Vol.38 No.2 | 2019 Published by the Wilderness Committee

FREE REPORT

NATIONAL PARK RESERVE

THE PERFECT PLACE FOR A PARK RESERVE Charlotte Dawe since those days, including the country as they dart around for quite like the South . Conservation increased urban development, insects. Bats indulge on a diverse In one day you can visit native and Policy Campaigner vineyard expansion and diet and 69 insect bunchgrass grasslands, endangered @ClimateChar cattle grazing. Even so, species have their antelope-brush ecosystems, rolling scattered throughout ...unique wild spaces Canadian or B.C. hills of ponderosa pines and houses, vineyards and are becoming more ranges restricted to mountain tops which offer views highways are pockets this region. Seven of a thousand summits.3 4 These of grasslands that could rare and in desperate insect species unique wild spaces are becoming magine riding on the back return, with a little love need of protection exist only here more rare and in desperate need of Iof a horse over five feet off and bold conservation and nowhere else protection. the ground and yet the tips of steps, to a healthier in the world. And Safeguarding this precious bluebunch wheatgrass reach up state. Although they they’re not the only region permanently must be a high enough to brush your knees. face numerous threats, including ones who depend on the South priority. To decrease threats and The seeds stick to your legs — habitat loss and degradation, many Okanagan. Almost half of breeding ensure permanent protection for catching a ride to spread over the species of those days before still bird species in the country use the this endangered landscape, the vast landscape. have a fighting chance. rugged terrain for nesting habitat governments of B.C., Canada and “Grasses were belly high to Under the moonlit sky of the and eight vertebrate species in the Okanagan Nation Alliance a horse back then,” said Len Okanagan you can find the highest Canada are found only here.2 have agreed to work together to Marchand of the Okanagan Indian diversity of bat species across There’s nowhere else in the world establish the South Okanagan- Band as he recites stories of Similkameen National Park the grasslands before European Reserve. Read on to find out settlement. First Nation elders more about this exciting remember the grasslands as a place opportunity. where people, elk, horses and sharp-tailed grouse roamed freely. Together they sought water, foods and daily needs. And nestled within the tall grasses hid many of the species now facing extinction.1 South Okanagan-Similkameen has undergone extensive changes Photo top: near White Lake grasslands (Charlotte Dawe). Photos above: yellow-breasted chat (Jared Hobbs), Kilpoola grasslands (Wayne Lynch). A REGION SCARRED BY HISTORY BROKEN HOME NEEDS PROTECTION

