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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

We are a not-for-profit forest company who log to mitigate fires and contribute funds back into the community of Creston. Forest Operations We are deeply rooted in the values of our community. Silviculture, Harvesting and Fire Mitigation are sustainable treatment methods we practice to match with the community’s values. Read More Forest Education At the Creston Community Forest Corporation, we foster hands-on learning within our community. Learn more, about our exciting educational opportunities for secondary and post-secondary student. Read More Forest Recreation We are proud to build a network of scenic hiking trails in the Creston Valley area. We encourage people to enjoy each trail as part of their well-being and enjoyment. Read more for a full list of our six trails. Read More Billy Goat Bluffs Trail silviculture and summer students Birch Creek road Creston Community Forest_edited Billy Goat Bluffs Trail 1/14

We focus on creating resilient forests that can thrive in changing conditions driven by climate change. Our silviculture practices prioritize ecosystem-based management, ensuring that future stands are well-suited to their growing conditions and highly resilient. FOREST OPERATIONS Silviculture We focus on creating resilient forests that can thrive in changing conditions driven by climate change. Our silviculture practices prioritize ecosystem-based management, ensuring that future stands are well-suited to their growing conditions and highly resilient. To enhance the forest's resilience, we incorporate a diverse range of tree species that are naturally adapted to each site's specific conditions. This includes both commercially viable and non-commercially viable species, resulting in a higher species diversity and a forest that goes beyond pure production goals. We also consider the site's natural disturbance regime when developing silvicultural prescriptions. By mimicking natural disturbances like an occasional windfall, we apply selective harvesting systems that the forest is best adapted to. This approach promotes the growth of diverse tree species and age classes, ensuring the long-term health of our timber resources for future generations. Through our silviculture practices, we not only care for the timber resources in our operational area but also create forests that are resilient and well-prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. 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

​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. 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. 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

Forest Education: At the Creston Community Forest, we foster hands-on learning within our community. Learn more, about our exciting educational opportunities! Forest Recreation: We take pride in managing and maintaining a network of scenic trails in the picturesque Creston area. Explore the great outdoors! Forest Operations: We are deeply rooted in the values of our community. See us in action and learn how we connect sustainable practices with the community’s values. What We Do We are a not-for-profit forest company who log to mitigate fires and contribute funds back into the community of Creston. Forest Operations We are deeply rooted in the values of our community. Silviculture, Harvesting and Fire Mitigation are sustainable treatment methods we practice to match with the community’s values. Read More Forest Education At the Creston Community Forest Corporation, we foster hands-on learning within our community. Learn more, about our exciting educational opportunities for secondary and post-secondary student. Read More Forest Recreation We are proud to build a network of scenic hiking trails in the Creston Valley area. We encourage people to enjoy each trail as part of their well-being and enjoyment. Read more for a full list of our six trails. Read More Billy Goat Bluffs Trail silviculture and summer students Birch Creek road Creston Community Forest_edited Billy Goat Bluffs Trail 1/14

The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is proposing an updated Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) for Community Forest Agreement (CFA) K3D. The CCF's primary land management objectives are to implement ecosystem-based forestry, protected water, address climate change and improve the Creston Valley's resilience in the event of wildfire. The CCF welcomes meeting in person to discuss our FSP or any other questions you may have. Projects 2024 - 2029 Forest Stewardship Plan The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is proposing an updated Forest Stewardship Plan (FSP) for Community Forest Agreement (CFA) K3D. CFA K3D contains five community watersheds which includes Arrow Creek, Sullivan Creek, Russell Creek, Floyd Creek, and Camp Run Creek. Nine domestic watersheds are also in the CFA K3D Licence area. Since its inception in November 1997, the CCF has operated as a not-for-profit organization governed by a volunteer board of directors five of which are shareholders directors represented by the Town of Creston, Regional District of Central Kootenay, Wildsight, Trails for Creston Valley Society and the Erickson Community Association. The CCF's primary land management objectives are to implement ecosystem-based forestry, protect water, address climate change and improve the Creston Valley's resilience in the event of wildfire. The FSP and maps can be viewed by clicking the links below: 2024 - 2029 Forest Stewardship Plan CVFC - ARROW FDU MAP #1 CVFC - GOAT-SKIMMERHORN FDU MAP #2 CVFC - THOMPSON-CARROLL-FOUND FDU MAP #3 For comments to be reflected in the final submission of this FSP, please send written submissions by August 28, 2024 to the email or mail address listed below:

