Public Service Announcement: Due to an unprecedented amount of blowdown along the West Ridge Trail on Mt. Thompson, the trail is temporarily closed while our crews assess and remove a significant number of fallen trees. Recent trail inspections revealed extensive wind damage, creating hazardous conditions for hikers. While we know this trail is a popular destination for many residents and visitors, public safety is our highest priority. This temporary closure is strictly f

Trail Update: The Thompson Rotary Trail has reopened, we will be working on the West Ridge Trail this week, and happy to share other Creston Community Forest trails are currently open for public use.

As climate conditions change, improving soil health and water retention is becoming increasingly important. In Creston’s fertile valley, farms are facing hotter summers, longer dry periods and growing pressure on water supplies. Finding ways to adapt to expanded stressors is becoming more imperative to BC agriculture’s bottom line. This is where biochar comes in. In partnership with the Creston Community Forest (CCF) and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, Wildsight is

We are proud to announce the Creston Community Forest Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary Recipients, selected by our board members for 2026. The Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary recognizes students who are pursuing careers that help shape a more sustainable future for our communities with their commitment to education, community, and environmental stewardship.

A Forest and A Family: Part of a three-generation clan of loggers, Trench writer Danette Polzin reflects on the forest industry’s proud past and its transforming future. Danette's story reminds us how community and family are the backbone of the forestry industry not only in the Creston Valley but in many communities throughout British Columbia.

We know this trail is a favourite destination for many residents and visitors, and we appreciate your patience as we work to make it safe again. This closure is strictly for public safety and is not intended to limit access to the outdoors. In the meantime, we encourage trail users to explore other Community Forest trails and the many excellent hiking opportunities available throughout the Creston Valley.

As part of the Creston Community Forest's continued goal to mentor a new generation of foresters, we would like to introduce our two summer students, Tuscany and Elissa. Having studied at UBC's Natural Resources Conservation program, Tuscany and Elissa will spend the summer in Creston assisting with our forest development, monitoring the Douglas-fir beetle program, over seeing the maintenance of hiking trails

e walked the same trail as they did in 1930. Our 'Artist Walk with a Forester' on the Thompson Pack Trail was a success today. It was fascinating for us to hear how artists see and experience our forests. Together, we discussed and walked the same trail built by foresters who travelled this rugged path to spend months stationed at the Mt. Thompson fire lookout. Using only hand saws, picks, and axes, they created the very trail we walked today. We stopped and took in

'Artist Walk with a Forester' sign-up is now open. We invite artists to join us and our Forest Manager along with Dee Howard (Co-existence Coordinator), with an interactive bear spray workshop at the beginning of hike, Sunday May 17th at 10am. The Creston Community Forest & Tilted Brick Gallery announce a 2026 Juried Exhibition About the Project: The Creston Community Forest, in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, invites artists across the Kootenays to submit work f

Meet us at our Open House & Wildfire Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 2nd, from 9:00am - 1:00 pm at the Creston Farmers' Market! Learn how we manage local forests sustainably Get expert FireSmart tips to protect your home Ask questions about logging, recreation & wildfire risks Grab a coffee from a local market vendor and discuss with us: Wildlife & Habitat Protection – Find out how we manage forests to support diverse ecosystems. How We Restore Harvested Areas – Learn ab

The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is pleased to invite applications for a $5,000.00 educational bursary supporting students pursuing post-secondary studies in Forestry or Environmental Science. As a not-for-profit forest management organization overseeing more than 21,000 hectares of forest lands surrounding the Creston Valley. Through this bursary, CCF hopes to encourage students who are interested in advancing their education in forestry or environmental fields through

In this issue, we share updates on the Kidd Creek Salvage Area and other forest management projects currently underway across the community forest. You’ll also find the latest news from our Douglas-fir Beetle monitoring program and information on the Ralph Moore Bursary supporting students pursuing forestry and environmental education. Spring also brings opportunities to connect creativity with nature through the Healing Forest Art Project and a special Artist Walk with a

This past fall and winter, the Creston Community Forest (CCF) completed a 57 hectare block in Russell Creek as part of its wildfire risk reduction (WRR) program. The intent of the project was to reduce the risk of wildfire above the townsite of Kitchener, BC and was done by thinning the dense canopy of trees by removing 50% of the stand. The next step will be to reduce the thick concentrations of smaller trees and shrubs and woody debris covering the forest floor that would o

The Creston Community Forest, in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, invites artists across the Kootenays to submit work for “Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give us,” a juried exhibition opening in September 2026. We are excited to support BC artists by offering three monetary prizes and partnering with our local Tilted Brick Gallery as well as tying in the Opening Night of the exhibit (Friday, September 18th) as the official kick-off to the National Forest

We are proud to share this video "Rooted Together" highlighting the value and impact of community forests throughout British Columbia. The film explores how community forests support environmental stewardship, local economies, and strong, resilient communities throughout the province.

"Save the Date" for the Healing Forests artist call and exhibition opening. The Creston Community Forest, in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, invites artists across the Kootenays to submit work for “Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give to us,” a juried exhibition opening in September 2026. The exhibition explores the many ways forests shape our lives: ecologically, economically, culturally, emotionally, and recreationally. Artists of all ages and workin

As holiday lights brighten the valley, we are reminded of the beauty and unity of this community. As we recap the past four months in our quarterly newsletter the theme of community leads the way. Even as the lumber industry shifted unpredictably this 2025, our contractors and team remained grounded and committed. Together, we navigated challenges that ultimately sharpened our focus and strengthened our connection to the land. We’re excited to carry that strength into the y

The Creston Community Forest was pleased to welcome Kootenay River Secondary School students and their Grade 10 & 11 science teacher, Eric Myers, for a field day of learning and exploration on October 27th. Leading the Grade 11 and 12 students were Erich Endersby (TFT) and Daniel Gratton (RPF), assisted by Alana Sargent (CCF Administrator) and Gitte Grover, our board director representing Wildsight.Opportunities like this helps strengthen local connections and offers a real

The Creston Community Forest (CCF) recently upgraded several signs along its hiking trails and viewpoints. It is through community initiatives and community members that make helpful projects like this come to light. We would like to acknowledge and share our gratitude for the participating organizations and people listed below.

National Forest Week is always a special time for us at the Creston Community Forest (CCF). This year’s student field trip once again showcased the best of learning, laughter, and community collaboration. With local Grade 5 students and their teachers joining our crew, the forest became a classroom unlike any other. Guided by our CCF staff and community partners from Canfor, J.H. Huscroft, the Canyon/Lister Fire Department, BC Fisheries, and the Creston Valley Rod &