Momentum builds for national park
Could a national park be around the corner? If so, it is fantastic news for one of Canada’s most endangered natural regions – a dry, grassy and desert-like world at the bottom of soggy British Columbia.
The South Okanagan-Similkameen is a landscape beloved by humans. From orchards and vineyards to retirement villages and other developments, the natural landscapes in this warm and desirable region continue to disappear. If we don’t save some of B.C.’s grasslands now, it will simply be too late.
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CONTACT: Peter Kent, Canada’s Minister of the Environment
We need this park now!
The federal feasibility study for this national park began in 2003. It was supposed to take two years; it’s now in its eighth year. Enough is enough. CPAWS expects the completion of this feasibility study will be announced soon and the park deemed “feasible”. The next step is “land assembly” – the purchasing of private lands and transfer of provincial lands to federal stewardship.
Once created, this will be a very special park:
- Natural habitat for countless endangered species.
- Migration grounds for songbirds.
- A conservation partnership that marries science and local knowledge, including First Nations and longtime ranchers.
- A possible Dark Skies National Park – a magnificent opportunity for viewing millions of stars
- Close to Vancouver; wonderful place for families to visit. Hikes will range from easy to expert trails. Horseback riding, fishing and other recreation opportunities will be a part of the national park.
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SOUTH OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN
-contributed –
This group claims that 63 percent of Okanagan residents favour a National Park. See our poll.