BRITISH COLUMBIA (News release) -- The Forest Practices Board reported that an audit of Tolko Industries Ltd.'s forest practices on forest licenses A18696, A18697 and A74911 in the Cascades Natural Resource District has found general compliance with British Columbia's forestry legislation.

"Most practices were well done, but fire hazard assessments were either incomplete or were not completed within the required time period," said Kevin Kriese, board chair. "Since the audit, Tolko advised the board it has completed a standard operating procedure for fire hazard assessments that will be followed for all its future operations, which is a really positive outcome."

The audit examined all operational planning, timber harvesting, wildfire protection and silviculture, as well as construction, maintenance and deactivation of roads and major structures carried out between June 1, 2018, and July 12, 2019.

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.