Board to audit forestry operations in Chilcotin, Central Cariboo

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit the forest practices of Klatassine Resources Ltd., forest licence (FL) A81390, held by the Tl’etinqox-T’in Government (Anaham Band), from September 20 to September 24.

The audit will examine planning, harvesting, roads, silviculture and fire protection activities for compliance with forest practices legislation.

Forest licence A81390 is located in the both the Chilcotin and Central Cariboo Forest Districts, west of the Fraser River and north of the Chilcotin River, in the Tl’etinqox-T’in’s traditional territory. Special resource management issues in Klatassine’s operating area include maintaining the wilderness character of fishing lakes and protection of white pelican habitat.

The licence was issued to harvest lodgepole pine that has been heavily attacked by mountain pine beetle. Although there was heavy fire damage in the Bull Canyon Fire Complex this year, it does not appear  to have impacted Klatassine’s harvested cutblocks.

The licence has an allowable annual cut of 73,459 cubic metres.

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