VICTORIA — The Forest Practices Board will audit the forest practices of Stella-Jones Canada Inc. on Forest Licence A20196 starting August 7, 2012.

The audit will look at harvesting, silviculture, protection, road construction, road maintenance and deactivation, and operational planning that took place in the past two years for compliance with forest practices legislation.

The four operating areas to be audited are located on the east side of Upper Arrow Lake, near the communities of Nakusp and Burton. Stella-Jones operates within the Caribou Creek community watershed, which serves as a water supply for Burton.

This area is covered by the Kootenay Boundary Higher Level Plan Order. It is also the potential home to the Coeur d’Alene Salamander and the Interior Western Screech Owl, both considered to be species at risk.

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