askets made of paper birch, and invasive plants. he burrowing owl, standing a creatures in this region is awe- BSaskatoon shrubs for healing and A national park reserve in this Tstaggering 25 cm tall (roughly the inspiring, many are at risk of arrowleaf balsamroot for nourishment, region co-managed by the Syilx/ height of a loaf of bread), stealthily extinction. The South Okanagan the of the Southern Okanagan Nation is an important chases a beetle through scattered is home to 76 per cent of British Interior relied on grasslands for at step towards reconciliation. The bunches of wheatgrass.10 A coyote Columbia’s species at risk and least ten thousand years. A variety of Nation will provide leadership to hides behind a sagebrush shrub, one of the four most endangered native plants species are used for food, ensure conservation and economic watching the owl intently. A snap of ecosystems in Canada, the antelope medicines, technology, and spiritual goals can be reached, while a twig or a slight movement out of brush grasslands.12 The pallid bat, and ceremonial purposes.5 participating in traditional land uses the corner of its eye causes the owl Lewis’s woodpecker, western A history of colonialism and and spiritual activities. to abandon the hunt. screech-owl, western European settlement scars the region There’s no way we can change the It makes a break for it rattlesnake, northern of the South Okanagan-Similkameen. past injustices of this land. However, and the coyote lunges leopard frog and grand The gold rush of the 1850s brought we can support the Okanagan Nation in pursuit. Just before coulee owl-clover are many settlers to the region, depriving Alliance in co-managing a national teeth meet feathers, just six of the 65 federally Syilx/Okanagan people of their park reserve. the owl burrows into a listed species at risk found land and resources they relied nearby hole dug up by in the region.13 on. When joined an American badger. Many of these confederation, settlers were given the It has escaped the species need right to own lands and First Nations coyote and can thank specific habitats were removed from their lands onto the badger burrow and their survival 6 small reserves. The Syilx/Okanagan for saving its life. This Photos: burrowing owl (Jared Hobbs), depends on them. people still affirm the land is theirs as is just one example American badger (Wayne Lynch). Sage thrashers need no treaty has been negotiated.7 of life in the South Okanagan- large sagebrush shrubs for nesting.14 This period also marked the Similkameen. White-headed woodpeckers rely beginning of intense cattle Species are intricately connected. on old and mature ponderosa grazing which forever damaged American badgers are endangered pines for seeds and nests.15 Tiger the grasslands.8 According to Don from hunting, collisions with salamanders need specific habitats Gayton, an ecosystem management motorized vehicles and habitat loss.11 like arid grassland and open forests.16 specialist from the region, after Loss of burrows made from American Destruction and degradation of European settlement, a “full- badgers has contributed to the natural wilderness in the South scale ecological conversion took decline of the burrowing owl — now Okanagan are some of the main place.” 9 Where bunchgrasses once also endangered. When we lose one reasons for the high number of dominated the grasslands, now species, it threatens the ability of species at risk. Permanent protection they are replaced with low-growing, Photos: Chief Clarence Louie of the Indian Band. others to survive. of these habitats are critical to their Formal announcement to establish a national park reserve grazing-resistant shrubs, leafy forbs with politicians from federal, provincial and First Nations While the diversity of living future survival. governments (Richard McGuire).

GROWING THREATS, PROPOSED NATIONAL PARK RESERVE BOUNDARIES URGENT CONCERNS Wilderness Committee Proposed National Park En'Owkin Reserve Vaseux & White Lake Area Additions he South Okanagan-Similkameen Okanagan. Parks Canada National Penticton Skaha Park Reserve Working Indian Bluffs Tis a unique region as it combines Across the Boundary Dec 2018 Band 97 Provincial Photo: Gwen Barlee (WC files). Park BC Provincial Parks, jaw-dropping diversity from vast country McTaggart Protected Areas, Wildlife - Cowan / arid desert landscapes to towering grasslands are disappearing. Seventy Management Areas & Ns?k'lniw't National Wildlife Area Skaha Wildlife mountain peaks. It draws visitors to the per cent of prairie grasslands Manage- First Nations Reserve Lake ment Area region each year who enjoy its many have already been lost and in Lands Marron lakes, breathtaking hikes and hidden 2016, grasslands in Canada were Valley wild treasures. However, high-impact disappearing faster than the Amazon 3A 0 2.5 5 km Yellow activities are severely destroying and Rainforest. This is deeply concerning. Lake degrading ecosystems throughout Grasslands support rare species, Lower White White 97 Similkameen Twin Lake Lake the region. Urban development bird migrations and are important Indian Lakes Grasslands Protected Vaseux has and is continuing to expand carbon sinks. From 1940 to 2014, Band Wilderness Area Committee Lake into natural areas due to a grassland bird populations Vaseux Proposed Willowbrook Protected National Park nCaylintn Area rising population. Increased in Canada declined by 69 Reserve Addition (McIntyre Bluff) industrial activities along per cent.19 Olalla with off-road vehicles are In the South Okanagan destroying key species at risk less than half of the 17 habitat. grasslands and shrub- Historic 3 Oliver Many locals worry about steppe habitats of the Similka Fairview mee Keremeos Parks Townsite r n e v Canada i the state of the Okanagan. bunchgrass zone remain Cawston R

