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As part of the Creston Community Forest's continued goal to mentor a new generation of foresters, we would like to introduce our two summer students, Tuscany and Elissa. Having studied at UBC's Natural Resources Conservation program, Tuscany and Elissa will spend the summer in Creston assisting with our forest development, monitoring the Douglas-fir beetle program, over seeing the maintenance of hiking trails and helping to deliver forest education to both elementary and highschool students. Through hands-on field experience and community engagement, they will gain insight into sustainable forest management while contributing to important local projects. They have already been part of many projects we continue to work on as part of our forest management, along with other community organizations we dedicate our support. Welcome to the team Tuscany and Elissa!

We walked the same trail as they did in 1930. Our 'Artist Walk with a Forester' on the Thompson Pack Trail was a success today. It was fascinating for us to hear how artists see and experience our forests. Together, we discussed and walked the same trail built by foresters who travelled this rugged path to spend months stationed at the Mt. Thompson fire lookout. Using only hand saws, picks, and axes, they created the very trail we walked today. We stopped and took in the scent of the forest, the sounds of Sullivan Creek, and the filtering of the light through the forest canopy. Photos were taken of the tiniest of details to the largest of camera capacity. Among the forest education and bear aware workshop, laughter and insight was shared. We would like to send out a big Thank You to Dee Howard, Creston Coexistence Coordinator, for a hands on bear spray workshop that prepared us for bear encounters as well as what we can do to hike safely in our local forests. Thank You to our forest manager, Daniel Gratton, for not only the insight of the tiniest of plants but for sharing his knowledge of the many different species of trees that grow in this area, the history of the trail and for his time on a long weekend to explore the forest with a group of artists. Thank you to each of the artists, the three from Kutenai Art Therapy Institute (KATI) that drove from Nelson early this morning, and the friends and family that joined them. This hike was part of the 2026 Community Project - Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give us. The Creston Community Forest, in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, invites artists across the Kootenays to submit work for “Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give us,” a juried exhibition opening in September 2026. For all details and deadlines, please visit our website: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/artprojecthealingforests

'Artist Walk with a Forester' sign-up is now open. We invite artists to join us and our Forest Manager along with Dee Howard (Co-existence Coordinator), with an interactive bear spray workshop at the beginning of hike, Sunday May 17th at 10am. This hike will be capped at 20 people but a wait list will be available. To book your spot on the list: https://mailchi.mp/93f04707ce57/artist-walk The Creston Community Forest & Tilted Brick Gallery announce a 2026 Juried Exhibition About the Project: The Creston Community Forest, in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, invites artists across the Kootenays to submit work for “Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give us,” a juried exhibition opening in September 2026. The exhibition explores the many ways forests shape our lives: ecologically, economically, culturally, emotionally, and recreationally. Artists age 16+ and working in any medium are encouraged to participate. This exhibition celebrates that work and invites artistic reflection on the value of forests in daily life. 1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $300 3rd Prize: $200

This Saturday the 2nd, we were proud to take part in the seasonal opening of the Creston Farmers' Market, where we hosted our Community Forest Open House. It was a great opportunity to connect with residents, answer questions, and share more about the work we do. We were pleased to give away Creston Community Forest t-shirts, ball caps, forest industry items, and National Forest Week coloring books for the kids. This was our most well-attended Open House to date, and we truly appreciated the interest from the community through thoughtful questions and meaningful conversations. Forest Manager Daniel Gratton (RPF)and Forest Technician Erich Endersby (TFT) were on hand to walk visitors through our management areas using large maps, explain Douglas-fir beetle treatments, and provide insight into our ongoing work. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, to the families and kids who joined us, and to our Board Directors for their support. Creston, we thank you.

