This 2006 co-published paper calls for the establishment of a new national park reserve in the BC's South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys. The area harbours extremely diverse and rare ecosystems, including Canada's only pocket desert, filled with cacti, rattlesnakes, and antelope brush. The South Okanagan-Similkameen grasslands are among the top four most endangered ecosystems in Canada. One-third of British Columbia's species at risk are found here.

Proposed South Okanagan Similkameen Nat. Park Reserve

Co-published:South Okanagan Naturalists’ Club & Wilderness Committee Vol.25 - No.04, Spring 2006

Take ACTION — Your voice is absolutely vital!

Let’s not let the greatest conservation opportunity in our history slip away! Your participation will make all the difference on whether we achieve what promises to become one of the finest protected areas in Canada. Here’s what you can do:

3. Attend the Open Houses

Presented by Parks Canada to review what Parks Canada has been working on and to provide your comments on the first draft of a park concept.

Oliver: Recreation Centre (79th St)
 Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thursday, June 15, 2006

Osoyoos: Seniors Centre
(17 Park Place)
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Keremeos: Victory Hall (427 7th Ave)
 Thursday, June 1, 2006
Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Penticton: Ramada Inn – Hwy 97
 Friday, June 2, 2006
Monday, June 12, 2006

Princeton: Riverside Centre
(148 Old Hedley Rd.)
Monday, June 5, 2006

Kelowna: EECO Mission Centre
 (2363 Springfield Rd.)
Friday, June 9, 2006


1. Write a Letter

Let them know whether or not you support the four key principles (above) needed to establish the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve.

Premier Gordon Campbell
Parliament Buildings, Room 156
Victoria, BC V8V 1X4
Fax: 250-387-0087
premier@gov.bc.ca

Prime Minister Stephen Harper
80 Wellington St.
Ottawa, ONT K1A 0A2
Fax: 613-941-6900
pm@pm.gc.ca

2. Sign and Circulate the Petition at
www.okanaganpetition.org

You can sign the petition online or download hardcopies to circulate. Return completed petitions to our South Okanagan Naturalists' club office (see address below). The petition will eventually be handed in to the federal government.

Western Canada Wilderness Committee
Victoria Chapter
Re: Completed Petitions SOS-park
651 Johnson Street
Victoria BC V8W 1M7
Tel: 250-388-9292