Board to audit Conifex forest licence

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit forest licence A15385, held by Conifex Mackenzie Forest Products Inc., in the Mackenzie Forest District, from Oct. 4 to Oct. 8, 2010.

Conifex purchased the licence from AbitibiBowater earlier this year. There has not been any active logging on this licence for the past few years, and there are currently no active operations. As a result, the audit will focus on operational planning, road and bridge maintenance and silviculture obligations.

The operating area for the licence is located about 270 kilometres north of Prince George, west of the Williston Reservoir, extending from Omineca Provincial Park to Finlay-Russel Provincial Park.

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