Appeals Overview
The Forest Practices Board may appeal decisions made by government officials, such as determinations of non-compliance, penalties and approvals of plans for forestry or range operations.
Members of the public can ask the Board to appeal such decisions, or the Board can initiate an appeal without a request. The Board acts as an advocate for the public interest in these cases and puts forward a position on the matter. The Board can also become a party to appeals launched by others (e.g., licensees) in order to make submissions on the case.
The advocacy role of the Board in appeals differs from its more neutral role in conducting audits or complaint investigations. In investigating complaints from the public, the Board is the final decision maker. Although the Board's report may make recommendations for change, the report itself is not legally binding
By contrast, the Board takes an advocacy role in appeals, arguing that the Forest and Range Practices Act should be interpreted in a certain way. Appeals are made to the independent Forest Appeals Commission. The Commission makes the final decision on appeals and those determinations are legally binding.