We are deeply rooted in the values of our community. See us in action and learn how we connect sustainable practices with the community’s values. BACK Forest Operations We prioritize the values of our community in all our operations. Our goal is to manage our community forest now for future generations. By supporting local contractors and reinvesting revenue in the local economy, we create employment opportunities and contribute to regional growth. With an ecosystem-based approach, we ensure the long-term health of our forests. We implement site-specific practices to protect water quality, wildlife habitats, visual aesthetics, and recreational areas. Our focus on sustainability extends to selling over 90% of our logs locally or regionally, with high-value logs offered to local manufacturers first. Experience the positive impact of our operations in Creston and join us in promoting sustainable forest management. Explore our work and discover how we balance economic prosperity with environmental stewardship. Harvesting Harvesting Silviculture Silviculture Fuel Mitigation Fuel Mitigation 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

Firewood cutting for personal use in the Creston Community Forest is permitted only under these specific conditions: Firewood Information We are a not-for-profit forest company who log to mitigate fires, keep our forest healthy and contribute funds back into the community of Creston. First Steps for Firewood Moving firewood can spread invasive species and diseases such as the Douglas-fir beetle which is the most prevalent concern in our area. B.C.'s forests are threatened by insects that can damage trees. "The issues BC and Alberta are facing is that the winters are not cold enough, long enough to kill the insects and so the populations are increasing, along with trees being more stressed out with drought and more impact from more beetles, we’re experiencing more [forest] mortality," says our Forest Planning and Development Supervisor, Angela French. Moving firewood from one area to another increases the risk of spreading disease, fungi and pests. Firewood cutting for personal use in the Creston Community Forest is permitted only under these specific conditions: 01 Permission Personal permission is granted from our Forest Manager, Daniel Gratton, before cutting a tree within our Creston Community Forest area-based tenure. Contact information is listed below in image and in our 'Contact Us' section in footer of page or menu tab. ** Please read all Firewood Regulations below. 03 Personal Firewood 02 Free Permit Annually, make sure to read, understand, fill out, sign, carry and follow your free permit at all times while cutting or transporting firewood: SELKIRK FREE USE PERMIT FOR FIREWOOD 2025 for Domestic Purposes Only Firewood cut in CCF is for personal use only and not being sold. See permit for allowable amount per person. The Permittee accepts all responsibility and liability as a result of the firewood harvesting and transport under this Permit. Creston Community Forest accepts no liability for loss, damage to property, personal injury or death resulting from activities undertaken by the Permittee in harvesting firewood or in travel to and from the Permit area. Collecting Firewood in the Creston Community Forest (the Selkirk Forest District): WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW : Did you know that you need permission to collect firewood from our forestry blocks? This permission comes in the form of a Free Use Permit for Firewood – for Domestic Purposes Only. This permit is free of charge and valid only within the Selkirk Forest District, which includes the Arrow, Boundary, Kootenay Lake, and Creston areas. WHAT DOES THE PERMIT ALLOW? This permit authorizes you to: • Collect dead and downed wood only (no live trees or standing dead permitted) • Gather up to 5 cords per calendar year (approx. 18 cubic metres or 6–8 pick-up loads) • Use the wood for personal, domestic use only—not for resale or commercial purposes IMPORTANT REGULATIONS TO FOLLOW: When collecting firewood, the following rules apply under Section 48(1)(b) of the Forest Act: • You must fill out, sign, and carry your permit with you while cutting or transporting firewood. • You must be able to produce your permit if asked by a Natural Resource Officer, Conservation Officer, or Peace Officer • The permit is not transferable • Cut only DEAD conifer trees (standing or down). Conifer trees that have been blown down or broken off, shall ONLY be cut for firewood if there are no green needles left on the tree(s). No cutting of deciduous trees is allowed under this permit. • Cutting of any decked logs is PROHIBITED and may be subject to criminal charges of theft under the Criminal Code of