South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program

March 2015 Newsletter

In This Issue

Partner News

Events & Workshops

New staff

Employment Opportunities

Funding Opportunities

Local Government Events

Link to biodiversity strategy

Link to SOSCP web site

SOSCP accepts organization or individual donations and issues tax receipts. Send

"Contribution to SOSCP"

RDOS 101 Martin Street, Penticton BC V2A 5J9

Program Manager's Message

Spring seems to have arrived early in the South Okanagan Similkameen and with the burst of warm weather comes a surge in outdoor activity. The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations is seeking public input regarding the impacts of off-road vehicles on sensitive ecosystems on Oliver Mountain and the Osoyoos West Bench. See below for more details.

SOSCP and the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance are assisting with these South Okanagan sessions. We are looking forward to seeing you there.

Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager

Partner News

Professional Reliance and Environmental Regulation in British Columbia

Published in Feb. 2015 by the University of Victoria Environmental Law Centre (ELC), the report examines the BC government's adoption of a professional reliance "results based management" model of natural resource management and environmental protection. Twenty-seven regulatory regimes that incorporate professional reliance were examined including the riparian areas and forest practices regulations. Recommendations are outlined for ways to improve professional reliance to make protection of heath, the environment and natural resources more robust. Link to report.

Help Chose Canada's National Bird!

There are more than 450 species of birds across Canada, but not one of them has been designated as our national bird. It's time to change that. Canadian Geographic has started the National Bird Project to help designate an official bird for Canada by 2017. Click on the link to see how others have voted and vote for your favourite species. P.S. The loon is swimming way ahead of the pack.

Restoration Project Opportunities

The South Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society has lots of exciting planting projects coming up in March. Please check the OSSS website for details on projects and opportunities to come out to help plant native trees and shrubs!

Where the Environment Meets Creativity, Okanagan College Environmental Art Competition and Symposium

Okanagan College is organizing an environmentally-focused event, "Earth Matters" on April 9, blending an art competition with an academic symposium. The College has arranged speakers on four themes:. Artists are invited to participate in this event through presentation of environmentally-themed works of art. The art competition is open to new and experienced artists. Participants are asked to create two-dimensional art that engages the public on one of the four themes: biodiversity, water resources, waste and climate change. Entries must be submitted by March 20th. Further information.

Upcoming Events & Workshops

March 6 Climate Change: Four Key Facts Everyone Should Know

UBC profession Dr. Simon Donner will speak on his studies on climate change, the overwhelming evidence that it is human caused and on what we can expect to see in the coming decades. A panel of local scientists will discuss the issue and answer questions from the audience. 7p.m., Penticton Library Auditorium.

March 11 Osoyoos West Bench - Off-Road Vehicle Use Public Information Session

Staff from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are seeking input from the public related to managing off-road vehicle use in Osoyoos West Bench. Open House from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., presentation at 7 p.m. Sonora Community Centre, Multipurpose Room.

March 12 Oliver Mountain Off-Road Vehicle Use Public Information Session

Staff from the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations are seeking input from the public related to managing off-road vehicle use in Oliver Mountain. Open House from 6:30 - 9:00 p.m., presentation at 7 p.m. Elks Lodge, 477 Bank Ave, Oliver.

March 16 Ocean Frontiers - The Dawn of a New Era in Ocean Stewardship
An inspiring film that documents unlikely partners embarking on a course of cooperation to sustain the sea and ocean economies through ecosystem-based planning for ocean stewardship. Discussion with local biologist Jillian Tamblyn of Water's Edge Consulting who works with the Marine Planning Partnership for the North Pacific Coast, a collaborative partnership between 18 First Nations and the Province of BC. 7 p.m. at Okanagan College Penticton, Theatre.

March 19 A River Captured - World Water Day Talk
Eileen Delehanty Pearkes has completed a history of the upper Columbia River's natural systems and water policy. 2:00-3:30 PM, UBC Okanagan Ballroom, Kelowna.

March 21 Birds of Prey: behind-the-scenes

Tour the South Okanagan Rehabilitation Centre for Owls. Learn about the release process and get a behind-the-scenes peek at the Centre's new rehabilitation facility. See the Burrowing Owl breeding facility and learn about efforts to re-introduce this endangered bird in B.C. Registration is required by phoning 250-495-2470. Program donation to Osoyoos Desert Society.

March 28 Water Ways -- Movie & An Expert

2 p.m. at Watermark Beach Resort. View an award-winning documentary focusing on water. Experience the natural beauty of our water habitats, and the challenges they are facing. Following the film, learn about the water issues impacting Osoyoos Lake in a question and answer session presented by the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society. Donation to Osoyoos Desert Society.

