Environment in the South Okanagan-Similkameen
Photo by Graham Osborne.
The South Okanagan and Similkameen grasslands encompass some of the most endangered biogeoclimactic zones in British Columbia. The recent report by Biodiversity BC, Taking Nature's Pulse: The Status of Biodiversity in British Columbia, identifies four biogeoclimactic zones in British Columbia as being of conservation concern. Three of those four are found in the South Okanagan and Similkameen: Bunchgrass, Ponderosa Pine, and Interior Douglas-Fir. These zones cover less than 4% of the province.
The South Okanagan-Similkameen region is unique and contains ecosystem-types that are not found in any other natural region in the country or existing national park (shrub-steppe, ponderosa pine, and interior Douglas fir). This area is recognized as one of the country’s three most endangered natural systems. Additionally, the arid habitats of the South Okanagan – Similkameen are easily damaged and slow to heal.
The South Okanagan has 23 species of plants and animals currently listed as nationally threatened, endangered or vulnerable as well as one-third of all provincially red listed species. Many of these species only occur in this region.
The South Okanagan-Similkameen has both north-south and east-west corridors that are extremely important for migratory animals and maintaining biodiversity. The north-south corridor connects the Columbia Plateau with the central BC grasslands, which is essential for the survival of migratory birds. The east-west corridor across the Cascade Mountains would represent an international protected zone that is important to maintain biodiversity.
Conservation lands that already exist will strengthen the surrounding lands around the proposed national park that would reduce conflicts of land base management.
The potential to make this an international park by extending it into Washington State which would connect with the Loomis State Forest that is currently in conservation covenant.
Austin, M.A., D.A. Buffett, D.J. Nicolson, G.G.E. Scudder and V. Stevens (eds.). 2008. Taking Nature's Pulse: The Status of Biodiviersity in British Columbia. Biodiversity BC, Victoria, BC. 268 pp. Available at: www.biodiversitybc.org.
Contact politicians today to tell them to help make the national park a reality!