2018-2022 Audit Seasons – Summary of Findings

NEWS RELEASE

BC Forest Practices Board Releases 2018-2022 Audit Summary Report

VICTORIA – The BC Forest Practices Board has published its comprehensive summary report detailing the audit findings from 2018 to 2022. This special report encapsulates the results of 43 audits conducted over the five-year period, highlighting trends, compliance levels, and areas needing improvement across British Columbia’s diverse forest and range management practices.

Key Highlights from the 2018-2022 Audit Summary Report:

Overall Compliance: Most licensees were found to comply with legislative requirements, with 86 percent of findings in full compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and the Wildfire Act.
Audit Scope: The Board reviewed 675 recently harvested cutblocks, inspected 1,005 stream crossings, and evaluated 1,028 kilometres of road construction or deactivation across 20 natural resource districts.
Non-Compliance: The report identifies several instances of significant non-compliance, particularly in bridge and road construction, fire hazard assessments, and silviculture reporting. These findings underscore the need for ongoing improvements in specific areas to ensure the sustainable management of forest resources.

Findings by Category:

Harvesting: Significant non-compliances were noted in the classification and protection of riparian areas and the management of visual quality objectives.
Silviculture: Issues included delays in achieving free-growing status and failures in timely reporting of forest cover inventories and silviculture treatments.
Roads and Bridges: Frequent significant non-compliances involved safety and structural integrity issues, highlighting the need for better adherence to design and construction standards.
Wildfire Act Requirements: Common non-compliances included inadequate fire hazard assessments and preparedness, particularly in areas with high-risk industrial activities.
Range Management: Significant non-compliances were found related to the adverse effects of grazing on riparian and fish habitats.

Statement from Board Chair Keith Atkinson: “As the independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices in British Columbia, the Forest Practices Board is dedicated to promoting continuous improvement through rigorous audits and transparent reporting. This five-year summary provides critical insights into the state of compliance across various tenures and highlights areas where targeted efforts are needed to enhance the sustainability and resilience of our forest ecosystems.”

SUMMARY