Park Rill Creek acquisition on the horizon
The Nature Trust of British Columbia (TNT) has announced it’s working on the acquisition of Park Rill Creek, a 32.2 hectare (80 acre) property located running south and eat of Twin Lakes.
The property has been identified as a high priority for acquisition due to its location and proximity to TNT’s White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch. “The White Lake Basin is one of the gems in The Nature Trust of BC’s conservation land portfolio,” says Nick Burdock, TNT Okanagan Land Coordinator.
“The Park Rill infill is one of the finest examples of mixed riparian habitat along the Park Rill corridor… home to such an array of species (many of them at risk) and habitat types.” The property contains habitat for two endangered species: Rusty Cord-moss and Half-moon Hairstreak butterfly. The Red-listed Brewer’s Sparrow has been confirmed on the property while the Red-listed American Badger and Lewis’s Woodpecker may be found here.
The property also provides habitat for the Blue-listed Painted Turtle. The estimated total project cost is $1.15 million which includes land acquisition, legal, appraisal and land management. With anticipated government and foundation funding, TNT hopes to raise the remaining $230,000 by September 2018.
For the record – the Park Rill creek system is complex – running first from the hills surrounding Twin Lakes – heading to Secrest – joined by Victoria Creek from the up hill lakes. Then down to Sportsmen’s Bowl across Hwy 97 heading towards the river miles and miles away from its head waters.