Forest Practices Board annual report details accomplishments

VICTORIA –The Forest Practices Board’s annual report, reviewing the board’s accomplishments and key findings from April 2011 to March 2012, was released today, and it illustrates the Board’s efforts to look at a range of different resource developments affecting public forest land.

“Last year we audited some non-typical forestry operations to see if the generally good compliance we have found in the forest sector extended to other industries as well,” said Al Gorley, board chair. “We audited forest clearing operations of two oil and gas companies and one ski-hill development, and we investigated a complaint about a hydroelectric project. Compliance was good in each case.”

The board completed and published the results of eight audits; started four more; responded to dozens of questions, concerns and complaints from the public; and released six reports about issues affecting B.C.’s public lands.

In keeping with the board’s strategic priorities, key report topics included the effectiveness of the province at re-stocking its forests; how well the forest industry reports its activities to government; and implementation of fire management planning throughout the province.

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.

The annual report can be viewed and printed from the Forest Practices Board website: http://www.fpb.gov.bc.ca/Annual_Reports.htm

More information:
Helen Davies, Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4708 / 1 800 994-5899