Canfor gets clean audit for Chetwynd forest license

VICTORIA – Canadian Forest Products Ltd. (Canfor) has demonstrated sound forest practices in Forest Licence (FL) A18151 and is fully compliant with forest practices legislation, the Forest Practices Board reported today.

The Board conducted an audit of Canfor’s planning, field activities and obligations in the areas of operational planning, timber harvesting, road deactivation, silviculture and fire protection in FL A18151 between May 1, 2003 and May 25, 2004. The audit found that Canfor is compliant in all significant respects under the Forest Practices Code and Forest Range and Practices Act for their activities in these areas.

FL A18151 is a volume-based tenure operating around the communities of Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope, Dawson Creek and Tumbler Ridge. The Dawson Creek Land and Resource Management Plan is applicable to the operating area.

“Canfor’s approach to harvesting is reflective of natural disturbance patterns, and is being planned and conducted to address biodiversity and visual quality values”, said board chair Bruce Fraser. “The board commends Canfor for its performance, and for respecting the spirit and intent of local land-use plans on a voluntary basis.”

The Forest Practices Board is an independent public watchdog that reports to the public about compliance with the Forest Practices Code and the achievement of its intent. The board’s mandate has been retained under the new Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA). The board’s main roles under FRPA are:

• Auditing forest practices of government and licence holders on public lands.
• Auditing government enforcement of FRPA.
• Investigating public complaints.
• Undertaking special investigations of forestry issues.
• Participating in administrative appeals.
• Providing reports on board activities, findings and recommendations.

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Erik Kaye
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 356-1586 / 1 800 994-5899