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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/

Fuel treatments, Wildfire Risk Reduction programs, aren’t just about wildfire safety—they also keep our forests healthy. Removing overcrowded trees lets sunlight reach the forest floor, encouraging new growth, stronger habitat, and better resilience to pests, drought, and climate change. A healthy forest is one that can thrive. Learn more in our Fuel for Thought guide: https://bccfa.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Fuel-For-Thought-Brochure-Online-Version.pdf

Public Notice: Loaded logging trucks and Resource Road Channel listed below. Active road construction and harvesting will commence on Cutting Permit 35 Block 11 O'Kell Creek off of Big Bear FSR on August 11th. Work is anticipated to continue until early fall. To ensure safety, public access to the Big Bear Viewpoint will be closed during work hours (Monday to Friday) for the duration of the project . Loaded logging trucks will be hauling on Big Bear FSR, therefore it is HIGHLY recommended to only use the road if you have Resource Road Channel 8 programmed to ensure communication is possible with loaded logging trucks and contractor vehicles. This project is apart of the community forests ongoing work to reduce wildfire risk in the Wildland Urban Interface. For more information please visit our Projects page on our website, call the office at 250-402-0070 or email us at infoshare@crestoncf.com . Our projects page with maps: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/projects

Letter to Community: CCF - K3D CP 35 BLK 11 O'KELL COMMUNITY REFERRAL MAP CCF - K3D CP 35 BLK 11 PUBLIC INFORMATION ORTHO MAP CCF - K3D CP 35 BLK 11 O'KELL HP MAP_FINAL

We're proud to share a compelling op-ed by Jennifer Gunter, Executive Director of the BC Community Forest Association, recently featured in Canadian Forest Industries, Pulp & Paper Canada, and Canadian Biomass Magazine. The article highlights the strength of B.C.’s 62 community forests — and how they're balancing economic, environmental, and cultural values. From wildfire mitigation to local jobs, community forests are about much more than timber. Read the full article: https://bccfa.ca/as-published-in-canadian-forest-industries-magazine-pulp-paper-magazine-and-canadian-biomass-magazine/     “Community forests have never focused solely on managing forests for timber. Instead, they take a multifaceted approach to stewardship, managing forests for the benefit of people, place, and long-term resilience.”

Contractors will be conducting brushing and danger tree assessment and felling work on Big Bear FSR between 2 KM and 5 KM this week (August 5-8). Expect delays while crews ensure safe-work sites and respect all posted signage. Please do not pass machinery or posted work-zones without permission from contractors. Use posted radio channels when using Forest Service Roads.

Happy long weekend! We would like to encourage you to review our 8 Wildfire Safety Tips below. Keep these tips in mind during fire season! If you head to our Homepage on our website, we recently added wildfire information which includes links to an interactive map, fire bans and restrictions. Below are our 8 Wildfire Safety Tips for you to consider: 1. During periods of high fire danger, consider alternatives to campfires, such as a propane camp stove or it may be a great opportunity for some fantastic stargazing. 2. Practice Leave No Trace principles—pack out cigarette butts and burned materials from your camping area. 3. Pack a portable fire extinguisher with you when you travel. 4. Build campfires in designated areas like a fire ring. Make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area, it should be cold to the touch. Never leave a burning or smoldering campfire unattended. 5. If you are using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other plants that could easily catch fire. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire. 6. Do not drive your car or ATV and park in tall, dry vegetation, such as grass. The hot underside of the vehicle may start a fire. 7. If you're going on a hike, here are some other safety items to pack before leaving your car: paper maps, compass, flashlight, cell phone and/or emergency locator device, sun protection, water, and food.  8. The Wildfire Danger Rating sign explained.  In the attached FireSmart video explanation, watch to understand the wildfire danger rating sign; what it means, and how it impacts you. Simply click on the link below. https://firesmartbc.ca/.../the-wildfire-danger-rating.../ If you see smoke, fire, or suspicious activities, note the location as best you can and report it to authorities *5555 or call 911. To report a wildfire call the Southeast Fire Centre with *5555 Save: the *5555 to your mobile phone as "WILDFIRE - Creston Valley" #Crestonbc   #hikebc