Victoria – John Cuthbert was re-appointed to the Forest Practices Board by the government on Thursday, February 18th. Cuthbert is a forester with a long distinguished career with the Ministry of Forests, including nine years as Chief Forester for the province. He is a resident of Summerland and was first appointed to the Board in 1997. Cuthbert will serve as Vice-Chair and his term with the Board has been extended until April 30, 2001.

“I am very pleased to be continuing my work with the Board. I feel that the Board has made significant progress in carrying out its mandate. We are now beginning to produce substantial results in audits, investigations and other work,” said Cuthbert.

With Cindy Pearce, Jack Toovey and Frances Vyse finishing up their terms with the Board, current member Klaus Offermann and Board Chair Keith Moore, await the upcoming appointment of new members. “John Cuthbert has been a real asset to the Board. We are happy to receive confirmation of his re-appointment and are looking forward to continuing our work with John as our Vice-Chair,” said Moore.

Created in 1995, the Board is BC’s independent watchdog for sound forest practices. The Board provides British Columbians with objective and independent assessments of the state of forest planning and practices in the province, compliance with the Code, and the achievement of its intent. The Board’s main roles are: auditing forest practices, undertaking investigations in response to public complaints, undertaking special investigations of any Code related forestry issues, participating in administrative reviews and appeals and providing reports on Board activities, findings and recommendations. Information about the Forest Practices Board and its activities is available from the Board office and on the Internet.