Search Results

Forest Activity Public Notice: Burning of Debris Piles The Creston Community Forest will begin burning debris piles created through our wildfire risk reduction projects, as long as venting conditions allow. These burns will take place over the next two weeks on Goat Mountain, Mount Thompson, and in the Russell Creek area. All debris piles are closely and continuously monitored during burning. These burns help remove excess forest fuels and support a safer landscape around the Town of Creston. When conditions allow, smoke may be visible from the valley. Thank you for your patience as we continue this proactive fire-resiliency work. For maps of these areas, please click here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/projects

These are the people who turn plans into action. Who ensure that our projects, big and small, move forward throughout the Creston Valley. Their hard work, and commitment to sustainable forestry is the backbone of every project we complete.  They are the heart of our operations, working closely with community forest staff to bring our vision to life. Our thanks go to : * Macaulay Forestry - who for the last 6 years have treated hundreds of hectares reducing the risk of wildfire. * Rick Polzin ’s deeply committed crew - when most people are still sleeping, they are already on site making sure logs are on the way to the mill. * Aaron Groenhuysen 's expertise in cable logging - selectively logging on steeper terrain is not for the faint of heart. * West Arm Silviculture - tirelessly planting seedlings in the heat of the day. * Our logging truck drivers who maneuver forestry roads to and from the mills each day. * Stefan Feldmann - our forest consultant whose planning and development expertise is key to getting things done. * Sharlyn Carter - who keeps our stories moving forward and bringing life to our newsletters, social media and website. These contractors put the 'community' in the Creston Community Forest. On behalf of the board and staff, thank you. You make our forests and our community, more resilient.

The Creston Community Forest was pleased to welcome Kootenay River Secondary School students and their Grade 10 & 11 science teacher, Erich Meyer, for a field day of learning and exploration on October 27th. Leading the Grade 11 and 12 students were Erich Endersby (TFT) and Daniel Gratton (RPF), assisted by Alana Sargent (CCF Administrator) and Gitte Grover, our board director representing Wildsight. Opportunities like this helps strengthen local connections and offers a real hands on application of what the students are learning in their classroom. Forest ecology, soils and forest measurements were the main topics discussed that morning.  A huge thank you to all involved in making this day happen. https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/about-us

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. Projects Projects - 2025 Click Images for Details Goat Mountain Details Wildfire Risk Reduction cutting and piling completed. Harvesting Completed Debris Pile Burning Notice: * Goat Mountain to commence mid-December * Mt. Thompson to commence mid-December * Russell Creek to commence mid-December Russell Creek Details Active Harvesting Starting Fall 2025- Winter 2026 Lower Birch Prescribed Burn Wildfire Risk Reduction – Fall 2025 or Spring 2026 Havesting Completed Spring - Summer 2025 Peterson Creek and Found Creek Active Harvesting Starting August – Fall O'Kell Creek Details Active Harvesting Starting August – Fall 2024 Harvesting Details General Project Phases Phase 1: Planning Collating and analyzing relevant data to help develop plans that balance values and are aligned with our guiding principles. Phase 2: Collaboration Open collaborative discussions with the Creston Valley community, including area residents, First Nations and the Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee . Key points will be highlighted in our newsletter, on social media, and at open houses. Phase 3: Prioritization Identification of proposed and prioritized projects in the community forest will be developed over time. Phase 4: Implementation Completing the plans from field development through to reforestation and long term monitoring. Resources / Links Guiding Principles Management Plan 2024 -2029 Forest Stewardship Plan Forest Stewardship Plan Policy Manual 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 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 Heart of Our Operations - Our Contractors Local Science Students Step Into the Forest Classroom Hiking Trails, Viewpoints, Trail Signs and Community Collaborations. 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 Lady Slipper Trail in the Creston Community Forest, BC LADY SLIPPER TRAIL The trailhead leaves the Goat Mountain Forest Service Road uphill through mixed forest with tall understory. Ascending through mature stands and past old veteran trees (now serving as wildlife condos), the understory opens to reveal coralroots, fungi and wildflowers. This area is home to the Ladyslipper, the trail’s namesake, in the mid-to-late spring. Here, the ground begins to level, hinting flirtatiously of Selkirk views on one side and revealing erratic boulders deposited by glaciers on the other. Passing through a floral meadow you climb to some of the greatest westward views available a short distance from downtown Creston. Cresting the summit will take you down a short trail to an Eastern viewpoint and excellent picnic location. Access: From the Creston Valley Visitor Center, head north along Highway 3. Reset your trip odometer at the Highway 3/3A junction (beisde the Tim Hortons). Continue heading north on highway 3A for 4km. Turn right onto Lakeview-Arrow Creek Road. At 5.3 km, keep right at the intersection. At 6.2 km, turn right onto Foster Road. The pavement ends at the base of Goat Mountain Forestry road (6.9 km). Reset your trip odometer here. Keep right at the first three junctions you meet along the forestry road. In 6 km, you will arrive at the trailhead with a pullout for parking on the right. Trailhead Access from town: 30-40 minutes Hiking Time (Return): 1 ½–2 ½ hours Elevation Gain: 400 meters Distance (Return): 4.8 km Download Map Turn your phone into a GPS tracker and follow your trail with the AllTrails App. Find photos, directions, record your pace, distance, elevation, comments from other hikers and share your adventures with friends and family. Link here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/british-columbia/arrow-mountain-via-ladyslipper-trail Trails Lady Slipper Trail Thompson Rotary Trail West Ridge Trail Thompson Rim Trail Thompson Pack Trail Billy Goat Bluffs Big Bear Viewpoint Gliders’ Point 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