Board to audit BCTS operations near Hazelton

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit forest practices of the BC Timber Sales Program in the Skeena Stikine Forest District from June 15 to 20.

The audit will examine timber harvesting, roads, silviculture, fire protection activities, and associated planning, conducted by timber sale licence holders and BCTS, for compliance with forest practices legislation.

BCTS’s operating areas are located throughout the Kispiox Timber Supply Area (TSA).

The Kispiox TSA contains a broad range of forest land resources, including timber and other forest products such as pine mushrooms, as well as outdoor recreation and tourism amenities, minerals and a variety of fish and wildlife habitats. It is also home to wildlife including the Kermode bear, grizzly bear, moose, mule deer and mountain goat.

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; and
• makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

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