Similkameen River Pines. Photo courtesy TLC.
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
November 2015 Newsletter
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 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 |
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Program Manager's Message
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Happy November everyone!
Over the past two years, SOSCP has been working closely with the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen to implement key aspects of Keeping Nature in Our Future. Right now the focus is on improving Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit Area (ESDPA) provisions. These are bylaws that are housed in Official Community Plans to help guide and protect sensitive and important ecological values during development. RDOS and SOSCP will be co-hosting public open houses throughout rural areas in the South Okanagan over the next three months to consult with communities about these changes.
As well, SOSCP has been working with local government partners to explore the concept of establishing a Local Conservation Fund. During October and November SOSCP has been hosting focus groups with business leaders, seniors and other community members to explore this idea for the South Okanagan Similkameen. This topic will also be front and centre at the upcoming RDOS-SOSCP public open houses. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Watch for dates and locations coming soon.
Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager
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Partner News
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Kokanee salmon population at record highs
Infonews.ca has reported a record year for Kokanee salmon spawning on Okanagan Lake. Jason Webster, a Vernon-based fisheries biologist, says more than 300,000 shore spawners were counted during this year's annual survey - the most in more than 25 years. Read the article. Photo courtesy Adam Proskiw /InfoTel Multimedia.
Stable future secured for high-value conservation properties
The Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) recently announced it has acquired 26 ecologically significant conservation areas from The Land Conservancy of British Columbia (TLC). This transfer of lands is part of the TLC's plan to sell many of its properties in order to deal with its debt. In the South Okanagan Similkameen the acquired properties include Lehman Springs and Similkameen River Pines. Some of the 26 properties will be also transferred to The Nature Trust including Peachcliff Conservation Area.
See News Release. Photo: Big larch, Lehman Springs; courtesy The Land Conservancy.
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| Upcoming Events & Workshops |
November 7
Ellis Creek Basin Stewardship - Penticton, BC
Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society (OSSS) has done several tree and shrub planting events at the Ellis Creek Basin and are now looking for volunteers to help take care of those plants. Join OSSS on Saturday, November 7 from 9 am - noon to learn about the enhancement efforts underway and help put this area to bed for the winter. The Allan Brooks Nature Trailer will also be on site so this is a unique opportunity to check out the travelling interactive exhibit. The event takes place at at Ellis Creek Basin located at the foot of Industrial Avenue near the dog park - see map. Bring warm clothes, shovel, garden gloves. For more information email lia@osstewardship.ca.
 November 8 Okanagan River Restoration Initiative (ORRI)Earlier this fall ORRI completed another spawning bed in the Penticton Channel located just south of the Hwy 97 bridge near West Bench Hill Road. Now it's time to plant native species in soil that was disturbed during construction. Volunteers are needed for restoration planting on Sunday November 8th at 10 am. If you are able to help please bring gloves, a shovel or garden fork. If you do not have a tool but can help a few extra shovels will be on hand. Refreshments will be provided. Park on Riverside Drive close to where it enters Hwy 97 or in the parking lot of the shopping mall. Cross the highway, walk across the bridge and enter the site immediately after crossing the bridge. Signage will be in place. For more information and to RSVP call Lee 250-499-5404 or email mariposaorgf@hotmail.com. Photo courtesy Lee McFadyen.
November 21 Ducks Unlimited Canada - Penticton Banquet
Join Ducks Unlimited at the 27th Annual Penticton Banquet on Saturday November 21st at the Penticton Lakeside Resort. The evening features a great meal, Live & Silent Auctions, lots of fun and exciting Raffle packages - all in support of DUC's wetland conservation work. To date, in the Okanagan, DUC has spent over $1.1 million and levered another $2.4 million from partners for Okanagan habitat work! Tickets are $50 each or $360 for a table of eight. Purchase your tickets online here or for further information call Tim at 250-488-0613.
November 26 Celebrating Collective Impact - 10 Years of Water Funding
in the Okanagan
The Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB) in partnership with the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP) and the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program (SOSCP) are pleased to present the 10 year anniversary of the Water Conservation and Quality Improvement Grant program "Celebrating Collective Impact." This one-day event runs from 10 am to 4 pm and will showcase over 200 funded projects and highlight achievements. Registration includes information sharing, networking, a catered lunch, cake-cutting, and announcement of the call for WCQI applications for the upcoming year. The event is open to the public and will be of interest to educators, non-profits, local governments, First Nations, irrigation districts, and other grassroots organizations focused on water-related projects and protecting the natural environment in the region. Westbank Lions Community Centre, 2466 Main Street, West Kelowna, BC - view map. Register here.
December 15 Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology
Anyone interested in presenting at the upcoming Predator-Prey Dynamics: From Theory to Management Conference taking place April 5-7, 2016 in Revelstoke, BC you are invited to send title, abstract (max 300 words), a short bio, and full contact information to the Columbia Mountains Institute by Tuesday, December 15, 2015. Details.
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November 6 Vancouver Foundation - Field of Interest Grants
Vancouver Foundation provides Field of Interest Grants to organizations with socially innovative projects that work towards meaningful outcomes in four specific fields of interest: Arts and Culture; Education and Training; Environment and Animal Welfare; and Health and Social Development. Details.
November 15
Canadian Wildlife Federation -
Endangered Species
Research Fund
The Fund supports research that will benefit the conservation of species at risk specifically targeting Canada's threatened aquatic species and improving our knowledge of marine and freshwater species. CWF will also consider projects addressing iconic species such as the polar bear or the caribou. Details here.
Environment Canada Federally funded programs
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Local Government Events
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Link to upcoming events and meetings scheduled by south Okanagan municipalities and the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen.
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Bryn White
The South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
102 Industrial Avenue, Penticton V2A 7C8 250-490-8225
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