Ranching operations near 100 Mile House get good audit

VICTORIA – The holders of three cattle grazing and one hay cutting licence met the requirements of the provincial Forest and Range Practices Act, according to an audit report released today.

“The board is pleased to see these range tenure holders doing a good job of managing their tenures and ensuring their cattle can graze on public land without causing negative environmental impacts,” said board chair, Tim Ryan.

The audit looked at cattle grazing activities on three grazing tenures about 20 kilometres northeast of 100 Mile House, south of Canim Lake. A hay cutting tenure was also included in the audit, but hay had not been cut in recent years.

The audit found that cattle were kept in designated pastures, so that grasses had appropriate opportunity to recover after grazing. Riparian areas near streams were protected from trampling and forage and browse were not over-grazed. Licensed waterworks were protected and fences and other range developments were maintained as required.

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:

Kairry Nguyen
Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4707 / 1 800 994-5899