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On April 4th, Creston Community Forest (CCF) Team Members - Erich, Alana, and Angela hosted the Selkirk College Forestry Diploma students as part of their final class field trip with a tour. During the visit, they delved into conventional logging practices aimed at wildfire risk reduction, focusing on our active logging site at Goat Mountain. The students had an opportunity to have insightful conversations with the loggers about the development process and the community forest values that drive our CCF mission. They also explored completed wildfire risk reduction projects and observed our Douglas-fir bark beetle management program sites, which uses pheromone-baited funnel traps. The tour concluded with prescribed burn sites, where discussions turned to innovative silviculture practices and adaptive forest stewardship. For Angela French (RFT) and Erich Endersby (TFT)—both alumni of the Selkirk program—it was a meaningful full-circle moment, underscoring the value of keeping forestry efforts local and building a skilled workforce with deep roots in the community. Photo #1: Selkirk college with Rick Polzin and CCF staff April 4, 2025 on Goat Mountain block 12 Photo #2: Creston Community Forest team members - Erich, Alana and Angela on Goat Mountain WRR block April 4, 2025 #crestoncommunityforest #sustainableforestry #WildfirePreparedness #SelkirkCollege

Meet us at our Open House & Wildfire Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 3rd, from 1:00 – 4:30 pm at the Creston Museum!  Learn how we manage local forests sustainably  Get expert FireSmart tips to protect your home  Ask questions about logging, recreation & wildfire risks Your voice matters! Let’s work together for a resilient Creston Valley. See you there!  Creston Museum |  May 3rd, 1:00 – 4:30 PM Read all the details and 10 additional reasons to attend our Open House on our website here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/openhouse2025 #CrestonCommunityForest   #WildfirePreparedness   #SustainableForestry   #CrestonBC

As part of our ongoing commitment to wildfire risk reduction, we will be starting the following two projects this April as part of our 2025 program: 1. Logging operations will start in the Russell Creek Forest Service Road (FSR) area from late April and continue into early June. 2. We will also be conducting understory fuel reduction work and piling with small-scale pile burning on Goat Mountain and Carroll Creek beginning in April continuing into the fall.

Join the Conversation! Creston Community Forest invites you to our Open House & Wildfire Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 3rd, from 1:00 – 4:30 pm at the Creston Museum!  Learn how we manage local forests sustainably  Get expert FireSmart tips to protect your home   Ask questions about wildfire risks, recreation & harvesting Your voice matters! Let’s work together for a resilient Creston Valley. See you there!  Creston Museum |  May 3rd, 1:00 – 4:30 PM Read all the details and 10 additional reasons to attend our Open House on our webpage here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/openhouse2025

Enhancing our forests, working with our community partners and highlighting the incredible work in our industry, this International Women's Day we want to share the Forest Enhancement Society of BC article of our very own Planning and Development Supervisor, Angela French, RTF. Faces of Forestry is an initiative of FESBC to highlight people doing great work to enhance our forests throughout British Columbia. A portion of the article below shines a light on just some of what makes her a dynamic Creston Community Forest team member, BC Community Forest Association Board Member, and champion for the Kootenay Valley. "... she is working on incorporating climate adaptation strategies into their timber supply scenarios for long-term ecosystem resilience plan. Angela is continually working on incorporating Indigenous values and perspectives into the community forest’s day-to-day operations to manage the forest from this holistic perspective led by ecosystem and climate resiliency as the key indicators of success. “I am working on spanning boundaries by incorporating more Ktunaxa Forestry Standards into CCF’s planning and development; engaging hydrologists and Yaqan Nukiy (Lower Kootenay Band) to plan for hydrometric [water] flow stations in our watersheds; partnering with Wildsight [company] to explore the world of biomass and fibre utilization through biochar [bio-energy]; and continuing the work as a co-founder of the Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee to ensure that the Creston Valley has a coordinated plan to reduce the risk of wildfires,” she mentioned. Angela has a long-standing history of collaboration with FESBC, having worked as the Wildfire Mitigation Supervisor for the Regional District of Central Kootenays to implement forest fuel reduction treatments and a prescribed (intentional) burn in Selous Creek near Nelson, B.C., as well as a wildfire risk reduction treatment near Queens Bay." For the full article: https://fesbc.ca/faces-of-forestry-angela-french-rft/ #bcforesty #forestry #IWD #iwdc2025

Our quarterly Newsletter is out and available with the link below. Grab your morning coffee and have a quick read of it. A sign-up link is within the newsletter. "As we reach March, marking the first quarter of 2025, we’re excited to share what’s been capturing our attention. Our newest projects are full swing and encouraging the community to engage with us, we are community focused and sharing the results of our projects. The hard work and dedication of the people behind Creston Community Forest deserve recognition, and we’re proud to shine a spotlight on them. As we move forward, we remain committed to fostering sustainable forestry practices and strengthening our role in Canadian forestry." IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER    1. Creston Community Forest 2025 Projects    2. Recap of Block 7 on Mount Thompson    3. Douglas-fir Bark Beetle Program Results    4. Backbone of Community Forests: Our Team    5. Newest Team Member: Erich Endersby    6. BC Community Forest Board of Directors Newest Member: Angela French    7. BCCFA 2024 Indicators Report    8. Questions or Comments. https://mailchi.mp/adcfed4d6f13/creston-community-forest-newsletter-10334343

Goat Mountain/Arrow Creek radio call instructions and channel. ATTENTION: Creston Community Forest contractors began harvesting our wildfire risk reduction project Goat Mountain/Arrow Creek. Safety is essential: Please be very cautious and aware of active operations while using the road. Follow all posted signage and use a radio, if possible. Expect disruptions and delays along the sections of road with active operations during work hours Monday to Friday. See the maps for the location that is impacted here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/post/public-notice-maps-for-goat-mountain-2025-project For more information please contact infoshare@crestoncf.com  or 250-402-0070.

