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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

Public Notification: Contractors will be conducting brushing work on Big Bear FSR this week (August 2-5). Please expect and respect all machinery along the FSR between 1km and 3km. Have a great long weekend.

Whether you're hiking, dirt biking, camping, or riding on horseback — knowing how to respond safely to a bear encounter is essential. Do you know how to use bear spray? Practice makes perfect — especially in the backcountry Join a free Bear Safety Workshop hosted by our local friends this August 6th from 7–9pm at West Creston Hall. Includes hands-on practice with inert bear spray — great for the whole family!

Since 2019, the Creston Community Forest honours the legacy of Ralph Moore by supporting local students as they pursue their post-secondary journeys through the Ralph Moore Memorial Bursary — and this year, we are thrilled to announce two outstanding recipients:  Ewan Gratton  Emma Lecompte These students impressed our Board with their strong academic records, thoughtful applications, and commitment to their education. The Ralph Moore Bursary, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000, is awarded to students in the Central Kootenay region and the selection is made by our Board of Directors. Congratulations, Ewan and Emma — we enjoy supporting the community’s youth! Photos: Creston Community Forest Board Chairman, Tom Olenczuk, presenting the each student their bursary.