Audit of woodlot near Creston finds problems
VICTORIA – An audit of forestry activities on a woodlot in the Selkirk Natural Resource District found that the woodlot licensee failed to comply with B.C.’s forestry legislation for silviculture activities, according to a report released today. However, planning and road maintenance activities did meet the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act.
“The auditors found that the woodlot licensee did not meet obligations related to reforesting previously logged sites or reporting these activities to government,” said Tim Ryan, board chair. “Although this woodlot licensee did not harvest any cutblocks in the last two years, it did have obligations for growing a new crop of trees on seven cutblocks harvested in the past. The licensee did not meet its obligations on any of these cutblocks.”
The audit examined planning, road maintenance, and silviculture activities conducted between September 2013 and September 2015 in Woodlot 437, just east of Creston. No harvesting, road construction or fire protection activities were audited because none were carried out during that time period.
The board has asked the woodlot licensee to update the reporting and develop a plan to address the silviculture issues noted in the audit.
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
