Newborn burrowing owls - a result of the great work done by the
Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC. Attend their AGM February 27.
Photo credit: Preserved Light Photography.
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
February 2016 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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The Land and Resource Management Plan for the Okanagan Shuswap (OSLRMP) took many, many years with many hundreds of volunteer hours around the table with governments, the private sector and many stakeholders to come to consensus around Crown land use, issues and designations. The LRMP plan was finalized in 2001.
Some of the people who were working to bring that plan to completion are no longer with us. It's important that the legacy of those decisions, arrived to by consensus, are not forgotten.
Oliver Mountain is a special place for nature and biodiversity. It was proposed as a protected area fifteen years ago to retain those values but to date has not been designated. Today, there is a recommendation to formally sanction off-road vehicle use in one area of Oliver Mountain, while limiting the same activities in the remainder. The Province would like to hear from public on this issue. Read below to see where you can provide your comments.
Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager
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Partner News
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 FLNRO Recommends Off-Road Vehicle Recreation Site in the Proposed Oliver Mountain Goal 2 Protected Area
In the fall of 2015, FLNRO undertook a planning process to explore various options to protect sensitive resource values in the Oliver Mountain Area, while considering recreational user's needs. In a move to contain off-road vehicle use, the preferred option selected was to establish an off-road Recreation Site in the proposed Goal 2, and to invoke a motorized closure for the balance of the area. The plan will be to move forward with this option on a 5 year trial basis so that the Province can monitor both behaviour and compliance of the ORV users, and to conduct Antelope brush community restoration in the motorized closure area. Public comment at this time is limited to the motorized closure component and is only open until Friday February 12, 2016. Wildlife Act regulation change for motorized vehicle prohibition is to be posted to the Angling, Hunting and Trapping Engagement (AHTE) Public is encouraged to provide comments here.
 The Nature Trust of BC - Celebrating 45 years of Land Conservation Work in BC
Since 1971, this non-profit land conservation organization and has secured over 70,000 hectares (170,000 acres) of critical habitat across the province for wildlife, fish and plants. TNT protects nature through direct acquisition, donation, covenant and lease. You can support the important work they do here in the Okanagan by giving a gift of cash, of land, securities or in memory of a loved one.
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Upcoming Events and Workshops
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February 12 to 15 19th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count
For a bit of winter fun, join in the 19th Annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a four-day event that creates a snap shot of where birds are around the world. Participants are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes on one or more days of the count and enter their sightings at www.BirdCount.org. The information gathered by tens of thousands of volunteers helps track changes in bird populations on a massive scale. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with partner Bird Studies Canada. For instructions click here and for more information click here.
February 18 Ground Water at Risk of Containing Pathogens (GARP) SeminarDesigned to enhance the competencies of qualified professionals and improve the uptake of Ministry guidance on assessing ground water for pathogenic risks, this seminar focuses on the appropriate application of the GARP assessment document and the subsurface treatment credits in the Ground Water Supplies in British Columbia (GWTO). Intended for professional geoscientists and engineers who provide hydrogeology services; professionals who use the services of professional hydrogeologists; health officers; water suppliers; water well drillers; and others who are called to deal with ground water issues. For registration and more information click here. February 20 Osoyoos Desert Society presents
Fire Ecology
Learn more about the complexity of fire management and fire ecology. In the documentary Disturbance, hear from biologists, fire managers, politicians, and citizens as they discuss fire issues in the Northern Rockies. Following the film, join ecologist and noted author Don Gayton ( www.dongayton.ca) for a look at local fire ecology research and management strategies. A book signing, with a selection of Mr. Gayton's books, will be held following his talk. The event takes place at the Watermark Beach Resort, 15 Park Pl ace, Osoyoos BC from 2 to 4 pm. Admission is by donation. For more information contact the Osoyoos Desert Society at 250-495-2470 or email mail@desert.org. Details here. February 23 and 24 Environmental & Social Assessment Forum
Assessment of potential environmental effects is part of the regulatory application process for a broad range of infrastructure, natural resource development, and other land-use projects. The Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology is organizing a Forum to address recent changes in environmental assessment legislation, policy and process. This will be a unique two day modular event where participants can learn how to work through the process from either a stakeholder or proponent position. Attendees will be able to choose from five different seminars to learn the tools required to successfully engage in or navigate through the environmental and social assessment process. Registration closes February 5th. For more information click here.
