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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 and helping to deliver forest education to both elementary and highschool students. Through hands-on field experience and community engagement, they will gain insight into sustainable forest management while contributing to important local projects. They have already been part of many projects we continue to work on as part of our forest management, along with other community organizations we dedicate our support. Welcome to the team Tuscany and Elissa!

We 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 the scent of the forest, the sounds of Sullivan Creek, and the filtering of the light through the forest canopy. Photos were taken of the tiniest of details to the largest of camera capacity. Among the forest education and bear aware workshop, laughter and insight was shared. We would like to send out a big Thank You to Dee Howard, Creston Coexistence Coordinator, for a hands on bear spray workshop that prepared us for bear encounters as well as what we can do to hike safely in our local forests. Thank You to our forest manager, Daniel Gratton, for not only the insight of the tiniest of plants but for sharing his knowledge of the many different species of trees that grow in this area, the history of the trail and for his time on a long weekend to explore the forest with a group of artists. Thank you to each of the artists, the three from Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) that drove from Nelson early this morning, and the friends and family that joined them. This hike was part of the 2026 Community Project - Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give us. 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. For all details and deadlines, please visit our website: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/artprojecthealingforests

'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. This hike will be capped at 20 people but a wait list will be available. To book your spot on the list: https://mailchi.mp/93f04707ce57/artist-walk 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

We focus on creating resilient forests that can thrive in changing conditions driven by climate change. Our silviculture practices prioritize ecosystem-based management, ensuring that future stands are well-suited to their growing conditions and highly resilient. FOREST OPERATIONS Silviculture We focus on creating resilient forests that can thrive in changing conditions driven by climate change. Our silviculture practices prioritize ecosystem-based management, ensuring that future stands are well-suited to their growing conditions and highly resilient. To enhance the forest's resilience, we incorporate a diverse range of tree species that are naturally adapted to each site's specific conditions. This includes both commercially viable and non-commercially viable species, resulting in a higher species diversity and a forest that goes beyond pure production goals. We also consider the site's natural disturbance regime when developing silvicultural prescriptions. By mimicking natural disturbances like an occasional windfall, we apply selective harvesting systems that the forest is best adapted to. This approach promotes the growth of diverse tree species and age classes, ensuring the long-term health of our timber resources for future generations. Through our silviculture practices, we not only care for the timber resources in our operational area but also create forests that are resilient and well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 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

Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee Photo: SIFCO Hope is not a plan - together we can take action. Local FireSmart Resiliency Committees strengthen collaboration between local partners to coordinate, plan and share information on how to successfully implement a joint strategy for their community based on the seven FireSmart disciplines. In 2022 in the Creston Valley, the Lower Kootenay Indian Band, municipal and provincial governments, and partnering forestry licensees established an approach to wildfire risk reduction that is both inclusive and innovative. 1. Ask: "how do we reduce the risk of wildfire spreading through our Community and Forest?" Answer: Attend our open house to ask questions, sign-up for a FireSmart Assessment, and to understand how you can play a role in it! 2. Create a Plan At the beginning of each wildfire season, the Creston Community Forest and partners host an Open House for the community. The Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee will attend the Open House hosted by the Creston Community Forest and the Creston Valley Farmers Market. The goal of the Open House is to bring together wildfire and wildlife practitioners and educators, government representatives, local forestry licensees and community members to discuss, learn, share and explore what work is happening in the Creston Valley and how you can play a part in making your home, community, and forest more resilient to wildfire. Open House - 2024 Open House - 2024 Open House - 2024 Open House - 2024 Be Prepared. Northwest Territories Wildfire 2023 - Highway 1 3. Connect with us Wildfire Risk Reduction in our Forests and Community - Committee Partners Wildfires are a growing concern in British Columbia, with major impacts felt by Indigenous and rural communities located in fire-prone ecosystems. Learning to live with fire by creating fire resilient communities is essential for our wellbeing. In the Creston Valley, Managed Forests are often located at the interface between wilderness and settlements known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and play a vital role in mitigating severe wildfires. The goal of wildfire risk reduction projects on the forestry scale is to reduce the forest fuel load to prevent a severe crown fire from entering the community, which helps to safeguard homes and properties. The Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee is actively involved in wildfire planning and preparedness, demonstrating leadership in both the proactive planning and highlighting its commitment to community safety. Check out the video below to learn where the partner areas are located in the Creston Valley and the work that is underway. The Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee 4. Save the number to call To report a wildfire call the Southeast Fire Centre with *5555 4. Save: Click here to add the *5555 to your mobile phone and save as "WILDFIRE - Creston Valley" One click to make it easy for you. 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

We are deeply rooted in the values of our community. See us in action and learn how we connect sustainable practices with the community’s values. BACK Forest Operations We prioritize the values of our community in all our operations. Our goal is to manage our community forest now for future generations. By supporting local contractors and reinvesting revenue in the local economy, we create employment opportunities and contribute to regional growth. With an ecosystem-based approach, we ensure the long-term health of our forests. We implement site-specific practices to protect water quality, wildlife habitats, visual aesthetics, and recreational areas. Our focus on sustainability extends to selling over 90% of our logs locally or regionally, with high-value logs offered to local manufacturers first. Experience the positive impact of our operations in Creston and join us in promoting sustainable forest management. Explore our work and discover how we balance economic prosperity with environmental stewardship. Harvesting Harvesting Silviculture Silviculture Fuel Mitigation Fuel Mitigation 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