BCTS operations near Williams Lake pass audit
VICTORIA - An audit of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and timber sale licence holders (TSL holders) in the Cariboo Chilcotin business area, in the Cariboo Chilcotin Natural Resource District, has found compliance with British Columbia's forestry legislation.
"BCTS and TSL holders complied with requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and complied with almost all requirements of the Wildfire Act," said Bruce Larson, acting board chair of the Forest Practices Board. "The one issue auditors found was that the TSL holders did not complete fire hazard assessments after logging. However, because they removed all logging debris that could pose a fire hazard as part of their standard procedures, this is considered an area to improve in the future."
The board examined forestry activities carried out between June 2021 and June 2022. During this period, BCTS constructed just under 12 kilometres of road and had maintenance obligations for 1,100 kilometres of road, one bridge and 59 major culverts. TSL holders constructed 153 kilometres of road, maintained 393 kilometres of road and harvested 78 cutblocks. Planting and stand-tending activities were also examined.
The Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District is bordered by the Coast Mountain Range to the west and the Cariboo Mountains to the east. The Fraser River runs north to south through the centre of the district. The western part of the district is on the Chilcotin plateau with drier forest types. The eastern portion of the district contains interior rainforests and high mountain forest types. The main communities within the district include Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Tatla Lake, Alexis Creek and Horsefly.
The audit took place within the traditional territories of the Secwepemc and Tsilhqot'in First Nations, and member Nations of the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance. The Forest Practices Board recognizes the importance of their historical relationship with the land that continues to this day.
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
Phone: 250 480-8594 / 1 800 994-5899