 February 27 Osoyoos Desert Society presents Plant Life
and Food Forests
What Plants Talk About is a documentary integrating hard core science with a light-hearted look at plant behaviour and the surprisingly intricate and busy lives plants lead. After the film, Richard Walker will talk about food forest gardening, a way to grow food and medicine plants in a sustainable way, using less water and trapping carbon - in his words, how to "garden for 1000 years." This is based on nature's systems as well as successful indigenous systems used over the ages. A book signing will follow the talk. The event takes place at the Watermark Beach Resort, 15 Park Pl ace, Osoyoos BC from 2 to 4 pm. Admission is by donation. For more information contact the Osoyoos Desert Society at 250-495-2470 or email mail@desert.org. Details here. February 27 Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of BC - Annual General Meeting
The Burrowing Owl was extirpated from British Columbia in 1980, but a dedicated group of biologists and volunteers have been working to bring them back. The Burrowing Owl Conservation Society of British Columbia raises Burrowing Owls in captivity and releases them into the wild in the Okanagan Valley. Watch a great video about the Society's efforts here. To l earn more about this fascinating animal and this valuable organization plan to attend their AGM. The meeting starts at 10 am at Burrowing Owl Estate Winery, 500 Burrowing Owl Place, Oliver. Please RSVP to Mike McIntosh at groundowl@yahoo.ca. March 17 Pollination: Science and Stewardship SymposiumThe Entomological Society of British Columbia, The Royal Saskatchewan Museum and the British Columbia Ministry of Environment jointly invite you to Pollination: Science and Stewardship at Okanagan College, Penticton Campus, Room PC 113, 586 Duncan Avenue. Through the process of pollination, bees, flies, beetles, and moths and butterflies enable the reproduction of plant species and the production of many of our food crops. These valuable wild and managed pollinators have been declining due to habitat loss, pathogens, pesticide use, and climate change. The symposium is open to everyone interested in pollination and features experts from across Canada. For a look at all guest speakers, click here. Cost is $20 if registered by March 14th and $30 at the door and includes coffee and lunch. Registration and coffee starts at 8 am and the symposium runs 8:45 am to 4:30 pm. To register online click here. For more information contact Cara at caradwsn@gmail.com. March 19 Pollinator Stewardship on Your Property The British Columbia Ministry of Environment invites you to an information session entitled Pollinator Stewardship on Your Property. The session includes results from a 2015 survey on pollinator diversity in the Okanagan and Similkameen, information on identifying pollinators on your property including bumble bees, wasps, flies, butterflies and beetles, and makes recommendations on native plants for pollinators including species, bloom times, soil and how to grow them. The session takes place from 9:30 to noon at the Cawston Community Hall, 2119 Main Street, Cawston. Refreshments and snacks will be served. The info session is free but registration is required. To register email caradwsn@gmail.com or call 778-888-6874.
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Funding Opportunities
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May 6 Telus Community Board Grants
Thompson - Okanagan 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 here.
February 12 Brink/McLean Grassland Conservation Fund Established by The Nature Trust of BC, up to $2500 is available help gain a better understanding of grassland management. Applicants should contact Marian Adair to discuss their project and its eligibility for funding support. Deadline 4:30 p.m. Email madair@naturetrust.bc.ca. Details.
February 12 Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) Grant
The Water Conservation and Quality Improvement (WCQI) grant program is a component of the Water Management Initiative of the OBWB. T he grant funds projects that focus on drought planning, groundwater studies and water flow monitoring to assist water managers to better understand the state of our water supplies and adapt to extreme events like floods and droughts. Application Information here.
February 18 RBC Bluewater Project Community Action Grants
Grants up to $10,000 for water related projects. Details here.
February 19 Community Foundation of the South Okanagan-Similkameen
The CFSO two-step submission process begins December 11. Details here.
February 26 Canada Summer JobsProvides funding to help NGOs and small businesses create summer job opportunities for students aged 15-30. Details here.
March 10 Mountain Equipment CoopAccess and Activity and Capacity Building Grant deadlines. Details here.
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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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