Professional forester Timothy Ryan will assume the role of chair of the Forest Practices Board effective Dec. 31, 2013, for a three-year term, Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Minister Steve Thomson announced today.

Tim has worked in the forest sector for more than 30 years, the past 21 in leadership positions in B.C., Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario and Minnesota. Currently Chief Forester and Director of Woodlands Operations with Vancouver's Ledcor Resources and Transportation, Tim spent much of his career with Ainsworth Lumber Co. Ltd., where he was responsible for timberland operations, corporate forest and environmental policy and bioenergy. He also served as Manager of Forestry with the Cariboo Lumber Manufacturers Association and was a board member of both the Alberta Chamber of Resources and the Alberta Forest Products Association.

Also effective Dec. 31, 2013, two Board members are reappointed for two-year terms, Ralph Archibald of Victoria and Dr. William McGill of Prince George, who was also appointed vice-chair. McGill is a Professor of Ecosystem Science and Management at the University of Northern B.C. Archibald is a retired provincial public servant with over 40 years' experience in the natural resource sector.

Bill Dumont, RPF, of Cobble Hill, Andrea Lyall, RPF, of West Vancouver, Mike Nash of Prince George and Dave Patterson, RPF, of North Vancouver make up the rest of the Board.

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.

Quote:

Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations Steve Thomson -

"The Forest Practices Board serves as the public's watchdog on forest practices in British Columbia. I'm confident that Tim Ryan will serve British Columbians with the same commitment to sound forest practices that Al Gorley did over the past four years."

Media Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261

Helen Davies
Forest Practices Board
250 213-4708