Board to audit BCTS operations in Williams Lake area

VICTORIA – During the week of May 30, 2022, the Forest Practices Board will examine the activities of the BC Timber Sales (BCTS) program and timber-sale licence holders near Williams Lake, in the Cariboo-Chilcotin Natural Resource District.

Auditors will examine whether timber harvesting, roads, bridges, silviculture, fire protection activities and associated planning carried out between June 1, 2020, and June 3, 2022, met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act.

The audit area is located in the Williams Lake Timber Supply Area (TSA), which includes the communities of Williams Lake, Anahim Lake, Tatla Lake, Alexis Creek, and Horsefly. The TSA overlaps the traditional territories of the Secwepemc, Tsilhqot’in, and the Southern Dakelh Nation Alliance. There are many resources in the TSA, including timber, recreation, tourism, ranching, and wildlife.

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

Of the 12 BCTS programs in the province, two BCTS programs are randomly chosen each year for audit. Audit selections are not based on complaints or on the past performance of the BCTS program.

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 land, as well as appropriateness of government enforcement.

Contact:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 480-8594 / 1 800 994-5899