Plans made for species at risk in B.C. park reserve

OSOYOOS — A next step in preserving one of Canada’s most ecologically diverse regions has been reached between two British Columbia First Nations and the federal and provincial governments.

The parties have signed a memorandum of understanding on a working boundary for a national park reserve in the south Okanagan-Similkameen.

The proposed reserve is 273 square kilometres of mountains, lakes and grasslands and is home to 11 per cent of Canada’s species at risk, including American badgers, western rattle snakes, northern leopard frogs and burrowing owls.

The agreement was signed Tuesday by federal Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, B.C. Environment Minister George Heyman, Osoyoos Indian Band Chief Clarence Louis and Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.

McKenna says the region is an ecological wonder, a haven for wildlife and species at risk and a natural legacy to preserve for our children and grandchildren.

Charlotte Dawe with the environment advocacy group Wilderness Committee says many people have worked for the reserve since 2003.

The group says the region is one of the four most endangered ecosystems in Canada and is home to 76 per cent of B.C.’s species at risk.

Efforts like preserving the area are essential if wildlife are to be given a chance at survival, Dawe said.

“Habitat protection is the single most important thing for saving species at risk.”

Provincial parks are critically important for protecting species and ecosystems not found elsewhere in the world, added Heyman.

Crow said his people have always protected the land and this process is a way to work with partners to implement culturally informed management practices.