VICTORIA – An audit of Canfor’s Tree Farm Licence (TFL) 14, south of Golden, found compliance with British Columbia’s forestry legislation, according to a report released today.

“Canfor complied with requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act,” said Tim Ryan, board chair. “Auditors did find that Canfor had not completed fire-hazard assessments for all cutblocks, but had treated all fire hazards by piling and burning slash. Canfor was in the midst of developing procedures for fire-hazard assessments when the audit took place, but they had not yet been fully implemented.”

The audit covered all forestry activities carried out in the TFL between July 2014 and July 2016. Canfor harvested 50 cutblocks, built 60 kilometres of road and four bridges, and had road maintenance obligations for 1,191 kilometres of road and 50 bridges. Canfor also planted 78 cutblocks with new trees.

The board examined these activities, as well as silviculture treatments to assist planted cutblocks to reach free-growing – such as manually removing competing brush and vegetation – and fire-protection activities.

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 and appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899