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VICTORIA – Planning and forestry activities on two woodlots in the Quesnel Forest District, in central British Columbia, met all legal requirements, according to an audit of their operations released today.

“Both woodlots have been in existence for over 10 years and are managed by individuals,” said board chair Bruce Fraser. “We’re pleased to find that these two woodlot licensees have been demonstrating sound forest practices that comply with legislative requirements.”

The audits of woodlot licences W1412 and W1592 took place in June 2009, and looked at forest practices going back to January 2007 for compliance with the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act, the Forest and Range Practices Act, Wildfire Act, Woodlot Licence Forest Management regulation, and Woodlot Licence Planning and Practices regulation.

The audit examined each woodlot licensee’s planning, timber harvesting, road construction and maintenance, and silviculture activities and obligations, such as planting harvested sites and achieving free-growing stands of new trees. The audit also considered whether activities were consistent with relevant sections of the Cariboo Chilcotin Land Use Plan, such as maintaining visual quality.

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.
• Makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.