Canada. • Wildlife Values are to be recognized. No trees greater than 50 cm (approximately 20 inch) in diameter as measured at stump height (30cm from germination) shall be cut under this permit. Care shall also be taken to not cut, damage or remove trees showing signs of wildlife use (see last page). Watch especially for trees posted with a “Wildlife Tree” sign. It is an offense under the Wildlife Act to destroy any active bird nest. Look carefully before you cut! ** See image of Wildlife Tree Characteristics on the Permit. • PERMISSION MUST FIRST BE GRANTED from the Creston Community Forest before cutting a tree within these area based tenures using this permit. • The debris must be cleared from roads, roadside ditches, culvert inlets and outlets prior to leaving the area with a load of firewood. • Note: whenever you cut, you should have at least one functional shovel and one fire extinguisher present at all times. • Follow all posted instructions in respect to the use of the road. Do not block roads under active use with your vehicle or firewood. Work safe and drive carefully. This permit is issued under the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) and associated regulations. Permit holders are expected to collect responsibly, avoid damage to the land, and leave no trace. Please see the map of permit required area below. HOW TO GET YOUR FREE USE PERMIT? To make things easy, we’ve created a link for you above as 02 Firewood Permit Please read all instructions carefully before heading out. Our goal is to keep firewood collection safe, sustainable, and respectful of the land we all share. CRESTON COMMUNITY FOREST - FIREWOOD PERMIT MAP Highlighted in Yellow Firewood Do's Do: Work and fall safely, preferably not alone. Falling is risky business without the proper skill, knowledge, and safety gear. Only dead or downed trees may be cut for firewood, though often these trees and logs are retained for structural diversity purposes and are a part of the larger ecosystem resilience lens that we manage the forest through. Leave decaying wood in place as they add to ecosystem function by providing biodiversity in structure, and nutrient cycling. Prevent the spread of insects, disease, and other pathogens by being educated about what may have caused the trees mortality, and possible risks of bringing the pathogens to your property. Do: Do: Do: Firewood Dont's Cut any tree that has wildlife habitat characteristics as identified on the permit, or “WT” for Wildlife Tree, painted on it. These have been retained for the specific values and features they provide for wildlife in the area. Cut any trees within a Wildlife Tree Patch. These areas are legally retained areas of the tenure that have special features important to be maintained for ecosystem biodiversity. Cut green trees for access. Green trees are actively managed with long-term, sustainable practices in mind. The reasons are specific to the site. For more information contact CCF forestry staff. Leave garbage in the forest. These areas are homes to wildlife, are in our backyards, and are not a dumping ground for anyone. Drive through the ditch line into a treatment area. Ditch lines are designed for managing water movement in specific areas. Degrading the shape, direction, of filling with woody material prevents the flow of water and could cause damage to the access structures (roads) and watersheds by contributing to increased sedimentation in drinking water. Cut trees in an active treatment area. Trees under active cutting permits have specific plans that need to be followed by the hired contractor. Cutting trees that are not meant to be cut can cause deviations from plans and operations that prevent our management objectives from being achieved. Do not: Do not: Do not: Do not: Do not: Do not: If you’re unsure where not to go, contact the office for more information. If purchasing firewood, ask where it came from to help keep firewood poachers accountable. Let’s work together to ensure our forests are safely and sustainably managed for the future of our community. Do Not Live Cedar Cut 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 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. 2024 2024 Harvesting Details Goat Mountain Details Harvesting Completed Wildfire Risk Reduction mechanical piling and hand treatment completed. Pile burning fall - winter 2024 Lower Birch (Carroll Creek) & Peterson Creek Details Harvesting Completed Wildfire Risk Reduction mechanical piling and hand treatment to commence in spring 2025 Mt. Thompson Details Harvesting Completed Wildfire Risk Reduction mechanical piling and hand treatment to commence in spring 2025 Arrow Creek Details Pile Burning fall - winter 2024 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

