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The Creston Community Forest (CCF) recently upgraded several signs along its hiking trails and viewpoints. It is through community initiatives and community members that make helpful projects like this come to light. We would like to acknowledge and share our gratitude for the participating organizations and people listed below. This sign project was made possible through initiatives by Kootenay Employment Services who oversaw the Wayfinding Project in collaboration with the Economic Action Partnership committee. Special thanks to Ray and Meg Huss for the installation of our new trail posts. A huge thank you to Gregg Berg who oversaw the design and production of these new additions you will see along CCF's trail systems. As you head out on the trails this fall, we invite you to keep exploring! It’s a spectacular season to get outside as the air is crisp, the colors are rich, and the new signs make navigation even easier.

Forest Activity Public Notice - Burning of Debris Piles. We are planning to burn small debris piles created by our wildfire risk reduction projects through to November 15th. * The goal is to remove the small debris piles associated with the wildfire risk reduction work the Creston Community Forest has been carrying out over the last 2 years. This will depend on the area experiencing good or fair ventilation for smoke to disperse well. If conditions permit, expect to see smoke in the area of Goat Mountain in the coming days. We are working to reduce the fuel load near the Town of Creston prior to high fire danger season. Thank you. For maps of the area: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/post/public-notice-maps-for-goat-mountain-2025-project

Forest Activity Public Notice - Burning of Debris Piles. We are planning to burn small debris piles created by our wildfire risk reduction projects starting tomorrow and continuing into Monday. * The goal is to remove the small debris piles associated with the wildfire risk reduction work the Creston Community Forest has been carrying out over the last 2 years. This will depend on the area experiencing good or fair ventilation for smoke to disperse well. If conditions permit, expect to see smoke in the area of Goat Mountain in the coming days. We are working to reduce the fuel load near the Town of Creston prior to high fire danger season. Thank you. For maps of the area: Goat Mountain Maps

National Forest Week is always a special time for us at the Creston Community Forest (CCF). This year’s student field trip once again showcased the best of learning, laughter, and community collaboration. With local Grade 5 students and their teachers joining our crew, the forest became a classroom unlike any other. Guided by our CCF staff and community partners from Canfor, J.H. Huscroft, the Canyon/Lister Fire Department, BC Fisheries, and the Creston Valley Rod & Gun Club, students rotated through interactive learning stations that brought the forest to life. From identifying trees and painting tree “cookies,” to learning how to use a compass through the forest, the day sparked curiosity and excitement about forestry and the natural world. The kids’ wonder was infectious, “I can see why they call it the Enchanted Forest.” and “Do you think a bear would sleep in there?” were just a few of the comments from the students. Learning stations gave students a hands-on look at biodiversity, the history of logging, how trees are interconnected, favorite foods for trout, how to count the age of a tree, and the art of compass navigation. The excitement was undeniable: children paused to admire moss-covered logs, talked about hunting and fishing with their classmates, and took in the forest’s sights and scents with wonder. An outdoor lunch provided by our board members brought everyone together before the students headed back to school with a little mud on their boots, a lot of new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the forests that sustain our community. We would like to thank the community partners listed above for taking time out to share the day and their knowledge with our local students.

From time immemorial Canada’s forests have anchored the economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability of communities. Science and innovation underpin healthy forests from inception to maturity. Each year, during the time of National Forest Week, the Creston Community Forest (CCF) hosts local school students to experience hands on learning in our local forest with our CCF team of forest professionals and collaborators. We are thrilled to have approximately 70 Grade 5 students, along with teachers, joining us on a field trip this week. This annual field trip is always action packed with interactive learning stations for the students, a lunch that we provide and a day for the students to explore nature. We will be sure to share a recap of the day along with photos.

We were thrilled to host a community focused nature walk along the historic Thompson Pack Trail in Creston where other local organizations came together in support. The event was a success and brought together a group of community members for an engaging journey through diverse ecosystems, from Douglas-fir forests to lush cedar-hemlock stands, and connected everyone with the living history of the trail. The trail led us to the Sullivan Creek bridge (group photo), winding through ecosystems that showcase the beauty and history of our community forest. A highlight of the day was an interactive bear spray demonstration by Dee Howard, the Creston Wildlife Coexistence Coordinator (BC Conservation Foundation and Yellowstone to Yukon), who shared valuable tips on how to stay safe while hiking. Dee’s insights into black bears and grizzly bears gave participants the knowledge and confidence to better understand and coexist with local wildlife. Community members also shared their own knowledge of the Pack Trail, adding to the richness of the experience. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants asking for more walks through our trails in the future. It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm for exploring the forest together, and we look forward to hosting more events that blend education, community, and a love of the outdoors. We would also like to thank Wildsight , Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club , and Creston Valley Trails  for their support by sharing the information for this collaborative Nature Walk.

