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B.C.’s Yucwmenlúcwu forestry operation passes audit

An audit of non-replaceable forest licence (NRFL) A89359, held by Yucwmenlúcwu (Caretakers of the Land) 2007 LLP, found Yucwmenlúcwu’s planning and practices generally complied with British Columbia’s forestry legislation.

The audit covered activities conducted between Sept. 1, 2020, and Sept. 22, 2022. Activities included forest stewardship and site planning, timber harvesting, wildfire protection, silviculture, and constructing, maintaining and deactivating roads and drainage structures. Auditors assessed these activities for compliance with the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA), the Wildfire Act, and applicable regulations and legal orders.

“Our audit found that Yucwmenlúcwu complied with most requirements of FRPA and the Wildfire Act,” said Bruce Larson, vice-chair of the Forest Practices Board. “However, the audit identified some practices that need to be improved. Yucwmenlúcwu did not always conduct fire hazard assessments after harvesting or take precautions to prevent damage to nearby trees when burning slash piles.”

The audit also found four of the cutblocks examined were not regenerated by the required date. Yucwmenlúcwu recognized this error prior to the audit and took steps to regenerate these cutblocks in 2023.

The NRFL permits Yucwmenlúcwu forestry operations in the North Okanagan Shuswap area within the territories of the Secwepemc and the Syilx Nations. Specific areas audited are near the communities of Salmon Arm, Enderby and Sicamous.

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.