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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.

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 ages 16+ and working in any medium are encouraged to participate. We are excited to support BC artists by offering three monetary prizes and partnering with our local Tilted Brick Gallery as well as tying in the Opening Night of the exhibit (Friday, September 18th) as the official kick-off to the National Forest Week. Save that date and join us! This exhibition celebrates the forests and invites artistic reflection on the value of BC forests in daily life. 1st Prize: $500 2nd Prize: $300 3rd Prize: $200 Please share this information with the artist or creative you know. Find all details on our website page: Art Partnership: Healing Forests

We are thrilled to share our newest project with a community supported organization, The Creston Community Forest & Tilted Brick Gallery Announce 2026 Juried Exhibition: “ Healing Forests: in honour of what forests give to us .” How you can participate today , "Save the Date" for the listed Exhibition Opening Date, notice that we will create a page dedicated on our website for this program, and ask you to share this information with any of your creative friends. 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 to 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 of all ages 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. The Creston Community Forest (CCF) manages more than 21,000 hectares of local forest with a focus on sustainable practices, long-term stewardship, recreation infrastructure, and community benefit. ABOUT OUR PARTNER : Tilted Brick Gallery Association is a registered non-profit society under BC's Societies Act and operates on the principle of being "built by artists for artists" in Creston, BC. We are an artist-run center that is community-based and nurtures the development of art & culture in all forms. * Please continue to watch our Facebook, Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter (here: http://eepurl.com/iwjUgk   or sign up is found on our website: www.crestoncommunityforest.com  ) for all details, electronic juried guidelines, date for the May 'Artist Walk' through a forest with our Forest Manager and a hands on bear spray workshop before the walk for this project, and so much more. We wanted to share the beginnings of this project with the details we have and for you know there is more to follow. We encourage artists to submit their pieces for a chance at one of three monetary awarded wins. Stay tuned, follow our page https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/artprojecthealingforests , and save the date!

Last September, a wildfire burned many hectares in the Kidd Creek area. Once conditions were safe, our field crew looked at areas for salvage logging. Despite the scale and intensity of the fire, not all areas were affected in the Peterson and Spider Creek drainages. We want our community to know that we are now working in this area to selectively harvest the fire salvaged timber. After a wildfire, there’s a limited window of time, generally up to about one to two years, when burned wood still has value for milling before it deteriorates too much, so acting promptly helps maximize the use of this resource. Our contractors are currently removing timber from select areas. Trees that survived are being left where we are salvage logging and not all areas that burned will be harvested. Trees left behind will help towards regenerating the forest ecosystem, including supporting wildlife habitat, maintaining soil health, and aiding natural regeneration. This work is an opportunity to support local mill supply, reduce potential fuel for future high-intensity fires, and prepare the ground for reforestation. This salvage work involves careful planning to balance ecological recovery with operational safety. Our crews are following best practices to protect wildlife habitat, waterways, and soil stability as we work. Thanks for your patience as we do this important work in the Kidd Creek area. Once again, we ask that you exercise extra caution if you are travelling up the Kidd Creek Forest Service Road. A two way radio is recommended.

A few tips for non-industry vehicles: Please be very cautious and aware of operations while using any active Forestry 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. Before entering active work areas, please turn on your radio and listen to road channels before entering work areas, then call your kilometre and direction (e.g., “Km 12, going up”). This simple step helps ensure the safety of both road users and our contractors. If you do not have a radio, please be aware of working trucks on the forestry roads. Give them time to slow down or the space to turn with a loaded trailer. * It takes time for a loaded truck to come to a stop, be mindful of them and the work they do.

We are proud to share this video "Rooted Together" highlighting the value and impact of community forests throughout British Columbia. The film explores how community forests support environmental stewardship, local economies, and strong, resilient communities throughout the province. The film centres on a simple but powerful idea that forests are best managed by the people who live closest to them. Featuring voices from Indigenous and community forest leaders plus renowned forestry experts and specialists, the film explores how community forests go beyond timber to prioritize social, cultural, environmental, and economic values. YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG947o031W8

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