April 1, 2014 News Update
New News
Williams Lake Community Forest Agreement is signed
Congratulations to the partnership of the Williams Lake Indian Band and the Town of Williams Lake!
"The Williams Lake community forest agreement adds another important piece to the community forest network that is making a big difference in rural and remote communities across the province. Through our work with the partners in Williams Lake we know the dedication and effort they have invested to sign this agreement and congratulate them on the new opportunities it will bring to the region."
BC Community Forest Association President Don Brown.
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Notice to Members
Follow Up to the Forest Practices Report - Bridge Planning, Design and Construction
Over the 2013 field season, the Forest Practices Board (FPB) examined 216 bridges built on resource roads since January 2010 in five districts around the province. The investigation focused on safety, protection of the environment and planning. We encourage all members to read the full report Bridge Planning, Design and Construction Special Investigation, March 2014
Full Report
FPB News Release
The FPB has requested that the Joint Practices Board of the Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP), and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists (APEG) advise it of the steps planned or taken to address the identified issues by October 31, 2014.
Additionally, Minister Thomson has requested a 60 day action plan from the Associations tasked with professional reliance of crossings. The BCCFA received the letter from Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Deputy Minister Tim Sheldan, in which he makes further recommendations for the action planning.
see recommendations
The BCCFA is engaged in a collaborative effort with the ABCFP, the APEG, the Ministry and other industry organizations to address the reported shortcomings. Updates on this work will be provided in future newsletters and in reports from the Executive Director.
Crossings Guidelines for Professional Services in the Forest Sector
The Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia ( APEGBC) are nearing completion of proposed revisions to the crossings guidelines. Both the Engineers and Foresters expect to put the new guidelines in front of their respective councils for approval in June, with the approved documents posted on their websites by mid-July. Additionally, the ABCFP has agreed to work with the Woodlot Federation and the BCCFA to build a crossings check-list for small tenures.
In light of the FPB report and discussion on the state of some crossings in the province, it is recommended that Community Forests with structures on their landbase have qualified individuals regularly conduct inspections to ensure structures are safe and in an acceptable condition.
Current Guidelines for Professional Services in the Forest Sector – Crossings
It is recommended that Community Forest tenure holders require and ensure that their professional forward to them the following three time sensitive products regarding crossings:
1. A general arrangement drawing (GD) which defines the design to fit the ground
2. An as-built drawing (AB) that details the final drawing as it was built)
3. A conformance assurance statement (CAS) which is the sign-off document that the bridge was constructed and completed to standard.
More News
Area Based Tenure: If Not TFLs, Then What?
Al Gorley, President of Triangle Resources Inc. & former chair of the B.C. Forest Practices Board, will give the public lecture as part of the UNBC Natural Resources & Environmental Studies Institute’s annual event on Thursday, April 3rd from 7pm-8pm. Unable to make it in person? Watch the colloquium at your computer! The lecture can be accessed on line - click here for
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Balancing Risk Across Resource Values in Forest Operations - Forest Practices Board Bulletin, Volume 16
This bulletin explores risk management in BC forest operations. The Board believes that beyond meeting legal requirements, the resulting decisions to balance practices on Crown land must be transparent, fair, and reflect the public’s risk-benefit preferences. more information