Fuel mitigation is to address the growing risk of intense wildfires in our region. With hotter and drier summers, wildfires have become more frequent and severe. By removing excess fuel, such as woody debris and dead trees from specific areas, we create more fire-resilient forests that act as barriers to fire spread. FOREST OPERATIONS Fuel Mitigation Fuel mitigation is to address the growing risk of intense wildfires in our region. With hotter and drier summers, wildfires have become more frequent and severe. By removing excess fuel, such as woody debris and dead trees from specific areas, we create more fire-resilient forests that act as barriers to fire spread. The amount and type of fuel removal are tailored to site-specific conditions, resulting in a forest that experiences low-intensity surface fires. Implementing fuel mitigation, especially in the Wildland Urban Interface, is vital for communities across B.C. to enhance their fire protection measures. FOREST OPERATIONS Wildland Urban Interface The Wildland Urban Interface is where our community meets the wilderness, with dense forests and thick undergrowth. This zone covers a significant portion of Creston and its surrounding areas. While it offers great recreational opportunities, these areas pose a risk to businesses, homeowners, and private landowners in the event of a wildfire. These forests are more prone to high-intensity wildfires due to the abundance of fuel, such as deadfall and dense shrub layers. As this zone encompasses a large part of the Creston Valley, many people are directly exposed to the threat of intense wildfires. That's why wildfire risk reduction through fuel mitigation work has become increasingly important as communities recognize the risks associated with these transition areas. To read about some of our previous wildfire mitigation projects, visit our blog . For perspective of how much area is at risk to wildfire by being located within the Wildland Urban Interface, check out the video. 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 West RidgeTrail in the Creston Community Forest, BC WEST RIDGE TRAIL This new trail to access the top of Mt Thompson was built in the summer of 2019 by the Creston Community Forest. Total cost of the trail was funded equally by the Creston Community Forest and a grant from the Columbia Basin Trust. The trail starts at the next switchback just after the km 4 post on the Sullivan Creek Trail and ends at the Mt Thompson campsite just off the peak of Mt Thompson. Features of this trail include stands of large Douglas fir and Larch, rocky outcrops, stands of lodgepole pine, and as you approach the top of Mt Thompson, subalpine stands of Alpine Fir and White Bark Pine. The top of Mt Thompson burnt in the early 1900’s and some of the old fir and pine snags are still standing. The trail also passes through a small alpine meadow just above a rocky outcrop that was used as a hang-gliding launching point in the 1980’s. The remains of two old ramps are still there and this site now includes two picnic tables, a bench and a fire ring. This part of Mt Thompson is mountain goat habitat. Seven or eight goats were transplanted to this area in 1978. Wildlife biologists now believe there are 15 to 20 goats in the herd. Look for mountain goats along the trail or on the rocky cliffs that are visible from various viewpoints. Please report any sightings to the Creston Community Forest at 250.402.0070 . With the completion of the West Ridge Trail, it is now possible to hike from the valley floor to the top of Mt Thompson. If you start from the Vance Road trail head, the total one way distance is 10 km with an elevation gain of 1430 m to the Mt Thompson campsite. From the Sullivan Creek trail head, the one way distance is slightly less at 8.5 km with elevation gain of 1234 m. Access Point 1: Access to the lower trail head of the West Ridge Trail is via the Sullivan Creek Trail. From the Creston Valley Visitor Centre, head east out of Creston on Hwy 3 for 5.9 km; turn right onto Canyon-Lister Road; go 1.1 km – turn left onto Whimster Road; travel 750 m – turn left onto Mt Thompson forestry road (gravel, steep grades); travel 1.7 km to parking area for Sullivan Creek Trail. Hike up the Sullivan Creek Trail to just beyond the 4 km post to the start of the West Ridge Trail. Access Point 2: The upper trail head of the West Ridge Trail is at the Mt Thompson campsite and the new trail head for the Rim Trail. This can be accessed by driving to the top of the Mt Thompson Forest Service Road (total distance of 10.5 km). Note: this is a forest service road with sharp curves and steep grades; high clearance vehicles with 4 wheel drive are highly recommended. Trail head access from town: 20–30 minutes to lower trail head plus the time to hike 4 km on the Sullivan Creek Trail. Hiking Time (return): 4 to 7 hours depending upon starting point Distance (Return): 9 km for West Ride Trail only; approximately 17 km from the Sullivan Creek trail head on the Mt Thompson FSR and 20 km from the Vance Road trail head. Elevation gain: 780 m for the West Ridge Trail only; 1430 m from the start of the Pack Trail at Vance Road; 1234 m from the Sullivan Creek trail head Difficulty Rating: Difficult due to distance, access and elevation gain 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

