Forest Harvesting and Streamflows in the Bonneau Creek Watershed
In June 2014, a landowner near Echo Lake, east of Lumby BC, complained to the Board that forest harvesting in the Bonneau Creek watershed was altering streamflows through his private land. During the spring, high flows were causing damage to his property and, by mid-summer, the stream was dry. As well, the complainant says that the woodlot licensee did not consider his concerns about harvesting effects on streamflows.
The report examined: 1) whether forest harvesting affected streamflows in Bonneau Creek; 2) whether licensees considered the risk of harvesting on streamflows; and 3) whether the woodlot licensee’s public consultation met FRPAs requirements.
Forest Harvesting and Streamflows in the Bonneau Creek Watershed
Closing Letter – Harvesting in Moose Ungulate Winter Range in the Okanagan District
Resident of Lake Country filed a complaint with the Board asserting that Tolko Industries Ltd. overharvested trees in moose ungulate winter range, not meeting the requirements of an Order under the Government Actions Regulation for Ungulate Winter Range #U-8-006 – Okanagan TSA.
Closing Letter – Harvesting in Moose Ungulate Winter Range in the Okanagan District
Harvesting Upslope of Cabins Along East Shuswap Lake
On November 5, 2013, the Forest Practices Board received a complaint about proposed harvesting and road construction, planned by Canoe Forest Products’ Ltd., a subsidiary of Gorman Bros. Lumber Ltd., in an area upslope of seasonal cabins on the east side of Shuswap Lake.
This complaint investigation highlights the responsibility licensees have to ensure stakeholder involvement and communications are consistent, timely, responsive, transparent and collaborative. It also demonstrates the responsibility of the public to get involved, share in building a working relationship with the licensee, and become an active part of the forest management process.
Harvesting Upslope of Cabins Along East Shuswap Lake
Closing Letter – Bernstorff Spring
Water Quality in Oyama and Vernon Creek Community Watersheds in the Okanagan Shuswap District
Audit of Forest and Range Planning and Practices Affecting Water Quality in Oyama and Vernon Creek Community Watersheds
Safe drinking water is a critically important resource to the people of British Columbia. This audit set out to assess forest and range practices in relation to water quality and fish habitat in two Okanagan community watersheds – Vernon and Oyama Creek. To do this, auditors assessed compliance of forest and range practices with applicable legislated requirements, and the effectiveness of practices in protecting these values, from September 2008 through October 2010.
Auditors noted the efforts made by MFLNRO to address water quality concerns during the audit period. New and replacement range developments were being established but had not yet been completed. However, some problems with the new developments were identified, and auditors were not able to predict the efficacy of developments to be completed after the audit fieldwork.
Overall, the audit showed that range practices need continued improvement to meet legislative requirements and further reduce risks to water quality.
