Search Results

A little bit about our ongoing Douglas-fir beetle project and the forest management practices we use to better understand the impact these beetles have in our Creston Valley area: The Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) is a native bark beetle in British Columbia. Mature, unhealthy and stressed-out Douglas-fir trees act as a primary host. Due to the impacts of climate change: less snow, earlier spring weather, the extreme heat during our summers and wildfires, we are seeing an increase in beetle populations. These beetles typically do two flights per year in the Creston Valley, the first flight occurs in late April to early June, while the second flight occurs between July and August. During these flights, the beetles are looking for susceptive hosts to feed off and lay their larvae into, further increasing their populations. To mitigate the impacts of Douglas-fir beetle, the Creston Community Forest has developed forest health management practices that utilize funnel traps. These traps contain a bait which uses pheromones to attract and isolate the beetles, meanwhile the surrounding forest area is protected by an additional pheromone (MCH) which causes the beetles to ‘overlook’ the trees and target the traps where they are collected and measured. We collect the beetles to further our understanding of beetle flight dynamics and present populations and to contribute to further adaptive management practices. Our project is ongoing in the valley. We have 11 trap site locations planned throughout our operating area this season and we ask that the public do not disturb this important project.

About the Project: 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. The exhibition explores the many ways forests shape our lives : ecologically, economically, culturally, emotionally, and recreationally. Artists ages 16+ and working in any medium are encouraged to participate. 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 Week. Save that date and join us! This exhibition celebrates the forests and invites artistic reflection on the value of BC forests in daily life. 1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $300 3rd Prize: $200 Please share this information with the artist or creative you know. Find all details on our website page: Art Partnership: Healing Forests

We are thrilled to share our newest project with a community supported organization, The Creston Community Forest & Tilted Brick Gallery Announce 2026 Juried Exhibition: “ Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give to us .” How you can participate today , "Save the Date" for the listed Exhibition Opening Date, notice that we will create a page dedicated on our website for this program, and ask you to share this information with any of your creative friends. 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 working in any medium are encouraged to participate. This exhibition celebrates that work and invites artistic reflection on the value of forests in daily life. The Creston Community Forest (CCF) manages more than 21,000 hectares of local forest with a focus on sustainable practices, long-term stewardship, recreation infrastructure, and community benefit. ABOUT OUR PARTNER : Tilted Brick Gallery Association is a registered non-profit society under BC's Societies Act and operates on the principle of being "built by artists for artists" in Creston, BC. We are an artist-run center that is community-based and nurtures the development of art & culture in all forms. * Please continue to watch our Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter (here: http://eepurl.com/iwjUgk   or sign up is found on our website: www.crestoncommunityforest.com  ) for all details, electronic juried guidelines, date for the May 'Artist Walk' through a forest with our Forest Manager and a hands on bear spray workshop before the walk for this project, and so much more. We wanted to share the beginnings of this project with the details we have and for you know there is more to follow. We encourage artists to submit their pieces for a chance at one of three monetary awarded wins. Stay tuned, follow our page https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/artprojecthealingforests , and save the date!

The Creston Community Forest & Tilted Brick Gallery announce 2026 jurried exhibition: 'Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give us.' Artists across the Kootenays are invited to submit work for this 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 working in any medium are encouraged to participate. This exhibition celebrates that .. 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 for “ Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give 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 age 16+ and working in any medium are encouraged to participate. This exhibition celebrates that work and invites artistic reflection on the value of forests in daily life. 1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $300 3rd Prize: $200 Download Download STEPS TOWARDS ENTERING A JURIED PIECE 1. Read & Share the 'Call to Artists' Please read and share this 'Call to Artists' document, it is a PDF. 4. Create and Notice Deadlines Please note all deadlines below and on media kit. Happy Creating!! 2. Read the Guidelines This list of guidelines is a PDF to be filled out and emailed to Alana at the CCF, click here 5. Sign-Up for our May 'Artist Walk with a Forester' The Creston Community Forest invites artists to join our Forest Manager and wildlife coexistence expert on a trail we manage, showcasing its history and beauty. (Click here to sign up & save your spot) 3. Read the Media Kit for all Details This Media Kit contains information for both media and artist. It contains all contact info. 6. Submit your Art Piece This link is for you to submit photos of your final art piece to be juried for this exhibit. Be sure to save each image label with your first and last name to keep it organized with your submission. KEY DATES Call to Artists: March 2026 Book your spot on our 'Artist Walk with a Forester': May 2026 Submission deadline: June 15th Artist notification date: July 29th Artwork delivery date: September 12th Opening night : Friday September 18th. Open to the public. This is also the kick-off to National Forest Week Exhibition dates: September 18th to October 17th Open to the public. Artwork pickup date: October 18th - 24th (or by arrangement) Sign-up for our quarterly newsletter to stay in touch We send out our quarterly newsletter with photos and content to the most current projects, milestones, and activities during that season. Simply. Easy. Connection. Get Updates Get the latest news & updates. Subscribe to our newsletter. Subscribe

