VICTORIA – A Forest Practices Board audit released today found that the operations of Stuwix Resources Ltd., in the Cascades Forest District, have fully met the requirements of forest practices legislation.

“The board is pleased to find that Stuwix Resources Ltd. received a clean audit while harvesting beetle infested trees,” said board chair Bruce Fraser. “Although the audit identified a few instances where water management during road construction should be improved, the board recognizes that the company is making a constructive effort to upgrade its overall road construction practices and encourages Stuwix to implement these changes.”

The audit report covered forest operations carried out by Stuwix’ on forest licence A65006, located mainly to the north, south and east of Merritt, in the Merritt Timber Supply Area. Auditors examined operational planning; construction, maintenance and deactivation of roads; timber harvesting; silviculture; and fire protection activities carried out between June 1, 2005, and June 28, 2006.

The Forest Practices Board is an independent public watchdog that reports to the public about compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the achievement of its intent. The board’s main roles are:

• Auditing forest practices of government and licence holders on public lands.
• Auditing government enforcement of FRPA.
• Investigating public complaints.
• Undertaking special investigations of forestry issues.
• Participating in administrative appeals.
• Providing reports on board activities, findings and recommendations.