There is a certain beauty in the forest that words cannot always capture, from the intricate patterns of a tree's growth rings to the wildflowers, or the delicate details of oak ferns to the views of mountain landscapes from one of our hiking trails. Even in its quietest moments, a forest is filled with change, growth and the intricate relationships that sustain our natural world. Radiohead's enchanting instrumental Treefingers has been described as evoking a quiet, living environment, a feeling that resonates with the landscapes and details captured in this video. Our landscapes represent more than scenery; they are part of a lifelong commitment to understanding, working in and caring for our forests. Every season brings change, every tree tells a story, and every decision we make today helps shape the forests of tomorrow. Each day our goal remains the same: protecting and celebrating this incredible ecosystem. At Creston Community Forest, we recognize that every decision we make today becomes part of the forest's story tomorrow. We take that stewardship with great concern and responsibility through forest recreation, education, and forest management. With this beautiful Fall sunlight and comforting colors, we hope you find time to hike one of our trails, enjoy the views from a roadtrip, or simply sip your morning coffee at your kitchen window to view the remarkable complexity of the natural world. We hope this video brings a moment of reflection and deep appreciation of this valley. (We would like to thank our Junior Forester, Elissa, for capturing the visual experience in the video.)

Forest Activity Public Notice - Burning of Debris Piles - Goat Mountain. We are planning to burn small debris piles created by our wildfire risk reduction projects starting today and continuing for a few days. * The goal is to remove the small debris piles associated with the wildfire risk reduction work the Creston Community Forest has been carrying out over the last year. You can expect to see smoke in the area of Goat Mountain today and in the coming days. Over the next few days this project will depend on the area experiencing good or fair ventilation for smoke to disperse well. It will be monitored and under control. We are working to reduce the fuel load near the Town of Creston prior to high fire danger season. Thank you.

Not only a stunning photo captured by our Forest Technician, Erich Endersby, but a strong visual for our quarterly newsletter: Respect Our Quarterly Newsletter is available to read with link below. Our goal is to share what we do in the community when we are logging, protecting our forests from the risk of wildfire, providing outdoor recreational opportunities, fostering long term community economic development of the Creston Valley area, supporting our community, and continuing to educate our youth about the wonders and importance of our forests. IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER 1. Our National Forest Week 2. Firewood Permits and Needed Information 3. Active Hauling Areas 4. A Community Win: our summer students share their experience 5. Field Tour for UBC Master of Sustainable Forest Management Students 6. Summer Field Trip with our Staff and Board of Directors 7. Welcome Our Newest Board Director 8. Our New Location 9. Questions or Comments To read our Newsletter, click here: https://mailchi.mp/34ed887eb2e6/october-newsletter-for-ccf To sign up for our Quarterly Newsletter, click here: http://eepurl.com/iwjUgk

The Creston Community Forest envisions healthy forests with social, ecological, and economic benefits. We prioritize non-timber resources and local community input in our harvesting plans to make this vision a reality. Our community forest allows the Creston Valley to guide land-use decisions, respecting local interest and ecological integrity. Who We Are The Creston Community Forest envisions healthy forests with social, ecological, and economic benefits. We prioritize non-timber resources and local community input in our harvesting plans to make this vision a reality. Our community forest allows the Creston Valley to guide land-use decisions, respecting local interest and ecological integrity. Our guiding principles outline our long-term goals: Manage forest resources for long-term community benefit. Operate the community forest as a viable forestry enterprise. Educate the public on the community forest and Creston's forest management. Enhance partnerships with local First Nations. Develop a timber harvesting schedule for the next 5–10 years. These goals guide our planning and decision-making, ensuring we prioritize actions based on community needs and reflect local values and concerns. Resources / Links Guiding Principles Management Plan 2024 - 2029 Forest Stewardship Plan Forest Stewardship Plan Firewood Permit Policy Manual History Creston Community Forest’s history can be traced back to January of 1996, when the B.C. government announced the availability of a Forest Licence to harvest 15,000 cubic metres annually in areas near Creston, including the Arrow Creek watershed. Concerns about water quality led five Creston organizations to apply for the licence. They were granted a 15-year forest licence, forming the Creston Valley Forest Corporation. In October 2008, the Creston Valley Forest Corporation received a Probationary Community Forest Agreement, which later became a 25-year community forest agreement, leading to the formation of the Creston Community Forest. In 2016, the community forest expanded its area and saw an increase in the Allowable Annual Cut, which now stands at 25,000 cubic metres annually. This rich history showcases the power of community collaboration and the dedication of those who strive to balance environmental stewardship with sustainable economic practices. Meet the Team To ensure smooth operations, the community forest has three permanent employees and one part-time employee: a Forest Manager, Forest Technician , Junior Forester and an Office Manager. All other operational work, communications/marketing, logging and tree planting, is contracted to local contractors based in the area. This approach supports local businesses and fosters community involvement in the forest management process. Forest Manager Daniel Gratton, RPF Forest Technician Erich Endersby, TFT Office Manager Alana Sargent Communications / Marketing Sharlyn Carter Junior Forester Elissa Kingsburgh The Creston Community Forest is governed by a ten-member Board of Directors. The board consists of five members from the community and one representative from each shareholder. Our shareholders include: Town of Creston Regional District of Central Kootenay Wildsight E rickson Community Association Trails for Creston Valley Society SHAREHOLDER DIRECTORS GITTE GROVER Wildsight JOHN CHIS AM ORE SECRETARY Regional District of Central Kootenay Keith Baldwin Town of C reston JACOB EWASHEN Trails for Creston Valle y Societ y BRAD RAE Erickson Community Association COMMUNITY DIRECTORS AT LARGE TOM OLENCZUK CHAIR ANN DEATHERAGE ROBYN USHER VICE-CHAIR Evan Davies WAYNE HARRIS Board meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month. Decision-making is determined by consensus (60 per cent) and all communication is recorded in Board Meeting Minutes. 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! Hiking Trails 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.

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! Hiking Trails Distance: 4.5 km Time: 4.5 hours Elevation Gain: 710 metres Maintained by our staff. Easy This trail meanders along Sullivan Creek. Originally built to transport supplies to the old Thompson Forestry Lookout town, the trail thakes you through beautiful cedar-hemlock forests that boast an abundant and diverse population of fungi. This mainly shaded trail provides hikers with relief from the sun, making it a wonderful summer hike. this trail provides excellent opportunity for hiking, horse-back riding, or trail running and is also open to mountain bikers. For trailhead directions from Hwy 3, details and map: READ MORE Creston Community Forest 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. Mount Thompson Trail System Mt. Thompson Pack Trail Mt. Thompson Rim Trail Distance: 10.5 km Time: 5 hours Elevation Gain: 244 metres Maintained by our staff. Moderate: Hike through meadows along an open ridge atop Mount Thompson along a trail that climbs and descends. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Selkirk and Purcell mountain ranges, the patchwork of farmland, sights of Creston, with lakes and so much more. For trailhead directions from Hwy 3, details and map: READ MORE West Ridge Trail Distance: 6 km Time: 7 hours Elevation Gain: 1.1 km Maintained by our staff. Difficult: Built in 2019, the Westridge trail makes it possible to hike from the Creston Valley floor to the top of Mt. Thompson. Beginning 1.3 kms up the Sullivan Creek trail, the trail traverses along a ridge through a mix of shaded forest and rocky open meadows. This trail will bring you to the top of the mountain, where you will find the trailhead to the Rim Trail and a camping site. For trailhead directions from Hwy 3, details and map: READ MORE 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.