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We are focused on managing our community forest now for future generations. With over 21,000 hectares of land in the Creston Community Forest, we take on the role of forest stewardship with a commitment to education, recreation, and wildfire risk reduction. Our primary objectives are to sustainably manage these community forest, promoting ecosystem resiliency while fostering a thriving timber industry that benefits the entire Creston Community. Managing Our Community Forest for Fut ure Generations Nestled between the Purcell and Selkirk Mountains, w e are a not-for-profit forest corporation managing the Creston Community Forest. Our focus is forest management, education, recreation and community resiliency for future generations. Sign Up for our Newsletter 2026 Healing Forest Art Project: Call to Artists, Submission Guidelines, Artist Forest Walk, Media Kit click HERE What is a Community Forest? A Community Forest is an area-based forest tenure awarded by government to communities to enhance their local control over forest management. Community forests create local jobs and keep profits within the community. We manage over 21,000 hectares of land with primary objectives to promote a healthy, sustainable community forest ecosystem, while fostering a thriving timber industry that benefits the entire Creston Community. Creating local jobs, supporting industries, and generating revenue that directly benefits our community, our goal is to create a resilient, sustainable forest for our community to enjoy and engage the next generation of stewards who will shape the future of our forests. FOREST MANAGEMENT Committed to managing our community forest for future generations : innovative and sustainable logging, preserving healthy forests, continuous recreational and employment benefits, wildlife habitat enhancement, and wildfire risk reduction. More Info EDUCATION Dedicated to expanding the concepts of a healthy forest: benefits of a healthy ecosystem, innovative techniques used in forestry, biodiversity, wildlife and watersheds, and our need to sustain healthy practices in the forest. More Info RECREATION Creating safe spaces to enhance your hiking experience: bridge development, trailhead kiosk with maps, developed trails, lookout points, maintenance on existing trails, over 35 kilometres of trails and planning for future trails. More Info Sign Up for our Newsletter Latest News We walked the same trail as they did in 1930 Community Hike: Artist Walk with a Forester Creston, We Thank You More News & Stories Click HERE Wildfire Information Province of British Columbia BC Wildfire Service Wildfire Map, Evacuations, Fire Bans, Report a Fire Creston Community Forest Wildfire Risk Reduction Programs & Pile Burn Sites 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 Thompson Rim Trail in the Creston Community Forest, BC THOMPSON RIM TRAIL Leaving directly south from the Mt Thompson campsite, the Thompson Rim Trail undulates along the Skimmerhorn ridgeline. Gnarly Balsam Fir and Whitebark Pine dot sub-alpine meadows home to Mariposa Lily, Mountain Harebell, Spike-like Goldenrod, Sub-alpine Daisy and Bear Grass. Eastward Views over Russell Creek are visible from a natural rocky gateway and continue to the first short climb through a bit of scree and dense Balsam. Reaching height of land, expect to see down over Thompsons alpine rockfall and over the city of Creston. The ridgeline descends and then climbs, following cairns over a short scree section before reaching the trails end at a repeater station. Panoramic views abound, from here you can see West over the Selkirks, North into the Purcells, East to Yahk and Moyie and South into Northern Idaho. The elevation of the south peak is 2176 m or 40 m higher than the north peak with all of the communication towers. The campsite or the new trail head for the Rim Trail is at 2116 m. Access: From the Creston Valley Visitor Center, head southeast on Highway 3 towards Cranbrook. At roughly 5.8 km, turn right at Canyon-Lister Road. Continue on this road, and turn left onto Whimster Road after about 1 km. Follow Whimster Road until it’s end—keep left to continue onto Mount Thompson FSR. Stay on this well maintained gravel road for 10.5 km. Right before the last pitch to the top of Mount Thompson, take the short spur to the right for 150 m to the Mt Thompson Campsite and park at the trail head adjacent to the camping area. Trailhead Access from town: 45 minutes–1 hour Hiking Time (Return): 3½–5 hours Elevation gain: 350 meters Distance (Return): 7.4 km Download Map 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 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

Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee Photo: SIFCO Hope is not a plan - together we can take action. Local FireSmart Resiliency Committees strengthen collaboration between local partners to coordinate, plan and share information on how to successfully implement a joint strategy for their community based on the seven FireSmart disciplines. In 2022 in the Creston Valley, the Lower Kootenay Indian Band, municipal and provincial governments, and partnering forestry licensees established an approach to wildfire risk reduction that is both inclusive and innovative. 1. Ask: "how do we reduce the risk of wildfire spreading through our Community and Forest?" Answer: Attend our open house to ask questions, sign-up for a FireSmart Assessment, and to understand how you can play a role in it! 2. Create a Plan At the beginning of each wildfire season, the Creston Community Forest and partners host an Open House for the community. The Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee will attend the Open House hosted by the Creston Community Forest and the Creston Valley Farmers Market. The goal of the Open House is to bring together wildfire and wildlife practitioners and educators, government representatives, local forestry licensees and community members to discuss, learn, share and explore what work is happening in the Creston Valley and how you can play a part in making your home, community, and forest more resilient to wildfire. Open House - 2024 Open House - 2024 Open House - 2024 Open House - 2024 Be Prepared. Northwest Territories Wildfire 2023 - Highway 1 3. Connect with us Wildfire Risk Reduction in our Forests and Community - Committee Partners Wildfires are a growing concern in British Columbia, with major impacts felt by Indigenous and rural communities located in fire-prone ecosystems. Learning to live with fire by creating fire resilient communities is essential for our wellbeing. In the Creston Valley, Managed Forests are often located at the interface between wilderness and settlements known as the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) and play a vital role in mitigating severe wildfires. The goal of wildfire risk reduction projects on the forestry scale is to reduce the forest fuel load to prevent a severe crown fire from entering the community, which helps to safeguard homes and properties. The Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee is actively involved in wildfire planning and preparedness, demonstrating leadership in both the proactive planning and highlighting its commitment to community safety. Check out the video below to learn where the partner areas are located in the Creston Valley and the work that is underway. The Creston Valley FireSmart Resiliency Committee 4. Save the number to call To report a wildfire call the Southeast Fire Centre with *5555 4. Save: Click here to add the *5555 to your mobile phone and save as "WILDFIRE - Creston Valley" One click to make it easy for you. 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 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

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 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:

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

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

The Big Bear Viewpoint Trail in the Creston Community Forest, BC BIG BEAR VIEWPOINT Check out our newest rec site—the Big Bear Viewpoint, which is located on the Big Bear forestry road. Directions: Head north out of Creston, resetting your trip meter at the Highway 3/3A junction (beside Tim Hortons), continue heading north on Highway 3A for 4km. Turn right onto Lakeview-Arrow Creek Rd. Keep right at the intersection at 5.3km. At 7.4km turn left onto the Big Bear Forest Service Road. Reset your trip meter here. Keep right at the 0.5km junction. At the 5.5km junction turn right. You will arrive at the viewpoint at 5.9km. At the viewpoint you will find a picnic table and a short trail which leads down to a rocky viewpoint. The elevation of the viewpoint is 1380m (600m above the Lakeview-Arrow Creek Road). Views of Arrow Mountain, Thompson Mountain and the Arrow Creek Watershed, as well as the Creston Valley and south into Idaho. 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

​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

At the Creston Community Forest, we foster hands-on learning within our community. Learn more, about our exciting educational opportunities! BACK Forest Education Join us for exciting educational opportunities! We offer engaging field trips for school groups, including primary and high school students. Don't miss our annual trips: World Environment Day and National Forest Week. Field Trips On World Environment Day (June 5th), we explore climate change and ways to reduce our impact on the planet. Activities like nature scavenger hunts, tree planting, and weaving skills make each trip unique. During National Forest Week in September, Grade 5 students embark on a forest ecology adventure. They learn about biodiversity, wildfire protection, and compassing, and take part in wood cookie painting and tree identification. It's a fun-filled day with approximately 80–150 students attending. Summer Students We hire two summer students each year for hands-on fieldwork. They gain valuable experience in forest technician work, including silviculture surveys, block layout, timber cruising, and trail building. For more information on forest education, email Daniel Gratton at dgratton@crestoncf.com or call 250.402.0070 . Join us in exploring and learning about your local community forest! 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