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On July 2, the Creston Community Forest Board of Directors joined staff for a full-day field tour to experience firsthand the work taking place across three of our forest management areas in the Creston Valley. Led by our Forest Manager Daniel Gratton, the tour highlighted three very different projects that demonstrate the many facets of sustainable forest management: • Russell Creek/Birch Creek – an active forestry operation currently underway. • Kidd Creek – the ongoing wildfire salvage area following the 2025 wildfire. • Mount Thompson – a completed Wildfire Risk Reduction treatment area, including trail maintenance work from windfall downed trees. These three stops through Russell Creek/Birch Creek, Kidd Creek, and Mount Thompson, showcased active operations, wildfire recovery, completed wildfire risk reduction treatments, and recreation management. Along the way, every member of our field team shared their expertise. The field tour provided Board members with an opportunity to ask questions, walk through each project, and learn directly from the staff responsible for planning and implementing the work. For example, some of the questions led our Forest Technician Erich Endersby to explain the importance of maintaining 20-metre wildlife screens in areas with high ungulate and predator activity, the cultural importance of retaining and protecting White Pine, and why maintaining a diverse mix of tree species contributes to a more resilient forest. Summer students Elissa and Tuscany shared their knowledge about forest retention practices, explaining how leaving approximately 40% retention protects the forest floor, provides habitat for small wildlife, preserves seed trees, creates cover for larger animals, and helps build resilient forests for future generations. The tour also highlighted how recreation is incorporated into our forest management. Ongoing road maintenance and access improvements support the many people who enjoy the Community Forest each year, including hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, horseback riders, berry pickers, and other outdoor enthusiasts. Throughout the day, Board members commented on the incredible beauty of the Creston Valley and expressed appreciation for the dedication, knowledge, and passion our staff bring to their work every day with boots on the ground knowledge as well as innovative forestry practices. Most importantly, field trips like this reminded us that sustainable forest management is built on collaboration. Bringing Board members and staff together in the field creates a stronger understanding of the work happening on the ground and helps ensure informed decisions for the future of our Community Forest. A strong united team leads to strong forests and community. Photo: 2026 Creston Community Forest Board Members and Staff during the July field tour.

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 for safety and is not intended to limit access to the outdoors. We encourage trail users to enjoy our other Community Forest trails and the many wonderful hiking opportunities available throughout the Creston Valley while cleanup work is underway. We'll continue to provide updates on trail conditions through our website and social media channels as work progresses. Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we restore the trail to a safe condition. For details on alternative trails, please visit: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/get-involved

Our Quarterly Newsletter is available to read with link below. Innovation, generations, education and community partnerships continue to shape the work of the Creston Community Forest. This month's newsletter highlights how forest management is evolving through exciting projects like the Fire for Healthy Soils initiative, where wood waste from wildfire risk reduction is being transformed into biochar with the potential to benefit both our forests and Creston valley farms. This issue also celebrates the students and young professionals who represent the future of our industry, from this year's Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary recipients to our new summer student team members. You'll also find highlights from our recent community events, an inspiring story honouring a local multi-generational logging family connected to the Creston Community Forest, and an important bonfire safety reminder as we all do our part to help protect our forests this summer. IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER 1. Biochar & Wildsight’s Youth Climate Corps 2. BC Funding: Fires for Healthy Soil 3. Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary Recipients 4. Introducing our Summer Students 5. Community Walk: Artist Walk with a Forester 6. A Forest and A Family: Part of a three-generation clan of loggers - Polzin Article 7. Open House - Thank You 8. Bonfire Public Service Announcement 9. Questions or Comments To read our Newsletter, click here: https://mailchi.mp/eb361a97c263/creston-community-forest-newsletter-june?fbclid=IwY2xjawS9B3JleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFQWGxUd05HSGdtSmtrQUJ4c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHoDrZSORcp0wU4rd4D92ARnjDHxDVwfZEIbKdSB0X0gKprWl2vzt5yRWqdix_aem_DRmvPYO8a70zv983lHcZTQ

We are focused on managing our community forest now for future generations. With over 21,000 hectares of land in the Creston Community Forest, we take on the role of forest stewardship with a commitment to education, recreation, and wildfire risk reduction. Our primary objectives are to sustainably manage these community forest, promoting ecosystem resiliency while fostering a thriving timber industry that benefits the entire Creston Community. Managing Our Community Forest for Fut ure Generations Nestled between the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, w e are a not-for-profit forest corporation managing the Creston Community Forest. Our focus is forest management, education, recreation and community resiliency for future generations. Sign Up for our Newsletter What is a Community Forest? A Community Forest is an area-based forest tenure awarded by government to communities to enhance their local control over forest management. Community forests create local jobs and keep profits within the community. We manage over 21,000 hectares of land with primary objectives to promote a healthy, sustainable community forest ecosystem, while fostering a thriving timber industry that benefits the entire Creston Community. Creating local jobs, supporting industries, and generating revenue that directly benefits our community, our goal is to create a resilient, sustainable forest for our community to enjoy and engage the next generation of stewards who will shape the future of our forests. FOREST MANAGEMENT Committed to managing our community forest for future generations : innovative and sustainable logging, preserving healthy forests, continuous recreational and employment benefits, wildlife habitat enhancement, and wildfire risk reduction. More Info EDUCATION Dedicated to expanding the concepts of a healthy forest: benefits of a healthy ecosystem, innovative techniques used in forestry, biodiversity, wildlife and watersheds, and our need to sustain healthy practices in the forest. More Info RECREATION Creating safe spaces to enhance your hiking experience: bridge development, trailhead kiosk with maps, developed trails, lookout points, maintenance on existing trails, over 35 kilometres of trails and planning for future trails. More Info Sign Up for our Newsletter Latest News PSA: Temporary Trail Closure - West Ridge Trail Thompson Rotary Trail Reopened - CCF Team's Trail Work Chainsaw Safety & Training with Macaulay Forestry More News & Stories Click HERE Wildfire Information Province of British Columbia BC Wildfire Service Wildfire Map, Evacuations, Fire Bans, Report a Fire Creston Community Forest Wildfire Risk Reduction Programs & Pile Burn Sites 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

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: a Forest Manager, Forest Technician , and an Office Administrator. 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 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 VICE-CHAIR 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 OPEN 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.