WILLIAMS LAKE – The Forest Practices Board has completed an investigation into wildfire risk reduction harvesting in wildlife habitat areas near Alkali Lake in the Cariboo, following a complaint that activities did not meet legal requirements. The board found that most activities met those requirements, with one administrative error resulting in two non-compliances. The board received a complaint in July 2024 alleging that harvesting in mule deer winter range and old-growth management areas did not meet legal requirements and commitments set out in forest plans. Investigators reviewed five cutblocks harvested since 2020 within these areas as part of wildfire risk reduction treatments. Four cutblocks met requirements. In one case, harvesting proceeded without a required exemption, resulting in non-compliance with both forest stewardship plan commitments and general wildlife measures. While the exemption was not obtained, the board observed that the work on the ground reduced wildfire risk and maintained mature forest cover important for mule deer winter habitat.