BC's Forest Practices Board was established in 1995 as an independent watchdog that reports to the public on compliance with the Forest Practices Code. Unlike other watchdogs that have been silenced by the Campbell government, the Forest Practices Board is continuing to bark. On April 8th it issued a report on the Kemess Mine, located 250 KM northeast of Smithers (about as far north of Prince George as Prince George is from Kamloops). The report comes just weeks before an Environmental Assessment Certificate is expected to be issued for the expansion of the mine, with a potential $193 million in investment and 528 operating jobs.

The April 8th news release from the Forest Practices Board criticized the Campbell government for not addressing environmental issues related to the construction of temporary bridges. In June 1999 the Board sounded the alarm over 169 temporary bridges that were built for the construction of the power line that services the mine but had not been removed; in 2004, 53 remain and continue to be an environmental threat to fish streams. The Board's news release stated that "…none of the three regulatory ministries (Energy and Mines; Water, Land and Air Protection; and Forests) has taken any steps to address the environmental issues related to the temporary bridges. The board recommends that the ministries of Energy and Mines, Forests, and Water, Land and Air Protection review the professional reports arising from the 2004 inspection and take appropriate actions to ensure Kemess Mine addresses any concerns or environmental harm that is identified."

An unnamed government official was quoted in a CKNW news story claiming that Kemess has been acting responsibly and the remaining bridges do not violate the forest practices code. BC's Environmental Assessment Office should take note of how the Forest Practice Board's concerns are resolved before it issues the certificate that is required for the expansion of the mine. That office reports to George Abbott, Minister of Sustainable Resource Management. How it handles this issue may measure its independence. According to its website, its assessment process "... results in recommendations to either grant or refuse an Environmental Assessment certificate. The recommendations are considered, and a decision made by the Minister of Sustainable Resource Management, Minister of Water, Land and Air Protection and a third appropriate minister." Don't hold your breath that three ministers in the Campbell government can spell environment, let alone protect it.