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

Okanagan Residents Committed to Environmental Protection

Californian bighorn Photo by Steve Cannings

People that live in the South Okanagan – Similkameen Valleys know that they have something special. A survey of local residents commissioned in 2004 by Okanagan University College, Okanagan-Similkameen Conservation Alliance and En’Owkin Centre found a strong community commitment to protecting the environment.

The survey found:

  • 80% of the respondents were concerned about the loss or extinction of wildlife species or natural ecosystems in the area
  • 81% felt regional and local governments should do more to protect species at risk and their habitats
  • 71% disagreed with the statement that too much land had already been protected in the South Okanagan.
  • 93% believed it was important to protect the natural ecosystems and wildlife of the area.

    Residents are increasingly aware that the Okanagan-Similkameen country is no longer a hidden jewel. They know that every day new developments are springing up and little by little natural areas are being developed or paved over. The opportunity to protect the area’s sensitive natural habitats through the establishment of a national park reserve is something future generations will thank us for.