VICTORIA – Triumph Timber Ltd. received a clean audit for operations in the North Coast Forest District, the Forest Practices Board reported today.

The board audited Triumph’s activities near Prince Rupert, in seven separate areas between Chambers Creek and Princess Royal Island, and found the licensee was in compliance with legislative requirements for planning, harvesting, road management, silviculture and fire protection. The audit covered the period from Aug. 1, 2005 to Aug. 24, 2006.

“The board found full compliance by the licensee in this challenging terrain, with isolated operating areas accessible only by aircraft or boat,” said board chair Bruce Fraser.

“The licensee employed good environmental practices, such as using barges instead of dropping logs into the water from the helicopter. This reduces woody debris and minimizes the impact of logging on whales and other marine mammals.”

During the course of the audit, the board noted the licensee’s approach to applying ecosystem-based management (EBM) in the audit area. In February 2006, the provincial government established land-use zoning to guide final strategic land-use plans on the North and Central Coast, which apply to the area under audit. The zoning was based on the principles of EBM, an adaptive approach to forest management which maintains the key functions of ecosystems and species associated with them.

EBM involves retaining more standing trees than regular clear-cut harvesting. Concerns have been raised about the implications of higher-retention harvesting on future forest timber values. The board will examine these concerns in an upcoming special investigation report.

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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