Starting today (April 28th), the Creston Community Forest will be salvage logging blowdown trees in a cutblock located between 3 and 5 km on the Mt. Thompson Forest Service Road (FSR). This is in response to a wind event that occurred in December 2025. Given the impact that Douglas-fir beetles have had throughout the Kootenays, it is important that these downed trees be removed by late spring at the latest to help mitigate this forest health concern. Douglas-fir beetles prefer downed trees, so they will preferentially attack the felled "trap" trees rather than standing, healthy trees. Timing here is critical. Trap trees must be processed (hauled to a mill, burned, or debarked) before the beetles emerge from the trap trees and infect the healthy standing trees in the area. If traveling up the Mt. Thompson FSR, please exercise caution and if possible, have a two-way radio set to the correct Resource Road Channel. Operations should conclude by Friday, May 1st. With any concerns or questions, please contact our Forest Manager: Daniel Gratton dgratton@crestoncf.com

Meet us at our Open House & Wildfire Preparedness Day on Saturday, May 2nd, from 9:00am - 1:00 pm at the Creston Farmers' Market! Learn how we manage local forests sustainably Get expert FireSmart tips to protect your home Ask questions about logging, recreation & wildfire risks Grab a coffee from a local market vendor and discuss with us: 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. Your voice matters! Let’s work together for a resilient Creston Valley. See you there! Creston Community Forest | May 2nd, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Read all the details and additional reasons to attend our Open House on our website here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/openhouse2026

Spring hiking reminder: Creston Community Forest Trail Etiquette 1. Dirtbikes and Quads are not permitted on any Community Forest Trails designated as non-motorized. 2. Important Notice: No Motorcycles Allowed on the Pack Trail To protect the safety of all trail users, motorcycles are not permitted on the Pack Trail. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our trails safe and enjoyable for everyone. 3. Leash Up! Dogs Must Be on Their Leash A friendly reminder to all dog owners using the Pack Trail: please keep your furry friends on a leash. This helps protect wildlife, other trail users, private land owners in the area and ensures everyone can enjoy the trail safely. ** we love dogs but please pick up after your furry family member to keep the trails enjoyable for other users. 4. Yield to Horses When encountering horses on the Pack Trail, please yield the right of way. Horses can be easily spooked by sudden movements or loud noises, so approach them calmly and give them plenty of space to pass. * Also, please do not take down the signs at each trailhead or in the trailhead Kiosks. Thank you for your cooperation and Happy Hiking!

We are preparing our trails throughout April. Our crews will be out maintaining the listed trails over the coming weeks, clearing debris, updating trail-head kiosks, checking signage, and ensuring the routes are safe and enjoyable for the community. There’s no better way to experience the natural beauty of the Creston Valley than from one of its many hiking trails. Wander through quiet forest stands, listen to birds chirping, cross freshwater creeks, and take in sweeping valley views along the way. Whether you're out for a short walk or a longer adventure, we invite you to explore the CCF trail network and reconnect with nature this spring. We proudly manage and maintain the following trails in the Creston area: Lady Slipper, Thompson Rim Trail, Thompson Rotary Trail, Thompson Pack Trail, Big Bear Viewpoint, Billy Goat Bluffs (photos in post are from this hiking trail), Gliders’ Point and the West Ridge Trail. Please note that trails are not actively maintained until April. During the off-season and until we get through cleanup on each trail, users may encounter: * Fallen trees * Rough or uneven trail surfaces * Other natural hazards Please use caution when hiking these trails. Important: These trails are maintained by Creston Community Forest, not the Trails for Creston Valley Society. If you have urgent safety concerns, please contact the Creston Community Forest by our office phone number: 250 402 0070, NOT through the Trails for Creston Valley Society( Creston Valley Trails ). For all our trail information and maps, visit our Website and head to our Recreation Webpage: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/forest-recreation

