Quesnel-area rancher passes audit
VICTORIA - An audit of a range agreement for grazing cattle in the Quesnel Natural Resource District found that the rancher met the requirements of the Forest and Range Practices Act.
The range tenure was selected randomly for audit.
"Range practices were consistent with the range-use plan and the legal requirements, and protected water values," said Kevin Kriese, chair, Forest Practices Board. "The rancher did a good job of protecting resources while grazing their cattle on public land."
The tenure covers just under 10,000 hectares in total and permits grazing of 620 Animal Unit Months (an AUM is the amount of forage consumed by a cow in a 30-day period). It is located 30 kilometres northwest of Quesnel, within the territories of the the Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot’in and Dakelh Nations.
The auditors examined range planning and practices for compliance with the act and the Range Regulation. This included looking at maps and the grazing schedule, which identifies the period of use and number of livestock authorized for grazing. Auditors also examined compliance with requirements to protect areas along streams and wetlands, upland areas away from streams, drinking water quality, licensed waterworks and fish habitat.
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 and appropriateness of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.
Contact:
Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899
