Board to audit BCTS forest practices near Quesnel

VICTORIA – The Forest Practices Board will audit forest practices of the BC Timber Sales program in the Quesnel Forest District during the week of July 28, 2008.

The board carries out periodic independent audits to see if government and forest companies are complying with provincial forest practices legislation.

The audit will look at forestry operations conducted by timber sale licensees, as well as government’s BCTS program.

Operational planning; timber harvesting; road and bridge construction and maintenance; silviculture; and fire protection activities carried out between July 1, 2007, and Aug. 4, 2008 will be assessed for compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act, the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act and the Wildfire Act.

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;
• audits appropriateness of government enforcement;
• investigates public complaints;
• undertakes special investigations of current forestry issues;
• participates in administrative appeals; and
• makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.

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