The Forest Practices Board will conduct a limited-scope compliance audit of stand-level biodiversity practices and block reserve management in the Thompson Rivers Natural Resource District, beginning Monday, Oct. 19, 2026. The audit will examine the practices of BC Timber Sales’ Kamloops Business Area, the Lower North Thompson Community Forest and Gilbert Smith Forest Products. Auditors will review harvest planning, and on-the-ground practices and reporting, including the establishment and management of wildlife tree-retention areas and block reserves, to determine compliance with legal requirements. The audit area is within the Kamloops Timber Supply Area, which covers approximately 2.77 million hectares. The audit will focus on operations within the Clearwater, Dunn, Vavenby, Adams Lake and Barrière landscape units within the Kamloops Timber Supply Area. Wildlife tree-retention areas help support biodiversity by retaining trees and other forest features in harvested landscapes. They can also help protect important forest attributes, including riparian areas, cultural heritage values and visual quality.