Top News Stories
Keep up-to-date with what SOSCP is doing by reading our News Blog below, or check out the news and events from the Central Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program (OCCP)
May 17th: The Nature Trust celebrates Twin Lakes acquisition
On May 17th from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., The Nature Trust of BC invites you to join us for a celebration at the Twin Lakes Ranch. This community event will begin with light refreshments and a short program of speakers followed by a tour of the property. Sagewood Lane, Twin Lakes. Please RSVP to...
Conservation land transferred to Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park
Minster Terry Lake announced the transfer of 308 hectares of conservation land adjacent to Skaha Bluffs to the provincial park, which will now encompass 485 hectares. The conservation land was purchased by the Nature Conservancy of Canada and The Land Conservancy of BC with assistance from the federal and provincial governments. The transfer agreement includes...
Burrowing Owls Released
Burrowing Owls Released near Osoyoos The Burrowing Owls Conservation Society opened a captive breeding facility near Oliver last year. This week society volunteers and staff are busy getting ready to release breeding pairs, for the third year, near the Canada – US border. Last year three pairs produced 18 young and one adult bird migrated back...
“Wild at Heart” conservation exhibit at Penticton Museum
“Wild at Heart” documents the history of conservation over the last century, including the changes to natural habitat, lands placed under conservation, and changes to species distribution. The exhibit profiles the people, places and events that have contributed to conservation. Sponsored by the South Okanagan Naturalist Club; Nature Conservancy Canada; South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program;...
District of Summerland wins award for environmental excellence
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities “Sustainable Communities Awards for the residential development category” was presented to Summerland Mayor Janice Perrino in Ottawa. The award was for new zoning bylaws that focus on denser communities, preserve agricultural land and direct development to land already serviced with municipal sewer and water. A new Community Climate Action Plan...
Twin Lakes Ranch purchase completed
Hats off to the people and groups who supported The Nature Trust of BC, allowing TNT to secure a 809-hectare grassland at Twin Lakes. Nature Trust president Doug Walker says the land is essential habitat for bighorn sheep, deer and many smaller mammals and birds. “This probably is the second largest parcel that we have...
New SOSCP Guide to Establishing a Regional Conservation Fund
“Establishing a Regional Conservation Fund in British Columbia” is the title of a new guide for Local Governments and community organizations. This is the essential “how to” manual to create a dedicated source of funding to support conservation efforts. The guide provides a legal context and an overview of steps involved including real life examples...
Union of BC Municipalities endorse policies protecting the environment
Each year UBCM member local governments submit resolutions on province-wide issues. Resolutions endorsed by the membership are then conveyed to other orders of government as appropriate. The resolutions listed below demonstrate local government support for protecting our environment and caring for the long-term health and well-being of BC communities. Resolution B91Development of a Nature &...
Nature Conservancy of Canada wins award for Darkwoods project
The Real Estate Foundation of BC announced the winners of the 2011 Land Awards for initiatives that showcase leadership, innovation, and collaboration related to the sustainable use and conservation of land in British Columbia. NCC won the non-profit sector award for its work on the Darkwoods Carbon Project. After purchasing Darkwoods in 2008, NCC and...
Wineries support South Okanagan conservation
Lake Breeze Winery in Naramata recently announced support for the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program or SOSCP. “The vineyard is the foundation of our business. We all see our local landscape changing and we hear about disappearing habitat and water issues. We felt it was important to support conservation in our area and donating our...
Biodiversity Loss a Significant Business Risk
The July issue of the Environmental Leader online magazine reported on a survey of businesses and consumers on the loss of biodiversity. According to the survey, more than half of businesses see species loss impacting their bottom line in some countries, while about 80 percent of consumers said they would stop buying products from companies...
Past News Stories
- Nature Conservancy of Canada receives support from Quail’s Gate Winery
- Oliver Council adopts new environmental and riparian development regulations
- District of Summerland adopts Environmentally Sensitive Development Permit Areas.
- Okanagan Odyssey: Journeys Through Terrain, Terroir and Culture by Don Gayton
- The Sustainable Similkameen Project.
What's New?
- May 17th: The Nature Trust celebrates Twin Lakes acquisition
- Conservation land transferred to Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park
- Burrowing Owls Released
- “Wild at Heart” conservation exhibit at Penticton Museum
- Twin Lakes Ranch purchase completed
- District of Summerland wins award for environmental excellence