VICTORIA - The Forest Practices Board’s accomplishments and key findings from April 2010 to March 2011 were published last Wednesday in its annual report.
The report marks 15 years of independent oversight of forest and range practices in B.C.
“The board has earned public confidence by frankly and objectively assessing industry and government performance,” said Al Gorley, board chair. “I’m pleased to note that a recent survey of stakeholders showed continuing support for our work.”
In 2010-11, the board’s field-based audit program examined harvesting on 181 cutblocks, 283 kilometers of road construction, 2,816 kilometers of road maintenance, 20 bridges, regeneration on 451 cutblocks and fire protection activities at 14 active sites. Ten complaints from the public were resolved and five special investigations and reports were completed and published.
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.
* Makes recommendations for improvement to practices and legislation.
– from Forest Practices Board