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The Board carried out a full-scope compliance audit of Metlakatla Forestry Corporation’s (MFC) First Nations Woodland Licence (FNWL) N3B in the Great Bear Rainforest North Timber Supply Area. The audit examined all planning and activities carried out under FNWL N3B between August 1, 2022, and August 12, 2024.
The MFC complied with the Forest and Range Practices Act and the Wildfire Act as of August 2024. Roads were built before the audit period, and no bridges or major culverts were constructed. As a result, road and major structure construction were not in scope for this audit. Similarly, fire hazard abatement was not due during the audit period; however, slash piles were observed to be in safe locations away from standing timber.
Forest Stewardship Plan alignment
The MFC’s Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) was subject to, and met requirements within, the Great Bear Rainforest Land Use Order. This order specifies management objectives for items such as old growth, wildlife and cultural values. The MFC also managed riparian areas and wildlife tree patches consistent with its FSP.
Fire hazard assessment and abatement
A regional assessment was used to determine what practices were adequate when conducting fire hazard assessment and abatement within the N3B FNWL. The regional assessment document met requirements within the Wildfire Regulation and practice standards outlined by the BC Wildfire Service.
Deactivated Roads
The licence holder deactivated, signed and barricaded main access roads for both cutblocks harvested during the audit period. Auditors found no signs of altered drainage pathways or noteworthy erosion of the road prism.
Overall, the audit shows that the Metlakatla Forestry Corporation translated careful, value-based planning into compliant field practices and demonstrated responsible forest stewardship in the Great Bear Rainforest.
This audit took place within the territory of the Metlakatla and Tsimshian First Nations. These Indigenous Peoples have been stewards of the land since time immemorial, and the Board recognizes their deep connection with the land that continues to this day.
