Creston Community Forest

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.

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!

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/

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.