VICTORIA – Bruce Fraser, chair of the Forest Practices Board, issued the following statement today after professional forester John Dunford’s appointment to the board was officially announced by Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman:

“On behalf of board members and staff at the Forest Practices Board, we are pleased to welcome John Dunford to our organization. He brings an extensive knowledge of forestry-related issues to the table, and will make a significant contribution to our work, particularly with regard to sustainability, and the realities faced by the forest industry in the current environment.

“John has had more than 30 years of experience as a professional forester in B.C., and is currently employed as the manager of forestry and sustainability by Tolko Industries. He is also the chair of the Canadian Standards Association’s Sustainable Forestry Management Users Group and serves on committees for the Forest Product Association of Canada, the B.C. Market Outreach Network and the Association of B.C. Forest Professionals.

“We would also like to congratulate Guenter Stahl on his re-appointment to the board for a two-year term. Guenter was first appointed in 2004, and with more than 30 years of experience in the province’s forestry ministry, he will continue to be a valuable asset to us.  Guenter’s history includes that of working as district manager for the Bulkley/Cassiar Forest District from 1985 to 1999; being a founding member of the Bulkley Valley Community Resources Board; and helping to oversee the introduction and implementation of the Forest Practices Code and results-based Code pilot projects.

“It is with gratitude and good wishes that we bid goodbye to outgoing board member Barb Shirley.  Her contributions to the board included the extensive northern experience she brought to our deliberations, gained during the many years she served as the Mayor of Chetwynd.  She also brought knowledge about forestry matters acquired while serving as a lay member of the governing council of the Association of BC Forest Professionals.  Her wisdom, directness and sense of humour were highly valued by her colleagues on the board and served on many occasions to keep us aware of the realities of rural resource dependent communities.”

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.

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