Creston Community Forest

09/27/2026

The BC Community Forest Association (BCCFA) released its 2026 Community Forest Indicators Report: Measuring the Benefits of Community Forestry.

Representing more than 100 rural and Indigenous communities, the BCCFA is a province-wide network dedicated to supporting local people making decisions about local forests. Since 2014, the Community Forest Indicators Report has tracked the wide-ranging benefits of community forestry. The 2026 report demonstrates once again the broad benefits of community forestry across British Columbia.

Drawing on survey data from community forests, the 2026 Community Forest Indicators Report highlights the many economic, social, and environmental contributions of community forests. During the reporting period, community forests created full-time jobs in forestry, logging and support services at a rate higher than the industry average, highlighting underscoring their role in local employment and economic growth. They also generated millions in local economic activity, invested in wildfire resiliency, and dedicated contributed over thousands of hours to community educational projects.

We are sharing just a few clips from the report.

For the full Indicators Report see link below:

https://www.bccfa.ca/_files/ugd/b776e1_58879bc5dd8d4de48b27855eefce78ed.pdf

09/21/2026

National Forest Week is happening now, September 20 - 26, 2026
This year's theme is "Forest Pathways: Innovation & Sustainability"
The sustainable future of Canada’s forests is shaped by science and innovation.

From advanced monitoring technologies to evolving management practices,
innovation-driven forestry balances ecological integrity with economic
opportunity. By embracing science, innovation and diverse global perspectives,
we support resilient forests that will provide environmental, social, and
economic benefits in a changing world.
Discover how innovation is shaping a sustainable
forestry future by following:

We kicked off NATIONAL FOREST WEEK last Friday with a very successful Opening Night at the Tilted Brick Gallery with the juried art exhibition, Healing Forests: in honour of what forest give us.

Today, we are sharing a 'forest bingo' for you and your family to get out on this beautiful September day and have a little fun together, looking for each item.
We also attached three images with information on BC trees, these images are part of a lesson plan available from the BC National Forest Week organization. https://www.bcnfw.ca/

NATIONAL FOREST WEEK:
Originally established in 1920 as Forest Fire Prevention Week and later renamed in 1967 to what is known today, National Forest Week encourages a greater public awareness of Canada's forests as a valuable, renewable and green resource.

It shares more about the forest sector, and its significance to our culture, traditions, economy, history, environment, and future.
Over National Forest Week, several events take place across the country, connecting thousands of Canadians to this vast natural resource, and instilling pride
in Canada's forest sector!

Each year, the CIF-IFC leads this one-week campaign, which includes coordinating a theme.
For a list of lesson plans, activities, and contests, please visit https://www.cif-ifc.org/what-we-do/national-forest-week/participate/

09/20/2026

The Creston Valley Forest Corporation (Creston Community Forest) is inviting applications from individuals interested in serving as a volunteer Community Director. Applications will be accepted until Friday, October 2nd.

The Creston Community Forest (CCF) is responsible for managing over 21,000 hectares of forested land in the Creston Valley. Our primary objectives are to promote a healthy, sustainable forest ecosystem, while fostering a thriving timber industry that benefits the entire Creston community.

We focus on forest management, education and recreation, including wildfire risk reduction projects and maintaining 42 km of hiking trails.

As a governance board, the CCF Directors provide strategic guidance and direction, establish policy and maintain financial oversight. Board meetings are held locally on a monthly basis.

To obtain an application form and information package, please click link below.
The link will take you to our website and the page where the PDF is available for download. You can submit the completed application form by dropping it off at our office or the email address on the form.

Application form and information package:
https://www.crestoncommunityforest.com/post/accepting-applications-for-a-position-on-our-board-of-directors

09/15/2026

09/06/2026

There is no better classroom for learning about sustainable forest management than the forest itself. Last Sunday, students from the University of British Columbia’s Master of Sustainable Forest Management program joined the Creston Community Forest and Yaqan Nukiy members for a guided field tour and an opportunity to explore some of the realities, challenges and opportunities of working in forestry.

Leading the discussion for the Creston Community Forest were Elissa and Erich, who both worked directly on these projects. Drawing from their hands-on experience, they shared not only the technical aspects of the projects but also their experiences working on the ground that go into managing forests for multiple values.

They gave a background to the community forest and discussed topics which they believed to be relevant to students beginning their career in forestry, discussion included; wildfire risk reduction surrounding communities, the balance between multiple values in forest management, our upcoming study on biochar for forest regeneration as well as challenges and obstacles faced in commercial logging operations.

