VICTORIA – An audit of two non-replaceable forest licences held by Pacific Bioenergy Timber Corp. and RPP Holdings Inc. in the Quesnel district found both companies’ forest planning, fire protection, harvesting and road activities met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act. However, Pacific Bioenergy had an area of improvement involving fire hazard assessment.

Pacific Bioenergy completed fire hazard assessments on two cutblocks following logging operations, but did not conduct assessments on two others. They treated the fire hazard on all four sites by piling and burning slash and debris, so the assessments were noted as an area for improvement.

“We are pleased to find that RPP Holdings followed the requirements of forest practices legislation,” said board chair Tim Ryan. “Pacific Bioenergy did well in the audit too, but needs to ensure fire hazard assessments are completed. The company has advised the board it will be completing hazard assessments in the future.”

Pacific Bioenergy harvested 94,479 cubic metres of timber under non-replaceable forest licence A76553 for use as wood pellets, while RPP Holdings harvested 540,828 cubic metres of timber under non-replaceable forest licence A76729 primarily for sawlogs. Both forest licences are near the Village of Nazko, about 100 km west of Quesnel.

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