April 9 Earth Matters Environmental Symposium
The symposium and artwork unveiling will feature the following speakers and topics: water resources: Todd Redding (Geography); biodiversity: Sharon Mansiere (Biology); waste: Linda McGrew (Business Administration); and climate change: Rosalind Warner (Political Science). Lecture theatre at the KLO Campus, 6 - 8 p.m.

April 14 Okanagan First Nations History

Arnie Marchand will speak at the Penticton Museum's Brown Bag Lunch series, Penticton Library Auditorium, 12 - 1 p.m. Admission by donation.

April 21 Our Salmon, Our People
Jim Corbett and Pauline Terbasket present at Pentiction Museum's Brown bag Lunch series, Penticton Library Auditorium, 12 - 1 p.m. Admission by donation.

April 20-26 Earth Week Celebrations in Summerland

Take part in activities that celebrate environmental education and action in Summerland with the theme "One Community, One Environment." Events include films, demonstrations, public discussions, crafts, walking tours, and planting events. Full list of events.

April 28 Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society AGM
Contact Coordinator Lisa Scott if you are interested in attending the OASISS annual general meeting being held in Penticton. Further information.

April 29 Invasive Plant Field Day in the South Okanagan Join invasive species specialists, agrologists, researchers and other professionals to learn about seeding, grazing management and other tools that can be used to reduce invasive plant outbreaks in grasslands and dry forests of BC's interior. For more information contact Lisa Scott at oasiss@shaw.ca or call 250-404-0115.

May 6-7 Regulated Rivers: Environment, Ecology, and Management

The Castlegar conference hosted by the Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology will provide an opportunity for scientists and managers to share results of recent research on regulated river environments, processes, and operations. Further information.

Welcome into New Positions

Lauren Meads has stepping down as Executive Manager of SORCO, the Raptor Rehab Centre. Lauren has volunteered and worked with SORCO for four years. She will continue to work with the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC in the South Okanagan, so you will still see her at work at the SORCO property.

Dale with Houdini

Dale Belvedere has taken over as the Manager of SORCO. Dale has been a volunteer in all aspects of the raptor rehabilitation operation. She has a strong medical and management background, and has completed wildlife rehabilitation training courses.

Helping Dale will be Erin Forget as SORCO assistant. A Registered Veterinary Technician, Erin is a part-time staff member. Erin's knowledge and specialized skills will greatly assist in the care and rehabilitation of raptors.

Employment Opportunities

Program Managers & Program Coordinators - Invasive Species Council of British Columbia (ISCBC)
The ISCBC is seeking one to two Program Managers (location flexible) that will successfully manage a variety of programs related to education and outreach, changing behavior, and training as well as one to two Program Coordinators (location flexible) that will assist with these programs. Deadline for applications for all positions is March 13. Further details.

Interpretive Tour Guides

The Osoyoos Desert Society is seeking interpretive guides to lead tours at the Osoyoos Desert Centre and provide habitat and wildlife information to visitors. We are seeking candidates with a friendly, outgoing personality and an interest in ecology and the environment. Previous experience not required - training provided. Fulltime and part-time positions available starting in May. Guides must be able to be outside all day and work shifts, weekends and holidays. Send cover letter and resume to: Denise Eastlick, Executive Director, Osoyoos Desert Society, PO Box 123, Osoyoos BC V0H 1V0 or email mail@desert.org. Deadline: April 1.

Funding Opportunities

March 6 Real Estate Foundation of BC

The General Grant Program supports initiatives that non-profit organizations have identified as important based on research and their own, on-the-ground knowledge and experience. These grants help to meet needs, fill gaps and implement solutions in the area of sustainable food systems, freshwater and the built environment. Details here. (Application accepted in March and September.)

March 10 Mountain Equipment Coop

Access and Activity and Capacity Building Grant deadlines. Details here.

May 15 Public Conservation Assistance Fund (PCAF)

PCAF provides small grants to organizations and individuals for on-the-ground conservation projects such as hands-on, community based and public awareness initiatives. Details here.

June 10 Real Estate Foundation of BC

Applications for general grants of up to $20,000 are accepted in the area of sustainable food systems, freshwater and the built environment. Details here.

Local Government Events

Link to upcoming events and meetings scheduled by south Okanagan municipalities and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.

Bryn White
The South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
102 Industrial Avenue, Penticton V2A 7C8 250-490-8225