Please submit comments in writing on the FOM website, via email to infoshare@crestoncf.com ** please note that the public referral period has closed but we are always open to receiving comments to infoshare@crestoncf.com CCF - K3D CP 35 BLKS 12-13 Community Referral Map CCF - K3D CP 35 BLKS 12-13 Community Referral Ortho Map

CCF - K3D CP 35 GOAT MTN COMMUNITY USERS MAP CCF - K3D CP 35 GOAT MTN ORTHO MAP

This week (February 9th-16th), the Creston Community Forest (CCF) is planning to conduct more burning on Arrow/ Goat Mountain. * The goal is to remove the logging debris piles associated with the wildfire risk reduction work the CCF has been carrying out over the last 2 years. If conditions permit, expect to see larger columns of smoke on the upper portions of Arrow/ Goat Mountain. All debris piles are contained and surrounded by deeper snow, helping to remove the risk of fire spread.

With 10 liters of beetles collected, our year-long program combined traps, research, and collaborations to better understand and slow the spread of the Douglas-fir Bark Beetle. Find the results and what we are doing next by reading the summary below. Thank you to our Planning and Development Supervisor - Angela French, RFT - for sharing the following summary of the 2024 Creston Community Forests Douglas-fir Bark Beetle Program.      Goal : The program aimed to reduce Douglas-fir bark beetle populations impacting Douglas-fir stands within the operating area. The focus was on slowing the spread of infestations, tracking beetle flight patterns, and monitoring population changes.      Methodology:          Trap Sites: Ten funnel trap sites were strategically selected based on proximity to affected or susceptible Douglas-fir stands and reserve areas. Additional factors like snowmelt timing, aspect, stand age, wind direction, and site accessibility were considered.          Trap Setup: Each site had three 5-piece multitrap systems, placed a few meters apart to enhance mass trapping. The traps used a 3-part lure to attract and collect beetles, aiming to draw them away from vulnerable trees.      Methylcyclohexen (MCH): Over 1000 MCH bubbles were distributed in susceptible stands to prevent beetle infestation.      Research Collaboration: The program contributed to Canadian-wide bark beetle research by sending collected beetle samples to Dr. Christopher Keeling at the Laurentian Forestry Centre. His research on genetic biodiversity helps assess factors like cold tolerance and pest communication in bark beetles.      Partnerships: Collaboration with the Selkirk Resource District and Stewardship allowed for discounted products and materials. The beetle data collected also contributed to monitoring infestations in the Selkirk District.      Monitoring & Data Collection: From May 15 to August 19, 2024, 10 liters of bark beetles were collected. Bear damage at certain sites affected data accuracy, but high volumes were recorded in late May to mid-June and early to mid-July. This data will inform future management strategies.      Future Plans: Funnel traps will continue to be placed at Goat Mountain, Mt. Thompson, and the Arrow Creek drainage to further monitor beetle populations and inform adaptive management.

The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is seeking a permanent part-time Office Administrator  who will complete the administrative and bookkeeping duties for the company.  The CCF is a not-for-profit company that has operated in the Creston Valley since 1997.  Governed by a ten-person Board of Directors , the CCF is committed to sustainable forest management. Candidate and Responsibilities  You are someone who understands the importance of being part of a professional and highly functioning workplace and possess a strong ability to interact positively with staff, board members and contractors. You are passionate about the community in which you live and work.   Reporting to the Forest Manager, you will be responsible for: Full cycle accounting in QuickBooks Desktop – maintaining account payables and receivables, payroll, completing quarterly GST returns, remittance of payroll source deductions, maintaining log scale records, year-end accounting preparation and the generation of financial reports. Administrative tasks – answering phones, preparing monthly board meeting packages and responding to company e-mails. Qualifications and Experience Preference will be given to someone with the following qualifications and attributes:  Post-secondary degree or diploma in Business Administration or Accounting. Previous office administration experience. Previous accounting experience, preferably in QuickBooks Desktop. Strong written and communication skills.  Accountable, well-organized and professional when dealing with staff, board members, contractors and the public. Self- motivated and forward thinking. Knowledge of the forestry industry is an asset but not required. Hours of work will be 20-24 hours per week.  Compensation for this position will commensurate your level of experience and be competitive with current industry standards ($29-34.00 /hour) . The CCF has a matching RRSP program and provides full employee benefits.  Application Process The closing date for this job advertisement is March 3, 2025.  Applicants can email a cover letter and resume with ‘ CCF Office Admin’  in the subject line to: dgratton@crestoncf.com .  If you wish to submit your application in person, our office is located at 121 Northwest Blvd.  Both your cover letter and resume  must clearly indicate  how you meet the qualifications listed above. We thank all who apply but only those selected for consideration will be contacted.