http://crestoncommunityforest.com/

Creston Community Forest, 121 Northwest Boulevard, Creston, BC (2026)

07/26/2026

Wildfire Safety Tips: Camping season is now officially underway and we encourage everyone to review our 8 Wildfire Safety Tips below. Keep these tips in mind before you leave home and during fire season!

1. During periods of high fire danger, consider alternatives to campfires, such as a propane camp stove or it may be a great opportunity for some fantastic stargazing.

2. Practice Leave No Trace principles, pack out cigarette butts and burned materials from your camping area.

3. Pack a portable fire extinguisher with you when you travel.

4. Build campfires in designated areas like a fire ring. Make sure it is fully extinguished before leaving the area, it should be cold to the touch. Never leave a burning or smoldering campfire unattended.

5. If you are using a portable stove, make sure the area is clear of grasses and other plants that could easily catch fire. Prevent stoves from tipping and starting a fire.

6. Do not drive your car or ATV and park in tall, dry vegetation, such as grass. The hot underside of the vehicle may start a fire.

7. If you're going on a hike, here are some other safety items to pack before leaving your car: paper maps, compass, flashlight, cell phone and/or emergency locator device, sun protection, water, and food.

8. The Wildfire Danger Rating sign explained.
In the attached FireSmart video explanation, watch to understand the wildfire danger rating sign; what it means, and how it impacts you. Simply click on the link below.
https://firesmartbc.ca/.../the-wildfire-danger-rating.../

For the "Province of British Columbia - BC Wildfire Service: Wildfire Map, Evacuations, Fire Bans, Report a Fire" click HERE: https://wildfiresituation.nrs.gov.bc.ca/map

If you see smoke, fire, or suspicious activities, note the location as best you can and report it to authorities *5555 or call 911. Do NOT investigate it, attempt to contact suspicious people or try to put out a fire by yourself.

To report a wildfire call the Southeast Fire Centre with *5555

Save: the *5555 to your mobile phone as "WILDFIRE - Creston Valley"

07/19/2026

Fire for Healthy Soils Project Helping Our Community.

A recent press release from the BC Ministry of Jobs and Economic Growth defines and celebrates our collaborative 2025 Wildsight project with continued funding for our innovative work with Fire for Healthy Soils.

Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth (Ravi Kahlon) , “By turning wood waste into valuable new products, this project is creating jobs, supporting local businesses and helping build a stronger future for the community. Through our Look West strategy, we are investing in the people, ideas and industries that keep rural British Columbia thriving.”

Strengthening forestry and food security in Kootenays

The provincial investment will support Wildsight, the Creston Community Forest and the Regional District of Central Kootenay to collaboratively pilot a biochar business project using low-cost kiln technology.

Instead of pile-burning waste wood, the project will transform hazardous wildfire fuels and wood waste into biochar. It is primarily used as a soil supplement to improve agricultural yield, enhance water retention, improve soil quality by storing carbon and other essential soil nutrients, and keep carbon out of the atmosphere. The material will be tested in forestry, agriculture, composting, gardening and landscaping applications.

While research shows strong interest in biochar, businesses need local proof before investing.

The project will demonstrate its value in the Kootenays, building demand for biochar and kiln rentals, and supporting local businesses and jobs.

“Projects like Fire for Healthy Soils are helping our communities find innovative ways to reduce emissions, make better use of wood waste and support our local economy,” said Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central. “This work is strengthening our forestry and agricultural sectors and supporting job growth and long-term rural resilience.”
Photo: Creston Community Forest Manager, Daniel Gratton Creston RPF, with Brittny Anderson MLA for Kootenay Central

To read the full press release,
https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026JEG0039-000657

07/15/2026

We recently received this note about Balancing Rock trail. Although it is not our trail, we wouldn't want anyone to get stung multiple times.
Hope your father is feeling better!

07/12/2026

On July 2, the Creston Community Forest Board of Directors joined staff for a full-day field tour to experience firsthand the work taking place across three of our forest management areas in the Creston Valley.

Led by our Forest Manager Daniel Gratton, the tour highlighted three very different projects that demonstrate the many facets of sustainable forest management:

• Russell Creek/Birch Creek – an active forestry operation currently underway.
• Kidd Creek – the ongoing wildfire salvage area following the 2025 wildfire.
• Mount Thompson – a completed Wildfire Risk Reduction treatment area, including trail maintenance work from windfall downed trees.

