Clean Audits in Beetle Country for Both C&C and Lakeland
VICTORIA – Both C&C Wood Products Ltd. (C&C) and Lakeland Mills Ltd. ( Lakeland) have demonstrated sound forest practices, the Forest Practices Board reported in two compliance audit reports released today.
In response to the unprecedented mountain pine beetle epidemic in the B.C. Interior, both C&C and Lakeland are focusing the majority of their harvesting activities on the salvage of infested stands. C&C is operating in the East Narcosli area of the Quesnel Forest District, west of the Fraser River; and Lakeland is operating in both the Prince George and Vanderhoof Forest Districts.
“Given the pressure to salvage infested stands while economically viable, the board is pleased that both C&C and Lakeland are in full compliance with forest practices legislation,” said board chair Bruce Fraser. “The board encourages C&C and Lakeland to continue to comply with the legal requirements for planning and forest practices, while focusing on beetle-infested stands.”
The audit reports covered C&C’s forestry operations for the period from Sept. 1, 2004 to Sept. 21, 2005, and Lakeland’s operations for the period from Aug. 1, 2004 to Aug. 26, 2005. Auditors examined timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance, and reforestation obligations.
The Forest Practices Board is an independent public watchdog that reports to the public about compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and the achievement of its intent. 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 or 1-800-994-5899