Learn how we're working to reduce wildfire risks, strengthen our forests, and protect our community. Get practical FireSmart tips to safeguard your home, discover how sustainable forest management plays a role in wildfire prevention, and cat with our team about local forestry issues. Join us for our Open House & Wildfire Preparedness Day Local Forests, Local Voices – Your Input Matters Open House 2025 Details Saturday, May 3rd 1:00 – 4:30 pm Creston Museum Learn how we’re working to reduce wildfire risks, strengthen our forests, and protect our community. Get practical FireSmart tips to safeguard your home, sign up for a free Home Assessment, discover how sustainable forest management plays a role in wildfire prevention, and chat with our team about local forestry issues. Help the Creston Museum Become FireSmart! Join us this May 3rd, Wildfire Preparedness Day, by volunteering for the Creston Museum's wildfire mitigation efforts. Tasks include pruning trees, clearing vegetation, and removing fire hazards to make the museum grounds safer. T o sign up, contact Tammy Bradford at tammy@crestonmuseum.ca Wildfire Preparedness Day This important community event is an opportunity to learn how to protect your home, property, and community from the risk of wildfires. Representatives from FireSmart, the Town of Creston, and the Creston Community Forest will be on-site to share valuable educational materials and discuss FireSmart practices that can help reduce wildfire risks. You’ll also have the chance to learn about upcoming fire-related plans, activities, and mitigation efforts happening in our region. 10 Additional Reasons to Visit the Creston Community Forest Open House: Understand Local Logging Practices – Learn how we balance sustainable harvesting with forest health and recreation. FireSmart Your Property – Get expert advice on reducing wildfire risks and protecting your home with FireSmart BC and sign up for a Home Assessment with a Wildfire Mitigation Specialist on site. Community-Led Forest Management – Discover how our not-for-profit model keeps decisions local. Ask About Recreational Access – Share your input on hiking, biking, horse-friendly trails and trail development in our forests. Wildlife & Habitat Protection – Find out how we manage forests to support diverse ecosystems. How We Restore Harvested Areas – Learn about replanting, trail creation, and ecosystem rehabilitation. Local Jobs & Economic Benefits – See how sustainable forestry supports Creston’s economy. Climate Resilient Forests – Discover how we’re adapting to climate change challenges. Learn About Beetle Management – Understand how we monitor and manage Douglas Fir Bark Beetles. Meet the Team & Share Your Thoughts – Connect with local forest experts, ask questions, and provide input on the future of our forests. BONUS Reason: Enjoy a FREE hotdog - No need to pack a lunch—stop by and grab a free hotdog while you chat with experts and connect with fellow community members. Click image below to download the PDF 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