Board Overview
Purpose of the Board
The Forest Practices Board was created under the Forest Practices Code of British Columbia Act (the Code) as an independent watchdog for sound forest practices in B.C.’s public forests. The mandate of the Forest Practices Board is to provide independent assurance, to both the British Columbia public and the international marketplace, that forest and range licensees are carrying out sound practices and complying with legal requirements. Its mandate is also to ensure that resource ministries are appropriately monitoring and enforcing legislation.
The Board’s mandate continues under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), which enables the Board to focus on the effectiveness of forest practices in achieving objectives, legislated by government, for forest resource values.
The Board audits tenure holders and government ministries for compliance with and enforcement of the Code and the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA); carries out special investigations and issues reports as appropriate; investigates concerns and complaints from the public; and participates in appeals to the Forest Appeals Commission.
Legislation ensures Board independence from licensees and government. While the Board submits reports to the Ministers of Forests and Range (MOFR), Environment, Agriculture and Lands, and Energy, Mines and Petroleum Resources, its reports are not provided to government for revision or comment in advance of public release. When the Board deals with an audit of or complaint about a government agency, that agency receives the same level of information about the Board’s preliminary findings as any other auditee or complaint subject.
The Board’s funding is determined directly by Treasury Board, and is distinct from the MOFR budget.
Vision, Mission and Values
Vision
Forests that are soundly managed to sustain the full range of forest values and forest resources for British Columbians.
Mission
The Board serves the public interest as the independent watchdog for sound forest and range practices in British Columbia.
Values
The Board:
- acts on behalf of the public’s interest, not those of any single group;
- is straightforward in its approach;
- emphasizes solutions over assigning blame;
- behaves in a non-adversarial, balanced manner;
- treats all people with respect, fairness and sensitivity;
- performs in a measured, unbiased and non-partisan manner;
- carries out its mandate with integrity and efficiency;
- provides clear and concise reports to the public;
- bases actions and decisions on knowledge, experience and common sense; and
- is accessible and accountable.
