Forest Practices Board
VICTORIA -The Forest Practices Board released its 2015-16 annual report on Aug. 17, celebrating 20 years as the public's watchdog for forest and range practices in British Columbia, as well as reporting on the board's work over the past year.
"British Columbia is unique in the world in having an independent body that provides oversight of forest and range operations," said Tim Ryan, board chair. "For over 20 years, the Forest Practices Board has demonstrated B.C.'s commitment to stewardship of its public forests and range lands through its independent audits, investigations and recommendations."
Since 1995, the board has published more than 500 reports and made more than 400 recommendations to improve forest and range practices in the province, many of which have been implemented.
For example, the board's 2015 report, "Forest Stewardship Plans: Are They Meeting Expectations?", stimulated discussion among government, industry and the forest professionals' association, and led to new guidance from government that will help to shape the next generation of forest stewardship plans currently in development.
During 2015-16, the board published nine audits of forestry and range operations, issued seven reports on current forestry issues, seven investigations of public complaints, and made over a dozen recommendations for improvement to forest policy and practices. The board also assisted members of the public with 49 concerns about forest or range practices.
The Forest Practices Board is British Columbia's independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices, reporting its findings and recommendations directly to the public and government.