Create a National Park in South Okanagan, BC
The Place:
The South Okanagan Similkameen in BC's interior is one of Canada's most endangered ecosystems and home to many species at risk.
The interior dry plateau is a distinct and unique region of British Columbia. It is Canada's only 'pocket desert'. The South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys contain some of the highest animal and plant diversity in British Columbia and are an important migratory corridor for many species between the dry grasslands of BC and the desert-like areas of the western United States.
The Opportunity:
The BC and federal governments have agreed to undertake a Feasibility Study for a potential national park reserve to protect the desert, grasslands, and Ponderosa pine ecosystems of the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys in southern British Columbia.
We have an opportunity to speak out in support of creating a national park. South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve would represent the Interior Dry Plateau Natural Region in Canada's national park system. The plateau is characterized by rolling plains, deep narrow valleys, gorges and long, narrow lakes. Vegetation ranges from parched "desert-like" conditions on valley bottoms, through moist sub-alpine forest to alpine tundra on mountain tops. A national park would protect a unique and diverse region of Canada and to provide a home for many species at risk.