Mission tree farm licence gets good audit result

VICTORIA – An audit of tree farm licence (TFL) 26, held by the District of Mission in the Chilliwack Forest District, found good planning and forest practices, according to a report released today.

“Given the proximity of their forestry activities to Mission residential areas, the District of Mission did a commendable job of communicating its operations to local residents,” said board chair Al Gorley.

The audit was conducted in fall 2009. The board audited forest planning and practices since September 2007, including activities on 57 cutblocks, over 90 kilometres of road and 17 bridges.

Although the district’s activities on TFL 26 are not subject to any land-use plans, forestry activities were found to be consistent with government objectives for scenic areas and old-growth values.

A tree farm licence is an area-based tenure that grants the licensee virtually exclusive rights to harvest timber. TFL 26 was the first and only municipally held TFL in British Columbia from 1958 until the early 1990s.

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 and appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4705 / 1-800 994-5899