Penticton Creek is the third-largest tributary, and was historically, an extremely productive waterway for Okanagan Lake Kokanee and Rainbow Trout. Flood protection measures in the 1950s created a smooth concrete-lined channel, damaging fish and riparian habitat. The City of Penticton has been working alongside the Okanagan Nation Alliance, senior governments and non-government organizations, including SOSCP, to develop and implement a long-term restoration plan for Penticton Creek. With funding support from the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF), the City has developed a plan to rehabilitate a section of Penticton Creek starting this July as a restoration showcase.

The section of the creek was chosen to address severe maintenance problems and show the community the transformation in a visible area while improving fish habitat. Bryn White, SOSCP Manager and Chair of the Penticton Creek Restoration Committee says that despite the challenges with balancing the needs for restoring fish habitat with ongoing flood protection measures on an urban creek, the project has advanced in excellent time due to an incredibly supportive environment with decision makers and funders. "We owe this early success to the support and vision of Penticton City Council, residents along the showcase section as well as funders such as HCTF, TD Friends of the Environment and the Recreational Fishery Conservation Partnership Program. Projects like this can take up to ten years before ground is broken for restoration. City staff, the Penticton Creek Restoration Committee and expert consultants have been working hard over the last two years to get the science, safety and habitat requirements in place. This truly is going to be a showcase that Penticton can be proud of."

Penticton Creek Restoration Committee:

SOSCP

Okanagan Nation Alliance

Penticton Fly Fishers

Freshwater Fisheries Society

Penticton Downtown Business Association

Penticton Indian Band

Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations

Public member at large, City staff & Councillor.

Species at Risk Road Show

Week of August 17, Summerland Museum

Mark Weston  Appointed New BC Parks Okanagan Parks and Protected Area Section Head

Mark started his BC Parks career in 2000 as backcountry ranger for Monashee Park. Most recently he has spent seven years as Area Supervisor and acting Conservation Specialist. Mark has a particular interest in protection of important conservation values. He has developed a wealth of knowledge and experience in the difficult job of managing busy parks and protected areas for the protection of rare and endangered species and ecosystems.

Province of BC Ramps Up Fight Against Invasive Mussels

The Province has given a $1.3-million boost toward early detection and rapid response to aquatic invasive species. Zebra and quagga mussels pose a significant threat to freshwater ecosystems by threatening native species and fisheries and clogging water intake pipes, leading to increased maintenance costs for hydroelectric, domestic water, industrial, agricultural and recreational facilities. The expanded mussel defense program includes mobile decontamination units, trained auxiliary conservation officers, signage, monitoring, RAPP line coverage and education activities.

Although invasive quagga and zebra mussels have never been detected in B.C. waters, crews in Penticton detected dead invasive mussels on a boat that had been in Lake Winnipeg. Teams of trained auxiliary conservation officers will inspect and, if needed, decontaminate boats entering B.C. by land. The Clean Drain Dry program encourages boaters to pay attention and take action to reduce the spread of invasive plants like Eurasian milfoil and organisms such as mussels in BC waters. If you believe your boat, or someone else's might be carrying invasive mussels, call the Conservation Officer

Vancouver Foundation Field of Interest Grants

In 2015 Vancouver Foundation changed its grant program. To received information about the fall 2015 grant cycle join the mailing list to receive email updates about application deadlines. Further Information.

July 15     TD Friends of the Environment

The TD FEF Leadership Grant program aims to enhance the organizational capacity of environmental charities by providing funding for both formal and informal training and development opportunities for leaders within these organizations. Most grants are up to $5000. Further information.

August 31     BC Community Gaming Grants

Community Gaming Grants support the delivery of community organization programs that benefit the citizens of British Columbia. Environment grant applications intake is between July 1-Aug 31. Further information.

Community Board members choose programs that focus on youth, demonstrate social or technological innovation in program delivery, and involve arts & culture, education & sport, or health & well-being in our environment. Details. 

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