Forest Practices Board, July 5, 2012, VICTORIA – An audit of BC Timber Sales' (BCTS) Strait of Georgia Business Area has found several instances of non-compliance with provincial forestry legislation by timber sale licence holders and BCTS operating within the Campbell River area. Only one of 24 timber sale licensees had no problems noted with its operations.
"While the auditors did not find evidence of significant
environmental harm at the time, these practices increase the risk of
damage to resources and the environment occurring," said board chair
Al Gorley.
Auditors found instances where fish habitat was not being adequately
protected because of sediment introduced into fish streams as well as
a failure to maintain the natural drainage patterns of several small
streams. Other problems noted include not adhering to professionally
developed plans, and not having an adequate fire suppression system
on site during extreme fire hazard conditions.
"Individually, each of these instances might not be considered
serious; but taken together, and given the number in total, the board
considers them to be significant," Gorley said. "The board has
conducted well over 100 compliance audits since 1996, including more
than 20 audits of BCTS operations, and typically finds very few
problems -this is an exception."
The report notes that BCTS has committed to taking action to address
the board's concerns.
The BCTS operating areas audited include Gold River on the west coast
of Vancouver Island, Sayward on the east, and Mainland areas across
from Campbell River.
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 and appropriateness
of government enforcement. It can also make recommendations for
improvement to practices and legislation.
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More information can be obtained by contacting:
Helen Davies, Communications
Forest Practices Board
Phone: 250 213-4708 / 1 800 994-5899