Board to audit Tembec forestry operations in Cranbrook Area

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit forest practices of Tembec Forest Industries in Forest Licence (FL) A19040 in the Cranbrook Timber Supply Area (TSA) from July 5 to 10.

The audit will examine planning, harvesting, roads, silviculture and fire protection activities for compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act.

The Cranbrook TSA lies within the Rocky Mountain Forest District and includes numerous parks and recreation areas, including portions of the Purcell Wilderness Conservancy, Height of the Rockies Provincial Park and Top of the World Provincial Park.

Areas subject to audit are located south and east of Cranbrook to the U.S. and the Alberta borders, and around the communities of Elko, Fernie and Sparwood, as well as northwest of Cranbrook around Kimberley.

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