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The Creston Area, located in the Kootenay Lake Forest District, makes up the southern third of the Kootenay Lake Timber Supply (TSA) and a considerable amount of private forest land.

The Kootenay Lake District has a number of major sawmills. J.H. Huscroft Ltd. mill in Erickson and Wynndel Box & Lumber Co. Ltd. mill in Wynndel are the largest primary lumber mills operating in the Creston Area to this date. Both mills produce softwood lumber (excluding exotic species) and are experienced exporters to many countries around the world. Several smaller companies and independent logging contractors also operate in the Kootenay Lake Forest District under individual forest and small business licences.

In the past, approximately 299,000 cubed metres of quota wood has been harvested in the Creston Valley and surrounding area, however that has recently been reduced to 245,000 cubed metres. Of that amount, almost half is manufactured in Cranbrook. On top of this volume, the small business enterprises and the private logging enterprises supplement local manufacturing. The two Creston mills consume about 260,000 cubed metres annually and must purchase extensive private wood to maintain their operations.

With a short wood supply, ther are no opportunities for further primary processing. There are, however, local wood products companies who produce such things as Cedar flower pots and wooden toys for export. The Kootenay Lake Forest Base has a supply of commercial use species with a short regrowth period. These species are Lodgepole Pine, Spruce, Larch, Cedar, Alpine Fir, Douglas Fir and Hemlock.

It was recently reported by the Ministry of Forests that the current allowable annual cut in the Kootenay Lake TSA exceeds the long term sustainable harvest. This has resulted in substantial declines in the allowable annual cut for the area. The Creston Area Economic Development Commission, with other organizations in the area, is working with Forest Renewal BC to build a strong future for the area despite these reductions.