Forest Practices Board welcomes two new members

VICTORIA  – Doug Donaldson, Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, has announced the appointment of two new members to the Forest Practices Board.

Kevin Kriese, board chair, is pleased to welcome members Cindy Stern and Gail Wallin.

“Cindy brings a wealth of strategic forestry knowledge and important experience working with First Nations to the board,” Kriese said. “Gail brings her governance and conflict resolution experience and her knowledge of a broad range of forest and range issues and stakeholders.

“Both of them complement the current experience on the board and will help us to ensure the many diverse points of view across the public spectrum are considered in our work.”

A registered professional forester, Stern has spent the past 14 years as a consultant working primarily with First Nations communities on the B.C. coast, advising on strategic forestry matters, resource management, economic development and administration. Prior to that, she held several leadership positions with B.C.?s ministry of forests and range and the Ontario ministry of natural resources.

Wallin has worked in the natural resource management field as an outdoor educator, professional facilitator and as an executive with non-government organizations. She has held senior leadership roles with the BC Forestry Association, Fraser Basin Council and is currently the executive director for the Invasive Species Council of BC. For over 25 years, Wallin has also had her own consulting business specializing in facilitation of natural resource and Indigenous initiatives.

The new appointees join current vice-chair Bruce Larson, and members Rick Monchak and Gerry Grant.

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 and appropriateness of government enforcement on public lands, investigates public complaints and current forestry issues, participates in administrative appeals and makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

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.

Contact:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
250 480-8594