These three stops through Russell Creek/Birch Creek, Kidd Creek, and Mount Thompson, showcased active operations, wildfire recovery, completed wildfire risk reduction treatments, and recreation management.

Along the way, every member of our field team shared their expertise.

The field tour provided Board members with an opportunity to ask questions, walk through each project, and learn directly from the staff responsible for planning and implementing the work.

For example, some of the questions led our Forest Technician Erich Endersby to explain the importance of maintaining 20-metre wildlife screens in areas with high ungulate and predator activity, the cultural importance of retaining and protecting White Pine, and why maintaining a diverse mix of tree species contributes to a more resilient forest.

Summer students Elissa and Tuscany shared their knowledge about forest retention practices, explaining how leaving approximately 40% retention protects the forest floor, provides habitat for small wildlife, preserves seed trees, creates cover for larger animals, and helps build resilient forests for future generations.

The tour also highlighted how recreation is incorporated into our forest management. Ongoing road maintenance and access improvements support the many people who enjoy the Community Forest each year, including hikers, hunters, mountain bikers, horseback riders, berry pickers, and other outdoor enthusiasts.

Throughout the day, Board members commented on the incredible beauty of the Creston Valley and expressed appreciation for the dedication, knowledge, and passion our staff bring to their work every day with boots on the ground knowledge as well as innovative forestry practices.

Most importantly, field trips like this reminded us that sustainable forest management is built on collaboration. Bringing Board members and staff together in the field creates a stronger understanding of the work happening on the ground and helps ensure informed decisions for the future of our Community Forest.

A strong united team leads to strong forests and community.

Photo: 2026 Creston Community Forest Board Members and Staff during the July field tour.

07/09/2026

Public Service Announcement: Due to an unprecedented amount of blowdown along the West Ridge Trail on Mt. Thompson, the trail is temporarily closed while our crews assess and remove a significant number of fallen trees.

Recent trail inspections revealed extensive wind damage, creating hazardous conditions for hikers. While we know this trail is a popular destination for many residents and visitors, public safety is our highest priority.

This temporary closure is strictly for safety and is not intended to limit access to the outdoors. We encourage trail users to enjoy our other Community Forest trails and the many wonderful hiking opportunities available throughout the Creston Valley while cleanup work is underway.

We'll continue to provide updates on trail conditions through our website and social media channels as work progresses.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we restore the trail to a safe condition.

For details on alternative trails, please visit: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/get-involved

07/07/2026

A Trail Update: The Thompson Rotary Trail has reopened, we will be working on the West Ridge Trail this week, and happy to share all Creston Community Forest trails are currently open for public use.

This season has brought an exceptional number of windstorms, leaving more fallen trees across our trail network than we normally experience. While we've completed the work needed to safely reopen the Thompson Rotary Trail, our crews will continue clearing additional blowdown along the West Ridge Trail and other sections of the trail system over the coming days.

If you're out enjoying the trails, please remember:
* Be mindful of maintenance crews at work.

* Watch for fallen branches or trees that may still be present, as some fallen trees and debris may still be encountered.

* Thank you for sharing the trails while this cleanup continues.

We appreciate your patience and support as we continue maintaining safe, accessible trails for our community and visitors to enjoy.

West Ridge Trail: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/west-ridge-trail

All our Creston Community Forest trails: https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/get-involved

07/04/2026

Earlier today from 9am-1pm, the Creston Community Forest team took part in a full day of chainsaw safety and operational training with Macaulay Forestry.

Professional development is an important investment in our organization. Through mentorship and hands-on learning, our staff continue to build the skills needed to safely manage forests, maintain recreation opportunities, and care for this community resource for future generations.

Thank you to Macaulay Forestry for providing such valuable instruction and sharing your experience with our team.

Photo: Jim, Elissa, Tuscany, Ben and Ewan.
What a great day!

07/01/2026

Our Quarterly Newsletter is available to read with link below.
Innovation, generations, education and community partnerships continue to shape the work of the Creston Community Forest. This month's newsletter highlights how forest management is evolving through exciting projects like the Fire for Healthy Soils initiative, where wood waste from wildfire risk reduction is being transformed into biochar with the potential to benefit both our forests and Creston valley farms.

This issue also celebrates the students and young professionals who represent the future of our industry, from this year's Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary recipients to our new summer student team members. You'll also find highlights from our recent community events, an inspiring story honouring a local multi-generational logging family connected to the Creston Community Forest, and an important bonfire safety reminder as we all do our part to help protect our forests this summer.

