VICTORIA - Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd. operations in the Okanagan Valley is complying with the Forest Practices Code according to a Forest Practices Board audit released today. "Gorman's practices complied with the Code in all significant respects," said Board Chair, Keith Moore. "The company used innovative methods to provide the public with an adequate opportunity to review and comment on the forest development plan. Public review and comment is an important part of the development of plans for forest harvesting and road construction. The Board notes Gorman's efforts to prepare understandable plans, make them available to the public and encourage comments."

The audit examined timber harvesting, construction, maintenance and deactivation of roads, and the associated planning, carried out between June 15, 1998 and June 15, 1999 on Forest Licence A18671. The licence was selected for audit randomly, not on the basis of location or level of performance.

Gorman's three main operating areas are around Keremeos, west of Summerland and west of Peachland. There are smaller operating areas on the east side of Okanagan Lake near Naramata and in the vicinity of Monashee Park, northeast of Lumby.

The Board has undertaken nine compliance audits this year. Gorman's is the first of the 1999 audit reports to be published. The Board is BC's independent watchdog for sound forest practices. The Board reports to the public and government about compliance with the Forest Practices Code and the achievement of its intent. The Board's main roles are: auditing forest practices, undertaking investigations in response to public complaints, undertaking special investigations of any Code related forestry issues, participating in administrative reviews and appeals and providing reports on Board activities, findings and recommendations.