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As part of our ongoing commitment to wildfire risk reduction, we will be starting the following two projects this April as part of our 2025 program: 1. Logging operations will start in the Russell Creek Forest Service Road (FSR) area from late April and continue into early June. 2. We will also be conducting understory fuel reduction work and piling with small-scale pile burning on Goat Mountain and Carroll Creek beginning in April continuing into the fall.

Join the Conversation! Creston Community Forest invites you to our Open House & Wildfire Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 3rd, from 1:00 – 4:30 pm at the Creston Museum!  Learn how we manage local forests sustainably  Get expert FireSmart tips to protect your home   Ask questions about wildfire risks, recreation & harvesting Your voice matters! Let’s work together for a resilient Creston Valley. See you there!  Creston Museum |  May 3rd, 1:00 – 4:30 PM Read all the details and 10 additional reasons to attend our Open House on our webpage here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/openhouse2025

Enhancing our forests, working with our community partners and highlighting the incredible work in our industry, this International Women's Day we want to share the Forest Enhancement Society of BC article of our very own Planning and Development Supervisor, Angela French, RTF. Faces of Forestry is an initiative of FESBC to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. A portion of the article below shines a light on just some of what makes her a dynamic Creston Community Forest team member, BC Community Forest Association Board Member, and champion for the Kootenay Valley. "... she is working on incorporating climate adaptation strategies into their timber supply scenarios for long-term ecosystem resilience plan. Angela is continually working on incorporating Indigenous values and perspectives into the community forest’s day-to-day operations to manage the forest from this holistic perspective led by ecosystem and climate resiliency as the key indicators of success. “I am working on spanning boundaries by incorporating more Ktunaxa Forestry Standards into CCF’s planning and development; engaging hydrologists and Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) to plan for hydrometric [water] flow stations in our watersheds; partnering with Wildsight [company] to explore the world of biomass and fibre utilization through biochar [bio-energy]; and continuing the work as a co-founder of the Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee to ensure that the Creston Valley has a coordinated plan to reduce the risk of wildfires,” she mentioned. Angela has a long-standing history of collaboration with FESBC, having worked as the Wildfire Mitigation Supervisor for the Regional District of Central Kootenays to implement forest fuel reduction treatments and a prescribed (intentional) burn in Selous Creek near Nelson, B.C., as well as a wildfire risk reduction treatment near Queens Bay." For the full article: https://fesbc.ca/faces-of-forestry-angela-french-rft/ #bcforesty #forestry #IWD #iwdc2025

Get involved with the Creston Community Forest! Join our Board, Volunteer, Come on a Field Trip, Check out our trails, and keep up to date on current events. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, for the most recent happenings! Contact Us STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter

Firewood cutting for personal use in the Creston Community Forest is permitted only under these specific conditions: Firewood Information We are a not-for-profit forest company who log to mitigate fires, keep our forest healthy and contribute funds back into the community of Creston. First Steps for Firewood Moving firewood can spread invasive species and diseases such as the Douglas-fir beetle which is the most prevalent concern in our area. B.C.'s forests are threatened by insects that can damage trees. "The issues BC and Alberta are facing is that the winters are not cold enough, long enough to kill the insects and so the populations are increasing, along with trees being more stressed out with drought and more impact from more beetles, we’re experiencing more [forest] mortality," says our Forest Planning and Development Supervisor, Angela French. Moving firewood from one area to another increases the risk of spreading disease, funghi and pests. Firewood cutting for personal use in the Creston Community Forest is permitted only under these specific conditions: 01 Permission Personal permission is granted from our Forest Manager, Daniel Gratton, before cutting a tree within our Creston Community Forest area-based tenure. Contact information is listed below in image and in our 'Contact Us' section in footer of page or menu tab. 02 Free Permit Annually, make sure to read, understand, fill out, sign, carry and follow your free permit at all times while cutting or transporting firewood: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/natural-resource-use/firewood-permits/selkirk_free_use_permit.pdf 03 Personal Firewood Firewood cut in CCF is for personal use only and not being sold. See permit for allowable amount per person. The Permittee accepts all responsibility and liability as a result of the firewood harvesting and transport under this Permit. Creston Community Forest accepts no liability for loss, damage to property, personal injury or death resulting from activities undertaken by the Permittee in harvesting firewood or in travel to and from the Permit area. Photo: a visual example from our list of Don'ts Firewood Do's Do: Work and fall safely, preferably not alone. Falling is risky business without the proper skill, knowledge, and safety gear. Only dead or downed trees may be cut for firewood, though often these trees and logs are retained for structural diversity purposes and are a part of the larger ecosystem resilience lens that we manage the forest through. Leave decaying wood in place as they add to ecosystem function by providing biodiversity in structure, and nutrient cycling. Prevent the spread of insects, disease, and other pathogens by being educated about what may have caused the trees mortality, and possible risks of bringing the pathogens to your property. Do: Do: Do: Firewood Dont's Cut any tree that has wildlife habitat characteristics as identified on the permit, or “WT” for Wildlife Tree, painted on it. These have been retained for the specific values and features they provide for wildlife in the area. Cut any trees within a Wildlife Tree Patch. These areas are legally retained areas of the tenure that have special features important to be maintained for ecosystem biodiversity. Cut green trees for access. Green trees are actively managed with long-term, sustainable practices in mind. The reasons are specific to the site. For more information contact CCF forestry staff. Leave garbage in the forest. These areas are homes to wildlife, are in our backyards, and are not a dumping ground for anyone. Drive through the ditch line into a treatment area. Ditch lines are designed for managing water movement in specific areas. Degrading the shape, direction, of filling with woody material prevents the flow of water and could cause damage to the access structures (roads) and watersheds by contributing to increased sedimentation in drinking water. Cut trees in an active treatment area. Trees under active cutting permits have specific plans that need to be followed by the hired contractor. Cutting trees that are not meant to be cut can cause deviations from plans and operations that prevent our management objectives from being achieved. Do not: Do not: Do not: Do not: Do not: Do not: If you’re unsure where not to go, contact the office for more information. If purchasing firewood, ask where it came from to help keep firewood poachers accountable. Let’s work together to ensure our forests are safely and sustainably managed for the future of our community. Do Not Live Cedar Cut STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter

