VICTORIA – An audit of Winton Global Lumber Ltd.'s activities on forest licence A18171, in the Fort St. James Natural Resource District, found compliance with the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, according to a report released today.

All activities carried out by Winton Global between June 2015 and June 2017 were included in the audit. The audited activities included harvesting timber, constructing, maintaining and deactivating forestry roads, reforesting logged sites, wildfire protection and associated planning.

The audit did find two cutblocks where soil disturbance was excessive. "What happened is that the equipment operators skidded felled trees through moist ground and caused excessive rutting of the soil," said board chair Tim Ryan. "This type of disturbance can reduce soil productivity and impact growing conditions for new trees."

Winton Global recognized it might have a soil disturbance issue and had a soil disturbance survey completed. The survey found that the disturbance was within the limits allowed in the legislation. "Although the soil disturbance was in compliance, it's not a sound forest practice and could have been avoided," said Ryan.

Winton Global's forestry activities were located around the community of Fort St. James. Harvesting was focused on salvaging timber damaged by the mountain pine beetle.

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

Contact:

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