VICTORIA – The board will audit the forest practices of the McBride Community Forest Corporation and the Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd., starting Monday, Sept. 24, in McBride and Valemount.

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

Community forests are area-based tenures granted by the Province to foster local control over, and enjoyment of, the benefits offered by local forest resources in these communities.

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