Kootenay area community forests get clean audits
VICTORIA – A Forest Practices Board audit of two community forests in the Kootenay Lake Forest District has determined that their operations are compliant with the law, according to a report released today.
The Harrop-Procter Community Forest and the Kaslo and District Community Forest Society (KDCFS) were audited in June 2008. In the Harrop-Proctor Community Forest, 800 residents take their water from streams in the community forest, so the primary concern is protecting domestic water sources. In the KDCFS operating area there are six community watersheds and 14 domestic watersheds, so water protection, along with protection of visual resources, is also of great concern.
These two community forests face significant challenges, given their proximity to communities and the public’s reliance on water sources within the community forests, said board chair Bruce Fraser. “Both of these operations demonstrated good practices, and are notable for putting concerns of local residents in the forefront when planning operations.”
The audit examined operational planning; timber harvesting; road construction and maintenance; silviculture; and fire-protection practices carried out between June 1, 2007, and June 12, 2008. The Board’s audit fieldwork took place from June 11-12, 2008.
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; and
- makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.
