Board welcomes two new members, gets new vice-chair

VICTORIA – Al Gorley, chair of the Forest Practices Board, issued the following statement upon the Cabinet appointment of two new board members, and a new vice-chair, announced by Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson last week:

“On behalf of board members and staff at the Forest Practices Board, we are pleased to welcome Ralph Archibald and Dr. William McGill to our organization, and also to congratulate Dr. Rachel Holt on her appointment as vice-chair. These board members bring an extensive knowledge of forestry and environment-related issues to the table, which will help guide the board’s work into the future.

“Ralph Archibald has a strong government background and extensive experience in the natural resource sector, Bill McGill has expertise in sustainable land use, resource recovery and soil remediation, and Rachel Holt brings a big-picture, pragmatic approach to board discussions, particularly in the area of ecosystem management – all of which collectively ensure that many different facets of forest stewardship can be explored effectively by the board.

“At the same time, we extend sincere thanks to John Dunford and Debbie Zandbelt, whose terms have ended, for their contributions to the board and to the people of B.C.

“John Dunford has served a four-year term on the board, the last three as vice-chair, and has consistently worked to ensure the board provides a fair and balanced perspective. John’s involvement in a wide range of high-level industry initiatives allowed him to help the board focus its deliberations at a strategic level.

“Debbie Zandbelt served a five-year term and has energetically brought forward a practical, on-the-ground perspective. Debbie has worked particularly hard to ensure the board’s work is rigorous and relevant to practicing forest professionals.”

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