VICTORIA – Three non-replaceable forest licences—A80706, held by Tk’emlupsemc Forestry Development Corporation, A81385, held by the Ashcroft Indian Band and A83410, held by the Neskonlith Indian Band—will be audited the week of June 20, 2011.

The licences are located within the Kamloops Timber Supply Area (TSA), in the Kamloops Forest District. Auditors will examine road and bridge construction and maintenance, silviculture, timber harvesting, fire protection activities, and associated planning for compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act.

The Kamloops TSA features a variety of natural resources including rangelands, recreation and tourism amenities and wildlife habitat—some of which require special consideration due to their rarity or restricted ranges. The North and South Thompson rivers flow through the heart of the Kamloops TSA, providing a highly productive riparian system that supports many fish species. The areas being audited are near the communities of Kamloops and Barriere, where recent fires and insect attacks have dictated harvest priorities.

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 has an interest in any forest practices on public land that may impact forest values, regardless of who carries out the practices. 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