Board to conduct first audit of Western Forest Products’ TFL 39

Victoria – The Forest Practices Board will conduct an audit of tree farm licence (TFL) 39, Block 6, held by Western Forest Products Ltd. in the Queen Charlotte Islands Forest District, during the week of May 26. The board carries out periodic independent audits to see if government and forest companies are complying with provincial forest practices legislation.

The limited scope audit will examine timber harvesting and road construction, maintenance and deactivation, with a focus on stream crossings and fish passage. Western Forest Products’ operations on Block 6 are spread throughout the Queen Charlotte Islands – on portions of Graham Island and Moresby Island, and all of Louise Island.

The five-member audit team will examine activities undertaken between May 1, 2006, and May 31, 2008. Once the analysis is complete, an audit report will be prepared, and any party that may be adversely affected by the audit findings will have a chance to respond. The board’s final report and recommendations will then be released to the public and government.

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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