This is a report on a compliance audit of the SBFEP, in the South Island Forest District. The audit examined all aspects of the district’s forest planning and practices in the SBFEP for the period of May 1, 1996, to June 30, 1997. The audit assessed compliance with the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act and related regulations (the Code).This audit included a complete examination of operational plans, including all aspects of the forest development plan, silviculture prescriptions, logging and fire preparedness plans. It also included a complete examination of forest practices including timber harvesting, silviculture, fire protection, and road construction, maintenance, and deactivation.

In early 1997, the Forest Practices Board began a special investigation into forest planning and practices around streams in coastal British Columbia. Logging practices around streams were the subject of public controversy at the time. The Board decided to undertake this investigation in its role as public watchdog over effective forest management, and because streams and their adjacent riparian areas are of great interest to the public and to organizations involved in forestry