Letters to the Editor
Province needs to declare national park in Okanagan
By Paul and Rosemary Clapham
First appearing in the Vancouver Sun on June 1, 2011.
Re: Delayed approval for proposed park could be costly, Opinion, May 25
It is with great amazement that we read that the provincial government is holding up the national park in the South Okanagan.
We have over 50 years experience visiting, camping and bird watching in the region.
There are four natural ecosystems that could be protected by this park and two of those ecosystems - the bunchgrass and the ponderosa pine forests - remain highly endangered.
This is a region beset by water shortages and the ongoing encroachment of the pine beetle infestation.
It's considered one of the species at risk "hot spots" in the province.
The park could provide habitat for 56 species at risk.
This national park could link up to lands south of the border thereby protecting more landscape and wildlife in the adjoining lands in the United States.
We thoroughly support saving the dwindling grasslands and pocket desert.
The proposed national park is not just a good idea - it is a necessity.
Paul and Rosemary Clapham, Vancouver
Contact politicians today to tell them to help make the national park a reality!