Get involved with the Creston Community Forest! Join our Board, Volunteer, Come on a Field Trip, Check out our trails, and keep up to date on current events. You can also subscribe to our newsletter, for the most recent happenings! Get Involved Explore Nearby Trails Explore the scenic trails of the Creston Community Forest and immerse yourself in nature's beauty! We proudly manage and maintain a variety of trails in the Creston area, including Lady Slipper, Thompson Rim Trail, Thompson Rotary Trail, Thompson Pack Trail, Big Bear Viewpoint, Billy Goat Bluffs, Gliders’ Point and the West Ridge Trail. Out There: The Creston Community Forest Trails ‘Many of the local trails pass through varying terrain including forest cover, below cliffs and scree slopes, and through other natural landscapes and terrain.’ By Ed McMackin, a biologist by training and a naturalist by nature In its initial years, the Creston Community Forest was committed to several goals, among which was to return into the community a major part of its profits. That was a difficult goal to meet in its beginning years, but now the tables have turned, as the Creston Community Forest has grown and been allotted more timberland, profits have increased, and now recreational aspects of the Kootenay Lake and Creston area are benefiting from a fresh supply of support and funding. Not only have existing trails been improved and new trails opened up, but there are enhancements including kiosks with descriptive maps, benches, picnic tables, and sturdy bridges. Signs along the trails also display information on the natural history of the area. Trails are alsocleared each spring, maintained, and regularly checked on as quickly as possible after storms. Many of the local trails pass through... (full article here ) STAY IN THE LOOP! Sign up for our newsletter below to stay updated on upcoming trail work, events, and more. Don't miss out on the latest news, opportunities to get involved and join our online community to be the first to know. Creston Community Forest Newsletter sign up link: Yes, I want the Newsletter Join us on a Field Trip Are you ready for an immersive adventure that will take you deep into the heart of our Community Forest? Our field trips offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature, learn about local ecosystems, and witness the awe-inspiring wonders that surround us. Whether you're a seasoned nature enthusiast or a curious beginner, come join us on a journey of discovery and unlock a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty in our very own backyard. For more information on forest education, email Daniel Gratton at: dgratton@crestoncommunityforest.com or call 250.402.0070 Volunteer with Us Volunteer on Work Bees: Are you ready to roll up your sleeves, grab a shovel, and make a tangible difference in our Community Forest? Our work bees offer an exciting opportunity to actively participate in the creation and maintenance of hiking trails. As a work bee volunteer, you will: Get hands-on experience in trail building and maintenance. Join our team of volunteers during scheduled work bees. Contribute to the development of hiking trails in our Community Forest. Learn practical skills related to trail construction, such as trail design, clearing vegetation, and installing trail markers. Enjoy the satisfaction of creating recreational opportunities for our community while preserving the natural beauty of the forest. Events While there may not be any current events or opportunities, we are continuously working on new initiatives and projects in our Community Forest. We value your interest in getting involved and appreciate your patience as we strive to create meaningful ways for you to contribute to our conservation efforts.