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VICTORIA – Carrier Lumber Ltd.’s forest practices complied with legislative requirements while harvesting beetle-infested stands near Prince George last year, according to an audit released by the Forest Practices Board today.

The board audited Carrier’s non-replaceable forest licence A70174, which allows them to harvest 300,000 cubic metres of damaged timber within the Prince George Forest District.

“The Province gives out these licences to harvest beetle-killed timber before it loses its economic value,” said board chair Bruce Fraser. “As Carrier Lumber demonstrates, this urgent harvest can still be done in compliance with legislation.”

The board conducted a “limited scope” audit, which means that only harvesting, road activities and associated planning that took place between July 1, 2005 and July 13, 2006 were examined.

The board’s only suggestion to Carrier was that bridge construction practices could be improved to ensure personal safety. They identified one bridge that was not built as designed, nor independently certified as required by the Forest Road Regulation.

To address this, Carrier has since modified their internal management system with respect to bridge construction. The board encourages Carrier to continue to use these measures.

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;
• audits appropriateness of government enforcement;
• investigates public complaints;
• undertakes special investigations of current forestry issues;
• participates in administrative appeals; and
• makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.