Western Forest Products Inc. – FL A19231

NEWS RELEASE

Western Forest Products’ good practices noted in audit

VICTORIA – An audit of Western Forest Products Inc.’s (WFP) operations in the Campbell River district found that planning and practices complied with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act, according to a report released today.

“The board is pleased that we have two notable practices to report in this audit. One is WFP’s use of an electronic bridge ledger to track each structure and ensure it has met legal requirements and minimized safety and environmental risks. The other is WFP’s use of a terrain risk-management strategy to avoid potential damage to the environment,” said board chair Tim Ryan. “These two practices are in use across all of WFP’s operations and should be considered by other licensees.“

“Auditors did find one area of improvement involving a wooden box culvert that caused minor impacts to a small fish-bearing stream.”

The audit examined all aspects of operational planning and forest practices of WFP on forest licence A19231, carried out between July 2013 and July 2015. Operations were mainly located on Nootka Island, where they were managed by Nootka Sound Timber Co. Ltd.

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.

More information can be obtained by contacting:

Darlene Oman
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4705 / 1 800 994-5899