Forest practices in the Valemount community forest complied with provincial forestry legislation, according to a Forest Practices Board audit report released last week.
Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd. harvested some 250,000 cubic metres of timber during the two-year audit period. Harvesting was focused on salvaging lodgepole pine trees affected by the mountain pine beetle.
The Board conducted a full scope compliance audit in which all harvesting, roads, silviculture, protection activities and associated planning done between September 1, 2010, and September 27, 2012, were included in the audit.
These activities and associated planning were assessed for compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and the Wildfire Act (WA), and related regulations.
The community forest is managed by the Valemount Community Forest Company Ltd., a whole owned subsidiary of the Village of Valemount. It has a full-time manager and a board of directors.
“It’s amazing the community forest is able to stay afloat and prosper in these tough economic times,” said Valemount Mayor Andru McCracken.
The Forest Practices Board has also conducted an audit on the McBride Community Forest. The results of that audit have not yet been released.
The full Valemount audit report can be read here: http://www.fpb.gov.bc.ca/ARC148_Audit_of_Valemount_Community_Forest_Company_Ltd_K2T.pdf
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.
