Audit of Boundary area forestry operations finds issues
VICTORIA – An audit of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and timber sale licence holders (TSL holders) in the Boundary timber supply area has found that forest planning, silviculture, fire protection, harvesting and road activities have complied with forest practices legislation, with one exception, according to a report released today.
Auditors found that one TSL holder failed to maintain natural surface drainage patterns on a road above unstable terrain, which created a risk of landslides and is not in compliance with legislation. All but one TSL holder also failed to formally assess the fire hazard following logging, so this is an area for improvement. BCTS activities complied with forestry legislation.
“Since the audit work was done, the TSL holder has fully decommissioned the road and addressed the surface drainage issues” said Tim Ryan, board chair. “The TSL holders also addressed the fire risk following logging by piling and burning slash and debris.”
BCTS is responsible for operational planning, silviculture, and most road and bridge construction, maintenance and deactivation outside cutblocks. Timber sale licence holders are responsible for harvesting, fire protection, and most road and bridge construction, maintenance and deactivation within cutblocks.
During the one-year audit period, BCTS built five kilometres of road, maintained 1,016 kilometres of road, installed two new bridges and maintained 74 bridges and major structures, while TSL holders constructed 36 kilometres of road, maintained 221 kilometres of road and deactivated 66 kilometres of road. Seven TSL holders harvested a total of 1,213 hectares of timber. The board’s fieldwork took place from May 25 to 28, 2015.
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