The students were very engaged and had many great questions, we were very pleased to have the opportunity to meet with them and to collaborate with Yaqan Nukiy.

One of three pillars for the Creston Community Forest is education. It is an important part of our work, providing educational opportunities to get out into the forest to not only explore the forest but through an exchange in knowledge, with in person learning, and community collaborations. Seeing projects firsthand, asking questions on site and discussing why particular forest management decisions are made can add an entirely different perspective to classroom learning.

We are grateful to have the opportunity to collaborate with the Yaqan Nukiy members and welcome the UBC students. Sharing knowledge, creating hands-on learning opportunities and encouraging conversations about the future of our forests are an important part of what we do.

08/30/2026

You are Invited! Please mark your calendars and join us Friday August 18th, 5-7pm at the Tilted Brick Art Gallery for the Opening Night of 'Healing Forests: In honour of what forests give us. There you will be able to take in over 25 juried art pieces: sculpture, video, felt, painting, drawing, and other mediums.

We are proud of the partnership and the project coming to life after 7 months of planning. The art pieces are from artists throughout the Kootenays who not only shared their art piece but their exploration of the concept with their 'Artist Statements' which you will be able to read at the show.

Creston Community Forest in partnership with the Tilted Brick Gallery, presents Healing Forest: In honour of what Forests give us, a juried exhibition exploring the many ways forests shape our lives ecologically, economically, culturally, emotionally and recreationally. The exhibition celebrates artistic reflections on the vital and often intangible gifts forests give us.

08/23/2026

Creston, we would like to announce a full circle win for our community and team. Our second summer student would like to share her experience:
"Hello everyone! As you might have seen Tuscany’s amazing post about her experience working for the Community Forest, I am the other summer student!

My name is Elissa, and I have had such an amazing time these past four months.

This team is incredible and I have had the pleasure of learning so much from them. I am also very lucky to be able to stay and continue working for the Community Forest as a Junior Forester in the fall!
I can't wait to take on more responsibility and continue building my knowledge and skills.

I just recently graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Natural Resource Conservation within the Faculty of Forestry and it has been rewarding to put so much of what I learned into practice.

One of my favourite parts of the summer has been getting to experience such a wide range of forestry work. I especially enjoy forest education and finding creative ways to share what I know with others. I’ve also loved working on regeneration surveys, road and block layout, GPS work and boundary painting, stream assessments, Douglas-fir beetle trapping and monitoring, and tree planting as well.

I am looking forward to starting a project with Wildsight that will explore whether biochar can help conifers grow within logged sites. I’ll be researching, setting up plots, and monitoring soil conditions.
Trees will be planted in the spring, and the progress will be tracked.

I love working for the Community Forest because I’ve had the opportunity to work alongside so many amazing people and experience the many different pieces that go into managing our forests."

We are beyond thrilled to have Elissa stay on with us as a Junior Forester. Her excitement and passion towards learning is the energy that each Creston Community Forest team member wishes to encourage and continue to mentor.

Congratulations Elissa on becoming a team member with us and Wildsight!
This news is a win-win for all involved.

08/16/2026

Creston Community Forest 2026 Summer Student Shares Her Field Experience.
We asked our 2026 Summer Student to share her experience with us and here's what she had to say: "Hello, my name is Tuscany and I am one of two summer students working for the community forest this year! I currently study Natural Resources Conservation in the Faculty of Forestry at UBC and am headed back for my final year this fall.

I have had so much fun working outside in the forest all summer and learning from the amazing community forest staff. I have so many takeaways from the past four months.

Throughout the summer, I had the opportunity to help out with development and silviculture throughout the community forest such as laying out roads and boundaries, digging soil pits, timber cruising, GPS-ing cut blocks, and so much more.

I also worked on the Douglas-fir beetle program, setting up traps, collecting, and counting the beetles to learn more about their flight patterns and areas they are abundant in and saving some fir trees in the process.

I was also able to do some community oriented work, cleaning up and maintaining trails, and taking some school groups out in May and June to talk about the community forest, ecosystem health, and forestry practices.

Leaving at the end of August is going to be tough. I have learned and experienced so much these past months, with a lot of great memories.
I am excited to build on my knowledge going forward, and feel confident going into future forestry jobs with the foundation I have built this summer."

The Creston Community Forest hires summer students for hands-on experiences in Forestry and mentorship. They gain valuable experience in the forestry industry.

We want to wish Tuscany an incredible year of studies and educational experiences while at the University of British Columbia.
It was a phenomenal summer having her as part of the Creston Community Forest Team, also leaving us with some great memories.
From all of us here at the Creston Community Forest, 'Thank You' Tuscany!

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