BC Forest Practices Board will audit BCTS operations in Haida Gwaii TSA

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will examine the activities of BC Timber Sales (BCTS) and timber sale licence holders in the Haida Gwaii Timber Supply Area (TSA) portion of the Chinook Business Area.

BCTS’s operating areas are in the Haida Gwaii Natural Resource District located west of Prince Rupert. Approximately half of Haida Gwaii is in protected areas and about 35% of the nonprotected areas are in the timber harvesting land base. BCTS’s operating areas are predominantly situated on Graham Island, with smaller portions extending into northern
Moresby Island.

The audit area is located within the territory of the Haida Nation, which includes the protected areas of the Naikoon Provincial Park and Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve. Protected areas are co-operatively managed by the Haida Nation and the provincial and federal governments.

The biological diversity on Haida Gwaii is high with many plant and animal species unique to the area. The Haida Gwaii Land Use Objectives Order established stewardship objectives for many of these species.

Auditors will examine whether timber harvesting, roads, bridges, silviculture and fire protection activities, and associated planning carried out between May 1, 2022, and May 31, 2024, met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act. The audit will take place during the week of May 27, 2024.

Once the audit work is complete, auditors will prepare a draft report. Any party that may be adversely affected by the audit findings will have a chance to respond. The board’s final report and any recommendations will then be released to the public and government.

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

Contact:

Ainsley Muller
Communications

ainsley.muller@bcfpb.ca
Phone: 604 880-3580