British Columbia Forest Practices Board releases 2023-2024 annual report; highlights include investigating 10 complaints, publishing two complaint investigation reports on issues such as logging old-growth forest, livestock grazing and wildfire control

The BC Forest Practices Board has published its 2023-2024 annual report, marking 28 years of commitment to improving forest and range practices across British Columbia. The report provides an in-depth overview of the Board’s accomplishments over the past fiscal year, addressing key issues and setting strategic priorities for the future.

Key Highlights from the 2023-2024 Annual Report:

• Audits: The Board completed 5 audits and published 11 audit reports, addressing issues such as road construction, fire hazard assessments, and silviculture activities.
• Investigations: The Board received and began investigation on 10 complaints, and published 2 compliant investigation reports. The complaints covered issues such as harvesting, logging old growth forest, livestock grazing, and wildfire control and rehabilitation.
• Special Reports: Key publications include the special report “Forest and Fire Management in BC: Toward Landscape Resilience” and the technical bulletin “Practicing Landscape Fire Management,” emphasizing the importance of integrating landscape fire management principles into BC’s land management framework.
• Indigenous Engagement: The Board has prioritized engaging with Indigenous communities to incorporate their perspectives into forest management practices, including managing cultural heritage values and supporting Indigenous guardian programs.
• Strategic Plan 2023-2026: This strategic plan focuses on adapting forest and range practices to climate change, increasing Indigenous participation, raising awareness of the Board’s work, and maintaining a skilled and supported professional team.

Statement from Board Chair Keith Atkinson: “As the independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices in British Columbia, we are proud to present this overview of our work during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This year has been transformative, with significant advancements in forest management practices and increased engagement with Indigenous communities. Our goal is to achieve resilient forest conditions that remain healthy amid changing climate conditions and meet the needs and interests of our communities. We remain committed to advancing practices that benefit all of society and ensuring that our forests thrive for generations to come.”

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