IN THIS MONTH’S NEWSLETTER

1. Biochar & Wildsight’s Youth Climate Corps
2. BC Funding: Fires for Healthy Soil
3. Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary Recipients
4. Introducing our Summer Students
5. Community Walk: Artist Walk with a Forester
6. A Forest and A Family: Part of a three-generation clan of loggers - Polzin Article
7. Open House - Thank You
8. Bonfire Public Service Announcement
9. Questions or Comments

To read our Newsletter, click here: https://mailchi.mp/eb361a97c263/creston-community-forest-newsletter-june

To sign up for our Quarterly Newsletter, click here: http://eepurl.com/iwjUgk

06/28/2026

We are proud to have our team work alongside and partner with the supporting organizations on this innovative and educational Biochar project. "Wood waste is collected and loaded into specially designed kilns that convert wood into biochar..."
To read the full article, "Can forest waste help build healthier soils?" released
June 24, 2026 by Lorene Keitch, explaining our collaboration with Wildsight Youth Climate Corps, see the link below.

"The Creston Community Forest is a local treasure. Spanning 21,000 hectares near the rural community of Creston, B.C, its network of trails makes it a popular recreation destination. The nonprofit-run forest also supports local jobs and generates revenue that’s fed back into the community.

The creative and community-focused approach here makes it fertile ground to test out a technology that could help turn wood waste into an economic driver for the region.
The problem
Wood waste produced as a result of industrial logging operations or wildfire risk reduction efforts is often simply piled and burned. This practice creates smoke and releases greenhouse gas emissions with no beneficial outcomes other than getting rid of unwanted material.

As climate conditions change, improving soil health and water retention is becoming increasingly important. In Creston’s fertile valley, farms are facing hotter summers, longer dry periods and growing pressure on water supplies. Finding ways to adapt to expanded stressors is becoming more imperative to BC agriculture’s bottom line. This is where biochar comes in.

Fire for Healthy Soils project.
In partnership with the Creston Community Forest (CCF) and the Regional District of Central Kootenay, Wildsight is exploring the transformation of wood waste into biochar — a carbon-rich form of charcoal that may improve soil health, increase water retention and store carbon.

The Fire for Healthy Soils project began in 2025 with a feasibility study that found growing interest in biochar among farmers, foresters and local organizations, while also highlighting the need for local trials to demonstrate both biochar’s effectiveness and economic viability...."
full article: https://wildsight.ca/2026/06/24/can-forest-waste-help-build-healthier-soils/

06/21/2026

We are proud to announce the Creston Community Forest Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary Recipients, selected by our board members for 2026.
The Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary recognizes students who are pursuing careers that help shape a more sustainable future for our communities with their commitment to education, community, and environmental stewardship.

One of this year’s Ralph Moore Memorial Post-Secondary Bursary recipients, Ewan Gratton, is working toward a Bachelor of Science in Sustainability (Environmental Conservation and Management). Through his studies and volunteer work, Ewan is exploring how sustainability connects with policy, community planning, resource management, and climate action.

"Over the last three years, I have learned how sustainability intersects with policy, community planning, resource management, and climate action, which will all assist me in reaching my goal of becoming an architect.
While at university I volunteered for an organization named CARE (Climate Action Ripple Effect), which aims to mobilize student and community climate action throughout the Okanagan. My role during this time was to work in a local middle school, helping students create sustainable projects.”

Ewan's dedication to combining sustainability with practical solutions for communities exemplifies the spirit of the bursary and the values that Ralph Moore championed.

Congratulations, Ewan!

The second Ralph Moore Post-Secondary Bursary recipient is Annabelle Trobak, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Conservation. Through her studies and hands-on conservation work, Annabelle is developing the skills needed to become a future leader in environmental stewardship and forestry.

"I am the elected Conservation program representative on the Forestry Undergraduate Society, and am an active member of both [the university] Loggersports and Wildlife Clubs, while also working with the Wildlife Conservation Society of Canada's Western Bat Program as a Field Research Technician."

Annabelle's passion for protecting natural ecosystems and her dedication to serving her community reflect the values that Ralph Moore championed throughout his life.

Congratulations, Annabelle, and best wishes for your continued success.

We are proud to support local students who are turning their passion for the environment into meaningful careers that will benefit communities across British Columbia and beyond.

Creston Community Forest

07/26/2026

07/19/2026

07/15/2026

07/12/2026

07/09/2026

07/07/2026

07/04/2026

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06/28/2026

06/21/2026

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