VICTORIA – An audit of three non-renewable forest licences (NRFL) held by the Ts'elxweyeqw, Leq'a:mel and Skwah First Nations in the Chilliwack Natural Resource District found compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, according to a new report.

NRFL A75807 is held by Ts'elxweyeqw Forestry Limited Partnership. Its operations were located near Chilliwack Lake.

NRFL A79504 is held by Leq'a:mel Forestry Limited Partnership. Its operations were located in the Statlu Creek area, west of Harrison Lake.

NRFL A90380 is held by the Skwah First Nation. Its operations were located near Wahleach (Jones) Lake.

"Our audit found that all three licensees carried out good forest practices and met the requirements of forest practice legislation," said Kevin Kriese, chair, Forest Practices Board. "They also addressed other forest values during operations with Ts'elxweyeqw Forestry LP and Skwah First Nation protecting visual quality in scenic areas, and Leq'a:mel Forestry LP protecting spotted owl habitat in its operating area."

Auditors examined all timber harvesting, road construction, maintenance and deactivation, reforestation and fire prevention activities carried out between August 2017 and August 2019.

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.

Contact:

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