Public Announcement: This past week, community forest staff came across a fire that was smoldering unattended at 1 km on the Mt. Thompson Forest Service Road. The fire was extinguished by our staff. The BC Wildfire Branch has already attended to a few calls where fires were needing to be addressed because of the unseasonably drier conditions. This specific location and Forest Service Road was cleared of refuse and yard waste but has recently seen a growing accumulation of yard waste starting last year. We’ve noticed more garbage building up again at this site, even after it was previously cleaned. For those who are attending these gatherings, please note the following: We know this is a popular spot to spend time, but we need your help to keep it safe. • Make sure your fire is completely out (drown it, stir it, feel it. No heat left) • Don’t leave a fire unattended, even for a few minutes • Pack out what you pack in: cans, bottles, everything * Don't forget that tossing a cigarette butt around the area can also start a fire and makes a mess. • Respect the space so it stays open for everyone One small mistake can have serious consequences and a few simple steps can prevent that. If you cannot be certain that the area was left with the fire completely cool to the touch or all bottles, cans, butts, chip bags etc were picked up, head back up early the next morning with a group to clean up. Also we ask that there be no dumping along any of the forestry roads. People who enjoy these areas exercise a high level of vigilance to prevent a wildfire from occurring. Enjoy your long weekend. Clean up and put fires out. Be safe while up there. The Creston Community Forest team.

Kootenay River Secondary School students and their Grade 10 & 11 science teacher, Erich Meyer, for a field day of learning and exploration on October 27th, 2025. The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is pleased to invite applications for a $5,000.00 educational bursary supporting students pursuing post-secondary studies in Forestry or Environmental Science. As a not-for-profit forest management organization overseeing more than 21,000 hectares of forest lands surrounding the Creston Valley. Through this bursary, CCF hopes to encourage students who are interested in advancing their education in forestry or environmental fields through technical programs, college, or university studies. Supporting education in these areas helps strengthen our community’s connection to sustainable forest management and ensures the next generation continues the work of protecting and understanding our natural landscapes. About Ralph Moore: June 12, 1945 - April 16, 2015.Ralph was born in 1945 in Kimberley B.C., growing up between the Purcells and the Rockies creating a love for the mountains. His father, Jack, took him on countless wilderness hikes and as a result Ralph shared  his passion for the wild with hundreds of people over the years, knowing that protection begins with appreciation. He was especially pleased with the opportunity to protect the forests on Goat Mountain by establishing a Woodlot. He was proud of the work of the local Community Forest Corporation and was a founding member of the environmental group that eventually became Wildsight . He donated hours of his life to assisting individuals and groups in whatever ways he could. We continue to honour him with this educational bursary. CCF is requesting applications from individuals interested in an educational bursary to advance them to a potential career in Forestry or Environmental Science.   Selection of Bursary recipient will be made Creston Valley Forest Corporation Board of Directors based solely on the responses to the application questionnaire. Deadline for completed application: May 15th, 2026 To read the Ralph Moore Bursary  application form and details, HERE

Forest Activity Public Notice - Burning of Debris Piles - Mt. Thompson. We are planning to burn small debris piles created by our wildfire risk reduction projects starting today and continuing for a few days. * 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 Mt. Thompson today and 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.

A little bit about our ongoing Douglas-fir beetle project and the forest management practices we use to better understand the impact these beetles have in our Creston Valley area: The Douglas-fir beetle (Dendroctonus pseudotsugae) is a native bark beetle in British Columbia. Mature, unhealthy and stressed-out Douglas-fir trees act as a primary host. Due to the impacts of climate change: less snow, earlier spring weather, the extreme heat during our summers and wildfires, we are seeing an increase in beetle populations. These beetles typically do two flights per year in the Creston Valley, the first flight occurs in late April to early June, while the second flight occurs between July and August. During these flights, the beetles are looking for susceptive hosts to feed off and lay their larvae into, further increasing their populations. To mitigate the impacts of Douglas-fir beetle, the Creston Community Forest has developed forest health management practices that utilize funnel traps. These traps contain a bait which uses pheromones to attract and isolate the beetles, meanwhile the surrounding forest area is protected by an additional pheromone (MCH) which causes the beetles to ‘overlook’ the trees and target the traps where they are collected and measured. We collect the beetles to further our understanding of beetle flight dynamics and present populations and to contribute to further adaptive management practices. Our project is ongoing in the valley. We have 11 trap site locations planned throughout our operating area this season and we ask that the public do not disturb this important project.