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Here's what we are reading this week. Grab a coffee and read an interesting yet alarming analytical projection for the Forest Industry. Feel free to share it with those in the industry. B.C. forestry industry is dealing with death by a thousand cuts. By 2035, the sector could be less than half the size it was in 2005, according to analysts. By Nelson Bennett | October 31, 2023, 3:30pm "In 2022, B.C. metallurgical coal exports totaled $11.9 billion, followed by natural gas at $7.7 billion and lumber in third place at $7.3 billion, according to BC Stats. That is a reflection of both of higher prices for coal and natural gas, and lower lumber prices and falling production. ... And if projections made by forest sector analysts David Elstone and Jim Girvan prove right, B.C.’s forestry industry will be much smaller a decade from now. The industry’s decline has a lot to do with the Mountain pine beetle epidemic. It has created a timber famine, but first it created a feast......" Link to full article here: https://biv.com/article/2023/10/bc-forestry-industry-dealing-death-thousand-cuts

If you are looking for a local winter hike, look no farther than Billy Goat Bluffs trail. The trail is still accessible and typically snow free from the beautiful cover of a Douglas-fir canopy. An easy access trail head is a short drive past Tim Hortons and located behind the Town of Creston Public Works Yard on Helen Street. To read more about the history of the trail, a few quick facts about the elevation, duration, directions and distance, click here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/billy-goat-bluffs If you hit the trail, be sure to tag us in your photos! We may just see you out there snapping a few winter scenes.

Creston Community Forest (CCF) staff recently hosted a field trip for Grade 11 and 12 students studying Environmental Science. Despite getting caught in the rain on one of our field days, students learned about the CCF's wildfire risk reduction program, the reintroduction of cultural burning, types of forest health trees can face and how Light Detection and Ranging (also known as LiDAR) is used in forestry applications. Pictured in CCF's Canyon block is Mr. Erich Meyer's class.

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 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, a Planning and Development Supervisor, and an Office Administrator. All other operational work, including 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 Planning and Development Supervisor Angela French, RFT Office Administrator & Safety Coordinator Kris VanderWeyde 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 BRIAN CHURCHILL CHAIR Wildsight JOHN CHIS AM ORE SECRETARY Regional District of Central Kootenay KEITH BALDWIN Town of Creston JERRY BAUER Trails for Creston Valley Society BRAD RAE Erickson Community Association COMMUNITY DIRECTORS AT LARGE TOM OLENCZUK VICE-CHAIR ANN DEATHERAGE ROBYN USHER JIM ELFORD VACANCY Board meetings are held on the last Thursday of every month, and are open to the public. Decision-making is determined by consensus (60 per cent), and all communication is recorded in Board Meeting Minutes.

FOREST OPERATIONS Harvesting Our harvesting methods are selected based on site-specific conditions to ensure responsible timber extraction. Factors such as slope, tree species, ecosystem classification, forest health, wildlife habitats, old growth areas, and community proximity influence all of our decision-making processes. By following ecosystem-based management principles, we aim to mirror natural disturbance patterns, minimizing our impact on both timber and non-timber resources. Each harvesting system is chosen with the landscape and a number of values in mind, prioritizing the long-term health of the community forest. We strive for sustainable practices that maintain the balance between timber production and environmental conservation.

THOMPSON ROTARY TRAIL The Thompson Rotary Trail is a short, yet scenic trail that was developed by the Creston Rotary Club in 2012. The trail was located and laid out by Bob Griffith with the whole club involved in the building of the trail over weekend work bees throughout the summer of 2012. Another Rotarian, Werner Allmeritter built the beach that is anchored to solid rock at a major view point. This trail takes you through beautiful Douglas Fir–Ponderosa Pine forests with several viewpoints overlooking the Creston Valley. Red-tailed hawks, Arrow-leaved Balsalm Root and many other features are present that make this trail a great afternoon hike. The bench and best viewpoint is .5 km from the upper trailhead off of the Mt Thompson FSR or .8 km from the lower trailhead off of the Pack Trail. ​ Access: From the Creston Valley Visitor Center, head southeast on Highway 3 towards Cranbrook. At roughly 5.8 km, turn right at Canyon-Lister Road. Continue on this road, and turn left onto Whimster Road after about 1 km. Follow Whimster Road until it’s end – keep left to continue onto Mount Thompson FSR. ​ For access to the lower trailhead, park at 1.7 km on the Thompson FSR at the access point for the Sullivan Creek Trail. Go right or uphill on the Pack Trail immediately in front of the kiosk. Continue on the Pack Trail to about 2.5 km (or about 1 km from the kiosk) to the intersection with the Rotary Trail. ​ For access to the upper trail head, follow the Thompson FSR to the large parking area at about 3.5 km marked with a large sign “Thompson Rotary”. ​ Trailhead access from town: 20-30 minutes Hiking Time (Return): 1.5 hours Elevation Gain: 310 meters Distance (Return): 2.6 km Trails Lady Slipper Trail Thompson Rotary Trail West Ridge Trail Thompson Rim Trail Thompson Pack Trail Billy Goat Bluffs Big Bear Viewpoint Gliders’ Point