South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program
June 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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This Thursday is a big day for the proposed South Okanagan Conservation Fund.
The motion to establish a Conservation Fund for the South Okanagan will be back to the RDOS Board for decision on Thursday, June 16th.
That morning, SOSCP will be participating in an hour-long conservation fund workshop with the RDOS Planning and Development Committee, then the formal motion to establish a fund comes back to the regular RDOS Board meeting for final decision.
Later in the day, SOSCP partners and friends will be getting together in Penticton to learn more about the status of the proposed fund and will be joined by David Hillary, former Program Manager of the Kootenay Conservation Program. Dave will lead SOSCP partners and associates through an insightful accounting of the process to establish the Columbia Valley and Kootenay Lake Local Conservation Funds - first of their kind in Canada.
Join us at the RAMADA INN Penticton (Atrium) June 16th at 2 pm to hear more about this important opportunity for funding important conservation work in the South Okanagan. RSVP to bryn.white@gov.bc.ca
Bryn White, SOSCP Program Manager
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Partner News
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 Invitation to Comment on Motorized Vehicle Recreation Area on Oliver Mountain
The referral period for the proposed motorized recreation site at Oliver Mountain has just been initiated. All comments on the proposal can be sent to Ian McLellan at Ian.McLellan@gov.bc.ca prior to July 7, 2016. See maps and more information here.
 OSSS partnership with Summerland winery restores vital riparian and wetland area
Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society along with wildlife habitat stewards Okanagan Crush Pad Winery has made incredible headway in restoring a riparian area and wetland in a 7 acre hayfield along Garnet Valley Road in Summerland. At the end of March, the partners completed the first phase in the project - to establish a riparian buffer along Eneas Creek on a panhandle part of the project site through funding from Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Habitat Stewardship Program and Wildlife Habitat Canada. In only a couple of months, the newly planted site is looking amazing! To find out more about how Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship can assist landowners in conservation and enhancement on their properties, visit their website here. Photo courtesy OSSS.
 HCTF Announces New Funding Program for Managing Conservation Lands
The Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation (HCTF) has announced a new funding program to help NGOs cover the costs of looking after BC's conservation lands. The HCTF Land Stewardship Fund will provide approximately $125,000 a year for activities that improve habitat on conservation properties owned and managed by NGOs. The Land Stewardship program was made possible by an endowment provided by the Province of British Columbia. Steve Thomson, Minister of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations, says the Province created the endowment in recognition of the importance of land management activities in ensuring the ecological values of these lands are preserved. Organizations interested in applying for a Land Stewardship Grant can visit here for information on how to apply.
 UBC-O Researchers request help tracking South Okanagan, Similkameen and
Boundary badgers
Biologists are requesting the public's help in spotting badgers (alive or dead) or a fresh badger burrow in the Similkameen, South Okanagan or Boundary regions. Graduate student Brett Ford along with Dr. Mike Russello, researchers at UBC-O, are conducting genetic analyses to look at the connectivity between BC and Washington badger populations. Many samples have been collected from the North Okanagan, most from road-killed badgers, but there is a need for samples closer to the Canada-USA border. If fresh burrows are spotted, researchers from UBC-O or the Okanagan Nation Alliance can put out hair traps in burrows to gather some hairs from badgers when they enter and exit the burrows. Visit the badger website to learn more about the project and how to identify a badger burrow! To report a badger sighting or if you spot a burrow contact the Badger Hotline at 1-888-223-4376. Photo credit: Phillippe Verkerk.
 First ever online bird atlas now available!The British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas partnership including Bird Studies Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, the BC Ministry of Environment, BC Nature, the BC Field Ornithologists, the Pacific Wildlife Foundation, and Louisiana Pacific Canada Ltd. has announced the completion of Canada's first ever online bird atlas, The Atlas of the Breeding Birds of British Columbia. The Atlas features the complied work and combined efforts of 30 authors, 20 editors, 45 coordinators, 1,300 dedicated field volunteers, 40 photographers and 150 generous partners, supporters and special contributors, and is the most sophisticated bird atlas anywhere on the web. More than 1,500 high quality maps and graphs depict precisely where approximately 320 species occur, how common they are, and the types of landscapes they choose to breed in. Packed with innovative, user-friendly features, this free bilingual resource is designed for everyone, whether you are an environmental professional, a bird watcher, a nature lover, a guide-outfitter, a researcher, an educator or a student. Take a moment to explore a short orientation of the Atlas here to help you get started. For more information have a look at their website. Photo credit: Emily Willoughby, Wikimedia.
 Meadowlark Festival - another terrific May long weekend!
