VICTORIA – The board will audit the forest practices of International Forest Products Ltd. Forest Licences A16850 and A82001, starting June 25, 2012.

The audit will examine operational planning, harvesting, roads, silviculture, fire preparedness and hazard abatement for compliance with forest practices legislation.

The audit area extends north from Cape Caution to Price Island (centred about 160 kilometres north of Port Hardy). Communities in the audit area include Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

These forest licences are within the area covered by the South Central Coast and Central North Coast Orders and the audit will look at compliance with the ecosystem-based management requirements of these orders.

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