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 Monthly 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 Monthly Newsletter Latest News The Creston Community Forest & Tilted Brick Gallery announce a 2026 Juried Exhibition. Kidd Creek 2025 Wildfire Area & Selective Fire Salvaged Timber Forestry Road Safety Notice: active forestry road safety tips 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

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, fungi 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. ** Please read all Firewood Regulations below. 03 Personal Firewood 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: SELKIRK FREE USE PERMIT FOR FIREWOOD 2025 for Domestic Purposes Only 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. Collecting Firewood in the Creston Community Forest (the Selkirk Forest District): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Did you know that you need permission to collect firewood from our forestry blocks? This permission comes in the form of a Free Use Permit for Firewood – for Domestic Purposes Only. This permit is free of charge and valid only within the Selkirk Forest District, which includes the Arrow, Boundary, Kootenay Lake, and Creston areas. WHAT DOES THE PERMIT ALLOW? This permit authorizes you to: • Collect dead and downed wood only (no live trees or standing dead permitted) • Gather up to 5 cords per calendar year (approx. 18 cubic metres or 6–8 pick-up loads) • Use the wood for personal, domestic use only—not for resale or commercial purposes IMPORTANT REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW: When collecting firewood, the following rules apply under Section 48(1)(b) of the Forest Act: • You must fill out, sign, and carry your permit with you while cutting or transporting firewood. • You must be able to produce your permit if asked by a Natural Resource Officer, Conservation Officer, or Peace Officer • The permit is not transferable • Cut only DEAD conifer trees (standing or down). Conifer trees that have been blown down or broken off, shall ONLY be cut for firewood if there are no green needles left on the tree(s). No cutting of deciduous trees is allowed under this permit. • Cutting of any decked logs is PROHIBITED and may be subject to criminal charges of theft under the Criminal Code of Canada. • Wildlife Values are to be recognized. No trees greater than 50 cm (approximately 20 inch) in diameter as measured at stump height (30cm from germination) shall be cut under this permit. Care shall also be taken to not cut, damage or remove trees showing signs of wildlife use (see last page). Watch especially for trees posted with a “Wildlife Tree” sign. It is an offense under the Wildlife Act to destroy any active bird nest. Look carefully before you cut! ** See image of Wildlife Tree Characteristics on the Permit. • PERMISSION MUST FIRST BE GRANTED from the Creston Community Forest before cutting a tree within these area based tenures using this permit. • The debris must be cleared from roads, roadside ditches, culvert inlets and outlets prior to leaving the area with a load of firewood. • Note: whenever you cut, you should have at least one functional shovel and one fire extinguisher present at all times. • Follow all posted instructions in respect to the use of the road. Do not block roads under active use with your vehicle or firewood. Work safe and drive carefully. This permit is issued under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and associated regulations. Permit holders are expected to collect responsibly, avoid damage to the land, and leave no trace. Please see the map of permit required area below. HOW TO GET YOUR FREE USE PERMIT? To make things easy, we’ve created a link for you above as 02 Firewood Permit Please read all instructions carefully before heading out. Our goal is to keep firewood collection safe, sustainable, and respectful of the land we all share. CRESTON COMMUNITY FOREST - FIREWOOD PERMIT MAP Highlighted in Yellow 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