Cranbrook Community Forest

08/24/2026

08/24/2026

🚨 SAFETY WARNING — CRANBROOK COMMUNITY FOREST 🚨

We are sharing this warning following a serious and violent incident involving individuals riding a motorcycle in the Cranbrook Community Forest-we believe it to be the same individuals reported earlier this month.

A frequent user of the forest and member of our community was recently violently assaulted and hospitalized following an encounter with these individuals. Prior to the assault, the victim had taken a photo of the people involved. They demanded that the photo/evidence be destroyed before attacking them.

These individuals have reportedly been seen in and around several areas of the Community Forest, including:

📍 Mistletoe Lane near Park Royal
📍 Forest Grove/Arbour Junction
📍 Windy Bluff Trail

Please take this seriously. If you encounter these individuals:

⚠️ DO NOT approach or engage with them.
⚠️ Keep your distance and leave the area if you can do so safely.
⚠️ Do not put yourself at risk trying to take a photograph or obtain evidence.
⚠️ If you witness suspicious or threatening behaviour, report it to the RCMP and the RAPP line immediately. RCMP 911, RAPP hotline (toll-free in B.C.): 1-877-952-7277 (1-877-952-RAPP).

If you do happen to capture a photo or video, prioritize your safety. DO NOT confront the individuals or attempt to obtain evidence at close range.

The Cranbrook Community Forest should be a safe place for everyone to enjoy. Please remain aware of your surroundings, consider walking with others, and share this warning with fellow forest users.

Most importantly: DO NOT APPROACH. Stay safe and report concerns to the RCMP and the RAPP hotline 1-877-952-7277. 🚨

08/12/2026

These folks were spotted this morning heading down Mistletoe Lane toward Park Royal.

We’d like to remind everyone that motorized vehicles are not permitted in the Cranbrook Community Forest.

Additionally, as of August 10, 2026, the BC Wildfire Service has implemented a temporary prohibition on recreational off-road vehicle use on Crown land throughout the Southeast Fire Centre, due to elevated wildfire risk. This includes ATVs, motorcycles and off-road side-by-sides. The prohibition is intended to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires during these extremely dry conditions. https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2026FOR0032-000935

The Cranbrook Community Forest is Crown land, so this prohibition applies here as well.

We ask everyone to please respect the rules, help protect our forest, and keep our trails safe for the many people who enjoy them. 🌲

For current information on wildfire restrictions and prohibitions, please visit the https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions

08/11/2026

Spread the news ….

Given the scope and scale of wildfires currently burning in B.C., and to further protect public safety, recreational off-road vehicle use will be prohibited on Crown land in the Kamloops and Southeast Fire Centres, as well as parts of the Cariboo and Coastal Fire Centres. This prohibition is effective immediately, as of 12 p.m. (noon) on August 10, 2026.

Full information for current prohibitions and restrictions is provided here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status/prevention/fire-bans-and-restrictions

08/04/2026

🐻 Bear spray: a simple tool that can make a big difference.

Bear spray is one of the most effective tools for deterring an aggressive bear and helping create a safe distance during a close encounter. It’s compact, easy to carry, and can stop a bear from continuing toward you without causing lasting harm. If you spend time hiking, biking, camping, or working in bear country, carrying bear spray and knowing how to access it quickly is an important part of being prepared. Make noise, stay aware, respect wildlife, and carry your bear spray where you can reach it.

Bear spray is an essential tool in bear country, but preparation starts before you hit the trail.

Learn how to use it safely by watching our bear spray demonstration on the WildSafeBC website.

🧯💨🐻: wildsafebc.com/learn/bear-spray

07/16/2026

Please participate ….

Residents of the Cranbrook region are invited to share their input through a survey and in-person meetings to guide the development of the Cranbrook Forest Landscape Plan. The survey is open until September 25 with opportunities to ask questions in person during the summer.

Why take part in the Forest Landscape Planning?

Forest Landscape Planning gives recreation groups an important opportunity to help shape decisions that affect access, trails and outdoor experiences.

Forest Landscape Plans will guide forest management across defined areas of British Columbia. They can influence forest roads, bridges, trails, recreation sites, waterways, scenic quality and public access.

Recreation groups hold valuable local knowledge, but planning teams may not know about every trail, access route, recreation site or informal use area. Participating in the planning process is one of the most important ways groups can help ensure these values are understood and considered before decisions are made.

🌲 The ORCBC has launched a web page and planning guide on Forest Management Planning. Learn more at: orcbc.ca/forest-landscape-planning

07/01/2026

🦆 A recent visitor to the Cranbrook Community Forest spotted a duck nesting in the field along 2nd St. South, near the first parking lot by the houses.

If you use this field as a shortcut into the forest, please keep your dog on a leash while passing through the area. Ground-nesting birds are especially vulnerable, and even a friendly, curious dog can unintentionally disturb or destroy a nest.

Thank you for helping protect the wildlife that calls the Cranbrook Community Forest home!

06/27/2026

Do you have expired bear spray to dispose of?
The Cranbrook transfer station will take your bear spray in the hazardous waste section! Can’t get to Cranbrook? Find a people and animal free, safe area to discharge the bear spray (great way to practice!) and empty the can, then it can be disposed of in your household trash! Please be mindful of wind conditions when spraying.
If you are uncomfortable with disposing your bear spray please feel free to contact me and I can dispose of it for you, in the Cranbrook/Kimberley area.
🐻🐻💨💨🐻🐻