VICTORIA – Bruce Fraser, chair of the Forest Practices Board, issued the following statement following appointments to the board announced by Forests and Range Minister Rich Coleman:

“We are pleased to welcome Rachel Holt and Debbie Zandbelt to the board. They bring extensive backgrounds in forestry-related issues, and will make a significant contribution to our work in key areas such as endangered species, the mountain pine beetle epidemic, and silviculture.

The re-appointment of Geoff Battersby, Mark Haddock and Dave Mannix will ensure our board continues to reflect the perspective of community-based forestry and environmental issues, and the crucial role of First Nations communities in B.C.’s forest sector. Guenther Stahl and Barb Shirley will provide valuable insight and analysis to our work as their terms continue.

On behalf of the entire board, I want to recognize the contributions of Fred Lowenberger and Darcy Mitchell to the Forest Practices Board. Fred was a constant source of practical, on-the-ground advice for the last four years, and we benefited greatly from his decades of experience with the forest industry. Darcy brought a unique perspective to the board with her groundbreaking research on the non-timber forest products sector and her deep concern for community-based forest management. Fred and Darcy were valued members and will be missed around the board table.

Finally, I am honoured to be able to continue as board chair for the next three years. With our renewed team of board members and professional board staff, we will continue to report to the public on forest and range practices on B.C.’s public forest lands.”

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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