Balsamroot Glory by Bryn White
South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
May 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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A step closer to the Conservation Fund.
Last Thursday I was asked to provide a Conservation Fund update to the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen Planning and Development Committee. As many of you know, SOSCP and RDOS conducted some discussion with public in 2015 on the concept of the fund, which was quite positive, however during difficult budget deliberations, the Board decided not to include a line item for a referendum in 2016.
I was joined by my colleague David Hillary from the Kootenay Conservation Program, who took the Committee in detail, through the process of establishing the first Conservation Fund of its kind in Canada initially in the Columbia Valley in 2008, then expanded to the west Kootenays in 2014.
The Kootenay experience highlighted how Conservation Funds empowers local communities to drive and achieve their own interests and priorities. That the benefits derived from the diversity of the projects supported are not just limited to environmental sustainability but extend to realms of economic development, community safety, reducing land conflicts and securing ecosystem services like clean water. The magnitude of funding that can be leveraged from outside sources by a modest local fund is staggering.
A motion to establish a Conservation Fund was made by Area F Director Michael Brydon and was supported by almost all of the Committee. His proposal included a sub-regional service for the South Okanagan with average requisition of $10 per household (actual ad valorem), five year term and public assent through AAP, and referendum if needed.
This motion goes to a vote at the entire Board in May.
Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager
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Partner News
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IN MEMORIAM
Greta Westby (1933 - 2016)
Naturalist, Botanist, and Friend
by Terry McIntosh, Vancouver - April 2016
In the late 1990's, I was asked by Margaret Holm and Dick Cannings if I would be interested in leading a hike at the Meadowlark Festival. Of course I agreed and the White Lake Tour was initiated (and is still going) where we walk from the parking area south of the lake up over the crest to the east and back down along the lake. During my first hike, two women kept asking detailed questions, mainly about some of the spectacular plants along the trail. One was Greta Westby who, after we got back to the parking area, invited me to visit her home in Willowbrook and meet Ole, her husband of many years. Soon after I visited, and the rest is history. We found that we had many things in common, mainly, of course, the Okanagan out-of-doors and its myriad plants and animals. For some 13 years I would visit the Westbys and often stay in the cabin beside the main house, occasionally up early to go for a walk, often at White Lake, with Greta. Sometimes the hikes would be after supper once I got back from one survey or another. And every time I showed up, Greta would have plants that she collected that day, carefully placed in a vase or jar, to show me for identification. I will never forget the one time after her and Ole had made a trip up Horne Creek and she proudly showed me a rather large collection of showy phlox, quite a rare plant in BC. Of course she knew what it was, and enjoyed my mild look of shock. But the flowers that she and Ole had picked were just a tiny part of the largest population of this species in the province - that they had discovered! They also discovered the first population of Ute ladies'-tresses in Canada near a close-by lake and many other new sites for rare plants over the years. But those days are over now and a great sadness prevails. The last hike I had with Greta was along a trail just above White Lake where we sat for a long while trying to find a small rock cairn which marked a possibly new species of Lomatium (desert parsley) to BC. We didn't find it but I will go back and search again. Greta, you will be missed, but always remembered! May your hikes and fascinations, wherever you are, be glorious! Photo credt: Ole Westby.
 Keeping Ellis Creek in Our Future
Over the past four years there has been great effort to improve the habitat along the shores of lower Ellis Creek. SOSCP and Stewardship Society have been working with the Province of BC and the City of Penticton as well as scores of volunteers to return native plants to the riparian area of the creek. Funds provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, TD Friends of the Environment and the Province of BC have allowed for over 1000 plants to thrive and green up the area. Two TD Tree Day events brought many volunteers to add to the burgeoning greenery. SOSCP and Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society were pleased to unveil a new bench and interpretive sign at the lower Ellis Creek Basin recognizing the work of all the partners and countless hours of volunteer efforts. Thank you!
 Princeton Earth Day celebration includes restoration at Cormack Marsh Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship and partners, including local school and homeschool groups, Princeton-Sierra Fire Crew, Princeton Arts Council, Vermillion Forks Field Naturalists, Princeton Rotary, and the Town of Princeton got together for a third annual Earth Day Celebration where 150 native shrubs were planted, knapweed removed and a trail constructed at Cormack Marsh. Later in the day, volunteers got together to unveil an artistic and interpretive sign at the site.
Burrowing Owl fresh news 
The Spring 2016 Pellet Post newsletter of the Burrowing Owl Conservation Society has just been released. There's a great feature article called "Burrowing Owl Speed Dating" by Dianne Bersea, with some fabulous pictures as well. Have a look here. Also don't forget to like them on facebook here!
