeton. It is bounded to the south by E.C. Manning and Cathedral Parks and the Canada-U.S.A. border and is popular with recreation enthusiasts.

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:

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