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Our Creston Community Forest trail system is 'closed' but able to use at your own discretion during the winter season , please note that trails are not actively maintained until late March or early April. During the off-season, users may encounter : * Fallen trees * Rough or uneven trail surfaces * Other natural hazards Please use caution when hiking or recreating on 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.

As holiday lights brighten the valley, we are reminded of the beauty and unity of this community. As we recap the past four months in our quarterly newsletter the theme of community leads the way. Even as the lumber industry shifted unpredictably this 2025, our contractors and team remained grounded and committed. Together, we navigated challenges that ultimately sharpened our focus and strengthened our connection to the land. We’re excited to carry that strength into the year ahead. IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER: View the Newsletter here: https://mailchi.mp/7d2b482f0a11/creston-community-forest-newsletter-10339481

As holiday lights brighten the valley, the sparkle reminds us of why community and people are at the heart of our work. Whether you’re exploring the forest or enjoying the view from a cozy sofa with hot chocolate in hand, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas. Have a wonderful holiday season, however you may bring it in. ~ The Creston Community Forest Team * photo is a recent snapshot at our Big Bear Lookout.

Forest Activity Public Notice: Burning of Debris Piles The Creston Community Forest will begin burning debris piles created through our wildfire risk reduction projects, as long as venting conditions allow. These burns will take place over the next two weeks on Goat Mountain, Mount Thompson, and in the Russell Creek area. All debris piles are closely and continuously monitored during burning. These burns help remove excess forest fuels and support a safer landscape around the Town of Creston. When conditions allow, smoke may be visible from the valley. Thank you for your patience as we continue this proactive fire-resiliency work. For maps of these areas, please click here: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/projects

These are the people who turn plans into action. Who ensure that our projects, big and small, move forward throughout the Creston Valley. Their hard work, and commitment to sustainable forestry is the backbone of every project we complete.  They are the heart of our operations, working closely with community forest staff to bring our vision to life. Our thanks go to : * Macaulay Forestry - who for the last 6 years have treated hundreds of hectares reducing the risk of wildfire. * Rick Polzin ’s deeply committed crew - when most people are still sleeping, they are already on site making sure logs are on the way to the mill. * Aaron Groenhuysen 's expertise in cable logging - selectively logging on steeper terrain is not for the faint of heart. * West Arm Silviculture - tirelessly planting seedlings in the heat of the day. * Our logging truck drivers who maneuver forestry roads to and from the mills each day. * Stefan Feldmann - our forest consultant whose planning and development expertise is key to getting things done. * Sharlyn Carter - who keeps our stories moving forward and bringing life to our newsletters, social media and website. These contractors put the 'community' in the Creston Community Forest. On behalf of the board and staff, thank you. You make our forests and our community, more resilient.

The Creston Community Forest was pleased to welcome 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. Leading the Grade 11 and 12 students were Erich Endersby (TFT) and Daniel Gratton (RPF), assisted by Alana Sargent (CCF Administrator) and Gitte Grover, our board director representing Wildsight. Opportunities like this helps strengthen local connections and offers a real hands on application of what the students are learning in their classroom. Forest ecology, soils and forest measurements were the main topics discussed that morning.  A huge thank you to all involved in making this day happen. https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/about-us

The Creston Community Forest (CCF) recently upgraded several signs along its hiking trails and viewpoints. It is through community initiatives and community members that make helpful projects like this come to light. We would like to acknowledge and share our gratitude for the participating organizations and people listed below. This sign project was made possible through initiatives by Kootenay Employment Services who oversaw the Wayfinding Project in collaboration with the Economic Action Partnership committee. Special thanks to Ray and Meg Huss for the installation of our new trail posts. A huge thank you to Gregg Berg who oversaw the design and production of these new additions you will see along CCF's trail systems. As you head out on the trails this fall, we invite you to keep exploring! It’s a spectacular season to get outside as the air is crisp, the colors are rich, and the new signs make navigation even easier.

Forest Activity Public Notice - Burning of Debris Piles. We are planning to burn small debris piles created by our wildfire risk reduction projects through to November 15th. * 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 Goat Mountain 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. For maps of the area: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/post/public-notice-maps-for-goat-mountain-2025-project

Forest Activity Public Notice - Burning of Debris Piles. We are planning to burn small debris piles created by our wildfire risk reduction projects starting tomorrow and continuing into Monday. * 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 Goat Mountain 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. For maps of the area: Goat Mountain Maps

National Forest Week is always a special time for us at the Creston Community Forest (CCF). This year’s student field trip once again showcased the best of learning, laughter, and community collaboration. With local Grade 5 students and their teachers joining our crew, the forest became a classroom unlike any other. Guided by our CCF staff and community partners from Canfor, J.H. Huscroft, the Canyon/Lister Fire Department, BC Fisheries, and the Creston Valley Rod & Gun Club, students rotated through interactive learning stations that brought the forest to life. From identifying trees and painting tree “cookies,” to learning how to use a compass through the forest, the day sparked curiosity and excitement about forestry and the natural world. The kids’ wonder was infectious, “I can see why they call it the Enchanted Forest.” and “Do you think a bear would sleep in there?” were just a few of the comments from the students. Learning stations gave students a hands-on look at biodiversity, the history of logging, how trees are interconnected, favorite foods for trout, how to count the age of a tree, and the art of compass navigation. The excitement was undeniable: children paused to admire moss-covered logs, talked about hunting and fishing with their classmates, and took in the forest’s sights and scents with wonder. An outdoor lunch provided by our board members brought everyone together before the students headed back to school with a little mud on their boots, a lot of new knowledge, and a deeper appreciation for the forests that sustain our community. We would like to thank the community partners listed above for taking time out to share the day and their knowledge with our local students.

From time immemorial Canada’s forests have anchored the economic, cultural, and environmental sustainability of communities. Science and innovation underpin healthy forests from inception to maturity. Each year, during the time of National Forest Week, the Creston Community Forest (CCF) hosts local school students to experience hands on learning in our local forest with our CCF team of forest professionals and collaborators. We are thrilled to have approximately 70 Grade 5 students, along with teachers, joining us on a field trip this week. This annual field trip is always action packed with interactive learning stations for the students, a lunch that we provide and a day for the students to explore nature. We will be sure to share a recap of the day along with photos.

We were thrilled to host a community focused nature walk along the historic Thompson Pack Trail in Creston where other local organizations came together in support. The event was a success and brought together a group of community members for an engaging journey through diverse ecosystems, from Douglas-fir forests to lush cedar-hemlock stands, and connected everyone with the living history of the trail. The trail led us to the Sullivan Creek bridge (group photo), winding through ecosystems that showcase the beauty and history of our community forest. A highlight of the day was an interactive bear spray demonstration by Dee Howard, the Creston Wildlife Coexistence Coordinator (BC Conservation Foundation and Yellowstone to Yukon), who shared valuable tips on how to stay safe while hiking. Dee’s insights into black bears and grizzly bears gave participants the knowledge and confidence to better understand and coexist with local wildlife. Community members also shared their own knowledge of the Pack Trail, adding to the richness of the experience. The feedback we received was overwhelmingly positive, with many participants asking for more walks through our trails in the future. It was inspiring to see such enthusiasm for exploring the forest together, and we look forward to hosting more events that blend education, community, and a love of the outdoors. We would also like to thank Wildsight , Creston Valley Rod and Gun Club , and Creston Valley Trails  for their support by sharing the information for this collaborative Nature Walk.