Grasslands Conservation Council of BC Seeks Program Manager
The Grasslands Conservation Council of BC is looking for a program manager (part or full time employee or contractor) to deliver on the Councils key program activities. The Program Manager is responsible for the successful delivery and management of the organization's programs according to the strategic direction set by the Board of Directors. The job location is in one of BC's grasslands regions, preferably in the Kamloops area and the start date, number of days per week and compensation are negotiable. To learn more about this opportunity or for a copy of the job description please contact Scott Benton at 250-655-4103 or scott.benton@bcgrasslands.org.
 The Nature Trust of BC Celebrates 45 Years
by saving 85 acres of Antelope-brush
The Nature Trust of British Columbia has announced the acquisition of an 85-acre piece of rare Antelope-brush habitat located at the south end of Vaseux Lake that has been owned by the Kennedy family since 1886. Over the past 17 years, The Nature Trust has been securing adjoining sections and now together with this last portion, they have the largest private holding of rare Antelope-brush habitat in the South Okanagan totalling 152 hectares (375 acres)! The property is home to more than 20 species at risk including Behr's Hairstreak butterfly, Bighorn Sheep, Pallid Bat, Desert Night Snake, Great Basin Spadefoot Toad and Lewis's Woodpecker. Learn more about Antelope-brush habitat here. Photo credit: Robert Cannings.
 Garnet Valley Gets a Habitat BoostSOSCP, the Summerland Sportsmen's Association, the Nature Trust of BC, and Okanagan Basin Water Board have teamed up to work with the Province of BC to protect and enhance what has been described by biologists some of the finest wintering habitat for mule deer in the Province. The Garnet Valley Provincial Conservation Lands were secured by the Province with funds made possible by BC hunters and anglers. This year, a fence was built to help a natural spring and wetland recover from damage. Then the BC Wildfire Service lent their falling services to assist with a habitat prescription to recover ungulate winter range compromised by fire suppression and forest in-growth. Shortly after, volunteers from the Summerland Sportsmen's Association came out for a work bee with Provincial Fish & Wildlife staff to get the habitat enhancement work done. Almost 3 hectares were treated in one afternoon with almost 20 members.
Conservation Partner Reflects on Oliver Mountain Recommendation
Grassland Conservation Council Executive Director Scott Benton underlines the concerns of many conservation partners for the future of the proposed Oliver Mountain Goal 2 Protected Area and other important areas carefully considered in regional land and resource management plans. Read more here.
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Upcoming Events and Workshops
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 May 9 and 10 The Human Dimensions of Conservation Management workshop
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is pleased to present a 2-day professional development workshop, The Human Dimensions of Conservation Management with international Human Dimensions expert Dr. Alistair Bath. This intensive and interactive workshop offers an applied introduction to the field on Human Dimensions in Biodiversity Management, which seeks to understand how to work with people to achieve conservation. Dr. Alistair Bath is an associate professor at Memorial University with more than 25 years experience in human-wildlife conflicts and human dimensions in natural resource management issues. The workshop takes place at Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC. For details and more information click here. Photo courtesy: Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science.
The 2016 Meadowlark Festival is set to go with 79 events including canoe trips, guided hikes, film screenings, indigenous cultural events, bird watching tours, back-country horseback riding, geological lectures, astronomy events, art exhibitions, and photography, writing and painting workshops - all led by experts in their fields and each designed to be entertaining, interactive and informative. Be sure to also catch this year's Keynote Speaker James Raffan and his presentation Circling the Midnight Sun. Named one of Canada's top explorers by Canadian Geographic Magazine, Raffan presents an extraordinary collection of images and stories about his experiences circumnavigating the arctic circle and the remarkable people he encounters along the way. For tickets and more information go to their website or call 250-492-5275. Photo credit: Preserved Light Photography.
May 24 and 25 Identification of Native Grassland Plants Course
Columbia Mountains Institute of Applied Ecology is presenting "Identification of Native Grassland Plants," a field-based course where students visit a variety of grassland or shrub-steppe sites and investigate the diversity of native plants that make up these important habitats.The course will also focus on how to recognize important families of plants and students will spend time identifying and discussing the significance of invasive plants and how to properly collect and press (preserve) plants so that they can be identified at a later date. Registration is open until May 10, 2016. the course fee is $245.00 for two full days, with an option to add bagged lunch. For more information, click here and for registration, click here.
 June 18 Earth Wind and Fire 2016
Marking 45 years of land conservation in BC, The Nature Trust of British Columbia is holding its annual fundraiser in Kelowna to celebrate conservation, sizzling chefs and outstanding wine. Earth Wind and Fire 2016 features a sparkling reception and silent auction with Okanagan treasures and a ballroom filled with chef stations and carefully selected wine to enhance your dining experience. Tickets are $175 and available online here or by calling 1-866-288-7878.
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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.
May 16 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.
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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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