The Forest Practices Board conducts audits and investigations and issues public reports on how well industry and government are meeting the intent of B.C.'s forest practices legislation. While it does not lay penalties, its recommendations have led directly to improved forest practices such as stronger government decision-making processes and better communication among forestry professionals to manage risks to the environment.

Although other jurisdictions have forest watchdog bodies, B.C. may be the only one with an arms-length relationship from government, and a mandate to hold both government and the forest industry publicly accountable for forestry practices.

It chooses which operations to audit, and its reports and findings are published without government revisions or comments.

By law, the board must audit government and industry forestry practices, and it must deal with complaints from the public regarding forest practices and government enforcement. In addition, it may appeal enforcement decisions and penalties imposed by government, seek review of government decisions to approve plans for forestry operations, and carry out special investigations.