2003/04 – 2005/06 SERVICE PLAN Forest Practices Board

Objectives and Strategies

1. Objective:

A redesigned Board role in the context of a results-based Code, greater reliance on professionals and industry self-regulation.

Strategies:

• Work with government agencies in drafting legislative changes to Board role as part of a new, results-based Code.

2. Objective:

Assessments of the efficacy of the Forest Practices Code, and the new Forest and Range Practices Act, in achieving desired results on the ground.

Strategies:

• Pursue legislative change to clarify the Board’s mandate to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the results-based Code.
• Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of the results-based Code in achieving specified environmental objectives.
• Monitor public concerns to identify key issues for consideration when setting priorities for special investigations.
• Synthesize and report information from audits and complaint investigations that address recurrent forest practice themes.
• Develop, field-test and implement policies and procedures that are results-oriented.

3. Objective:

Independent audits of industry and government’s performance to reinforce the application of sound forest practices throughout the Province.

Strategies:

• Random selection and implementation of a combination of:
  • Compliance audits of major licences and the BC Timber Sales Program (BCTS)
  • Area-based sets of audits involving compliance audits of major licences, BCTS and small tenure licences in the selected area. As well, there may be an enforcement audit on the appropriateness of government’s enforcement of the Code in the area.
  • Annual compliance and enforcement audits pursuant to the Nisga’a treaty.
• Active cooperation with those developing forest practices auditing and, specifically, with the various certification programs operating within B.C.

4. Objective:

An efficient and respectful investigation process that responds to public concerns about forest practices, validates sound forest practices, and recommends improvements where needed.

Strategies:

• Continue to carry out investigations in a logical, thorough, unbiased and non-adversarial manner.
• Maintain regular, forthright and transparent contact with all investigation participants.
• Encourage resolution of public concerns.

5. Objective:

A review and appeal program that is responsive to concerns raised by members of the public and that fosters the implementation/
interpretation of the Code that is consistent with its intent.

Strategies:

• Evaluate public requests.
• Monitor administrative decisions.
• Initiate or participate in administrative appeals when it is in the public interest to do so.

6. Objective:

A timely reporting process that fairly and objectively represents the general public interest.

Strategies:

• Continue to produce analyses and reports that are concise, logical and relevant.
• Maintain reliance on professional staff to conclude reports.
• Shorter timelines for completion.

7. Objective:

World-class expertise in auditing and investigating forest practices.

Strategies:

• Maintain and expand expertise through regular comprehensive training and recruitment criteria.
• Support and encourage staff contribution to national and international forums.