In response to concerns about upcoming operations in Russell Creek, the Creston Community Forest (CCF) is committed to ensuring conditions are safe to reduce the risk of a wildfire during our logging operations. The CCF will continue to monitor the BC wildfire risk website to determine if operations are warranted and will not operate if conditions are dry such as what we've experienced the last two weeks.   https://www2.gov.bc.ca/.../weather-fire-danger/fire-danger As of Thursday, September 11th, the BC Wildfire Service determined the Kidd Creek fire to be 95% contained. Today's rain and the additional precipitation for tomorrow will help wildfire crews bring the fire under control. The cause of the wildfire in Kidd Creek is still under investigation. For up-to-date information on the Kidd Creek fire, please view here: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

On Tuesday, September 2nd, a fire was discovered in the Kidd Creek area of the Creston Community Forest, east of Creston. The fire was immediately reported to BC Wildfire Service (BCWS), who took command of fire response. There are currently no immediate concerns to community or private lands. The fire is contained to the Kidd Creek Forest Service Road area. There is an Area Restriction to allow BCWS to safely respond to the fire, please avoid the area to let the crews do their work. Lead Forecaster at the BCWS, Matt MacDonald stated on Wednesday: “Safe to say that today September 3rd, 2025, was the most active wildfire day of the 2025 season in BC. Aided by temperatures above 35C, relative humidity in the 10-15% range, and extremely dry fuels following a late season 10-day heatwave, several fires in the Cariboo, Kamloops, and Southeast Fire Centres saw explosive growth.”   BCWS will remain engaged on the fire throughout the weekend. The smoke we are seeing in our community is a combination of; fires occurring throughout the Pacific Northwest, the Cultis Creek fire west of Kootenay Lake, and the fire in the Kidd Creek area. The best place for up-to-date information on this fire is the BCWS public incident page. Here you can find more information about the area restriction, operational updates, and the smoke forecast: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/incidents?fireYear=2025&incidentNumber=N71928&source=map . CCF will provide updates with any significant changes and would like to thank our wildland firefighters for their diligent efforts and commitment.

Russell Creek Details: Active Harvesting Starting Fall 2025- Winter 2026 Letter to Community CCF - K3D CP 35 BLK 18 COMMUNITY REFERRAL MAP CCF - K3D CP 35 BLK 18 COMMUNITY REFERRAL ORTHO MAP

September is synonymous with education and forest activity, and this newsletter is about sharing information about both. From celebrating National Forest Week to learning about wildfire risk reduction and biochar innovation, there’s plenty to explore. We’re also sharing updates on our programs, tree planting milestones, and how you can get involved this fall. IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER     1. National Forest Week     2. Educational Nature Walk Invitation     3. From Forest Waste to Farm Resource - article and report from Wildsight     4. Tree Planting Milestone     5. Fuel for Thought - a six page guide on Wildfire Risk Reduction programs     6. Active Creston Community Forest Programs     7. Permits for Firewood     8. What We Are Reading     9. Questions or Comments. Click here to read our September Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/94e9c1151965/creston-community-forest-newsletter-10337669 In this month's newsletter we have mentions to: Wildsight   Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club   BC Community Forest Association - BCCFA   BC's National Forest Week   #NFW2025

Public Notice: Active Harvesting - Peterson Creek, August 28th - Fall. Safety is essential: Please be very cautious and aware of active operations while using the road. Expect disruptions and delays along the sections of road with active operations during work hours Monday to Friday. See the maps for the location: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/projects For more information please contact infoshare@crestoncf.com or 250-402-0070.

(L) Dee Howard, the Creston Wildlife Coexistence Coordinator, (R) Daniel Gratton, Creston Community Forest’s Forest Manager Join Us for a Collaborative Nature Walk on the Thompson Pack Trail!  We're excited to invite you to a special guided nature walk along the Thompson Pack Trail in Creston, organized in collaboration with several local community groups.                                                   This trail is known for its historical significance in providing access to a fire lookout station at the top of Mt. Thompson. The walk will offer a unique journey through different ecosystems, from drier Douglas-fir forests to lush cedar-hemlock stands and will begin by passing through one of the first wildfire risk reduction blocks the Creston Community Forest completed in 2018, continuing to the Sullivan Creek trail systems completed in 2020.   The walk will also highlight local wildlife and the importance of coexistence. We’re thrilled to have Dee Howard, the Creston Wildlife Coexistence Coordinator, join us for the day, supported by the BC Conservation Foundation (BCCF) and Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y). Dee will also be doing an interactive bear spray demonstration at the beginning of the walk.   Daniel Gratton, Creston Community Forest’s Forest Manager, will lead the walk through the century old trail, pointing out significant ecosystems, sharing the history of the Pack Trail, and the dynamics of work done with the Creston Community Forest. Daniel’s knowledge of forestry and silviculture, his passion for the intricate nature of the trees surrounding the trail and experience leading field trips for forestry students and young nature lovers will make the trail walk a true local adventure.   This event exemplifies community effort, with collaborations from Wildsight, the Creston Valley Rod & Gun Club, and the Creston Community Forest. Together, we’re bringing you an informative and engaging experience that showcases both the natural beauty and the importance of working together to protect it.   This hike is limited to 20 people.  Please join us by signing up with the link below: https://wildsight.ca/events/nature-walk-thompson-pack-trail-2/