Regulators working to address issues raised in Forest Practices Board report
Engineers and Geoscientists BC and the Association of BC Forest Professionals are taking action to address concerns raised by the Forest Practices Board about the construction of resource roads in steep terrain.
In its report released September 13 the Forest Practices Board (FPB) cited several instances in which professional guidelines and standards for construction on steep terrain were not followed, resulting in unsafe segments of road.
“The Forest Practices Board report points to some troubling examples. As the regulatory bodies overseeing engineers, geoscientists, and forest professionals, we are committed to upholding high standards of professional practice,” said Ann English, P.Eng., CEO and Registrar for Engineers and Geoscientists BC. “We’ll be working together to gather more information in order to assure this work is undertaken with the appropriate professional oversight, and by individuals equipped with the necessary skills and competencies for this work.”
Engineers and Geoscientists BC and the Association of BC Forest Professionals are the independent regulators of professional engineering and geoscience, and professional forestry through the administration of the Engineers and Geoscientists Act and Foresters Act respectively. The two associations have an existing Joint Practice Board composed of experienced professional engineers and forest professionals who work together to provide standards, guidance and other direction to professionals on forest crossings and forest bridges.
Over the past year, both associations have worked with the Forest Practices Board to provide their members with specialized professional development around construction of roads on steep slopes. In 2012, the associations also jointly released Guidelines for Professional Services in the Forest Sector – Forest Roads, which sets the standard of professional practice for the construction, maintenance and deactivations of forest roads. The guidelines were cited by the FPB in its report as the standard of practice to follow.
“Forest road safety and environmental protection are essential for everyone working in the woods,” said Christine Gelowitz, RPF, ABCFP CEO. “Planning, constructing and managing roads on steep terrain is a complex area of professional practice involving multiple stakeholders. This report has brought some important issues to our attention. We welcome any information that can help us minimize risk and improve safety and environmental protection.”
Professional associations recognize that the public expects development projects in the natural environment be directed by regulated professionals to ensure projects are conducted safely, professionally, and sustainably. Where the use of a regulated professional is absent or insufficient, the professions may enforce legislation or undertake internal discipline procedures.
The Association of BC Forest Professionals and Engineers and Geoscientists BC will be responding to the FPB by the requested date of March 31, 2018 and advising them of the steps planned or taken to address the professional issues identified.
The Association of BC Forest Professionals (ABCFP) is responsible for registering and regulating British Columbia's professional foresters and forest technologists. It is the largest professional forestry association in Canada and the first to include forest technologists.
Founded in 1920, Engineers and Geoscientists British Columbia is the regulatory and licensing body for the professions of engineering and geoscience and is charged with protecting the public interest. With over 34,000 members, Engineers and Geoscientists BC is one of the largest professional associations in BC and maintains high academic, experience and professional practice standards.
More information can be obtained at abcfp.ca and egbc.ca or by contacting:
Engineers and Geoscientists BC
Megan Archibald, Director, Communications and Stakeholder Engagement
Direct: 604.412.4883 | Cell: 604.839.1595
Email: [email protected]
egbc.ca
Association of BC Forest Professionals
Dean Pelkey, Communications Director
Direct: 604.331.2321 | Cell: 604.828.1997
Email: [email protected]
abcfp.ca