Meadowlark organizers wish to thank the hundreds of participants, tour leaders and volunteers for another successful and fun-filled Festival! Many events, old and new, sold out, ticket sales were up by 10% and as usual, the Festival saw over 40% of its ticket buyers come from more than 3 hours away, excited to learn about the wonderful and unique habitats and species of the Okanagan and Similkameen! The Festival is always on the lookout for new tours, especially for the upcoming 20th Anniversary next year, so if you have any ideas, please contact Jayme Friedt, Festival Coordinator at info@meadowlarkfestival.ca. The next Festival takes place May 18 to 22, 2017. Save the date! Photo credit: Meadowlark by Grade 3 Meadowlarker Nicolas Croft from Pender Island.
 Nature Conservancy announces new wetland/meadow habitat conservation projectThe Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) has launched a new conservation project midway between Osoyoos and Oliver. Called Bobolink Meadows, the project takes its name from the bobolink, a small songbird that undertakes the longest migration of any North American songbird, travelling some 20,000 kms to and from southern South America each year. The group is fundraising to acquire an additional 90 acres (36 hectares) of rare wetland/meadow habitat in the Osoyoos Oxbows area. NCC has confirmed funding for 80% of the $1.9 million project and is working to raise the remaining 20% by December 2016. This conservation acquisition will enhance an existing complex of conserved lands owned by NCC, the BC Government and other conservation groups. Find out more about this exciting new project here. To learn more about the fantastic work of NCC go to their website. Photo credit: Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren, Wikimedia.
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Upcoming Events and Workshops
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June 16 Conservation Fund Networking and Strategy Session
 SOSCP Partners and friends are invited to network and learn more about the status of the proposed Conservation Fund for the South Okanagan.
A Conservation Fund is a dedicated source of revenue for the specific purpose of environmental conservation. The proposed fund for the South Okanagan is based on a local government property levy and would enable conservation organizations to apply for funds to support their projects. The conservation goal here is $450,000 per year. Join SOSCP Program Manager Bryn White along with special guest, former Kootenay Conservation Program (KCP) Manager Dave Hillary, at an information session highlighting the status of the proposed Conservation Fund for the South Okanagan and the challenges, opportunities and strategies for establishing the first conservation fund of its kind in Canada. Dave will share his experiences and insights regarding the critical role KCP partners played in establishing the two Local Conservation Funds in the East and West Kootenays, KCP's role in administering the funds, the types of conservation projects supported by the program, and the significant benefits to local communities and conservation organizations. This session takes place from 2 to 4:30 pm at the Ramada Inn in Penticton and will welcome questions and provide an opportunity for partners to give input and share support. RSVP to Bryn at bryn.white@gov.bc.ca
 June 30 and July 7, 14, 21 and 28
Osoyoos Desert Centre Night Tours
Experience the magic of the desert at night. Take a guided tour along the Desert Centre's 1.5 km boardwalk and get the inside scoop on our desert's "wild" night life. Learn fascinating facts about the many nocturnal animals that call this habitat home. Owls, bats, deer, snakes, black widow spiders, or maybe a coyote - you never know what might go bump in the night! Nights tours run Thursdays from June 30 to July 28 from 7:30 to 9 pm. Tickets are $10 and advance registration is required. For more information call 250-495-2470, email mail@desert.org or click here. Photo credit: Gary Nylander, The Daily Courier.
 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.
 June 22 Road 22 Green Up
Volunteer OpportunityOkanagan Similkameen Stewardship is seeking volunteers to help with a greening up of
Road 22 just north of Osoyoos. The Green Up takes place 10am to noon. Meet at the Road 22 info kiosk in Osoyoos. Bring gloves, favourite garden tools and a picnic lunch. OSS will provide light refreshments. For more information, contact Alyson Skinner at 250-809-1980 or alyson@osstewardship.ca. This project is supported by the Community Foundation of South Okanagan|Similkameen. Photo credit Richard McGuire courtesy Osoyoos Times.
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Funding Opportunities
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July 8 Vancouver Foundation - Environment and Animal Welfare Test and Grow Grants Stage One: Project Overview
The Foundation grants of up to $75,000 for organizations with innovative projects in our four fields of interest: Arts and Culture; Education and Training; Environment and Animal Welfare; and Health and Social Development. Details here.
July 15 Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation
HCTF's new Land Stewardship Grants, made possible through an endowment provided by the Province of British Columbia for operations and management costs on conservation lands is now r equesting letters of intent from eligible organizations requesting funding from this program. The deadline for submitting letters of intent is July 15th, 2016 at 4:30PM PDT. Details here.
July 15 TD Friends of the Environment Foundation
The Foundation supports a wide range of environmental initiatives, with a primary focus on environmental education, urban greening and enhancing biodiversity, and energy conservation. 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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