National n 3 a Osoyoos Gwen Barlee, the Wilderness Photo: arrowleaf balsamroot intact and only nine per Park 97 g a Indian (Gwen Barlee). Reserve n Committee’s former cent are in a truly natural Lower a Band R Working k 20 Similkameen i O v national policy director grew up in state. Remaining grasslands are at Indian e Boundary Band r the Okanagan and was instrumental risk of degradation due to various Txasqin in the vision for this national park threats, including overgrazing by (Mt Kobau) reserve. She once said, “Every time cattle, motorized vehicles, extensive Kłlilx’w LocatoLor cMatoarp Map (Spotted Osoyoos I go back, I see another little piece vineyards, expanding human Lake) Lake has been lost. If we don’t seize the settlements, invasive species and 3 Osoyoos AB Prince Lower moment, the opportunity to save it not allowing important grassland BC George Similkameen Swiws will be lost.” 18 wildfires.21 A national park reserve is Indian Kamloops Band An example of this loss are the desperately needed to protect what’s Vancouver endangered grasslands of the South left of remaining ecosystems. Victoria USA Washington (USA) THE CASE FOR A NATIONAL PARK RESERVE

veryday forests are chopped uses on the land.23 water which prevents floods Edown, wetlands are drained Unless a species at risk is a migratory and droughts, decreases and grasslands are replaced with bird, aquatic species or located on soil and debris run-off, and pavement. Climate change threatens federal land like a national park, they naturally filters water.26 grasslands with droughts, heat and receive no automatic protection A national park reserve raging wildfires.22 We must protect from being harmed or having their will help diversify the Photo: barn swallow (Robert McCaw). the little wilderness we have left for habitat destroyed under the federal economies of local the benefit of wildlife and to ensure Species at Risk Act.24 In a national park communities. It’s expected to interpretive centres, educational we have a future on Earth. reserve species at risk would finally provide economic benefits to and cultural activities, and The reasons for a national park receive protection. There would be the area including investments, ongoing infrastructure reserve here are numerous — strong laws against harming them employment opportunities, upgrades and repairs.29 protecting this area as a park is or their places of dwelling within the expenditures from park visitors and Right now, private development critical for conservation in the South park reserve. Sadly, there are no such millions in income opportunities. and urban sprawl are quickly Okanagan and in Canada. current protections. This economic diversification will erasing natural spaces. Without Grasslands are incredible carbon stabilize communities and ensure a national park reserve there’s A national park reserve would stores. The proposed national park they’ll be able to withstand industry no guarantee the wilderness be off-limits to urban expansion, reserve has the potential to store booms and busts.27 28 enjoyed by local people will increased cattle grazing, motorized 5.9 million tonnes of carbon over Although some of the lands in remain public land. Natural vehicle use, new vineyards and 50 years. That’s the equivalent of this region currently receive wilderness must be publically would not allow new industrial taking 4.6 million cars off the road different levels of provincial and protected so local communities developments. Hunting would be for a year.25 private protection, a national park and visitors are able to continue off limits within the boundaries Protecting natural vegetation and reserve comes with additional enjoying the benefits of natural while First Nations could practice water bodies throughout the park government resources for park spaces in the South Okanagan. traditional, spiritual and cultural reserve will help the soil hold more rangers, conservation officers, The Syilx/Okanagan Nation has assessed and concluded there are potential benefits to their culture in forms of increased access to resources, research funding and increasing employment opportunities.30

Photo: bitterroot herb Photo: agriculture in the Okanagan (Gwen Barlee). (Gwen Barlee).

CRITICAL AREAS OVERLOOKED

here are a couple of South is White Lake. The lake and its TOkanagan treasures that must be surrounding lands are a top included in the national park reserve. conservation priority.33 It includes , White Lake and the important mid-elevation grasslands lands surrounding these lakes are rich and old-growth ponderosa pines. This in diversity and are of high ecological region is overflowing with species at importance. They must be protected. risk. It’s home to the sage thrasher, North of the town Oliver is the tiger salamander and painted turtle picturesque Vaseux Lake. Thickets and these are just some of the at-risk and wetlands border the lake and species living in the area. If the White draw in many migratory birds. If Lake area is included in the national you’re an avid birder, spend some park reserve, the Species at Risk Act time here and you’ll cross a fair would automatically protect all these number of bird species off your list.31 at-risk species and their homes. Looking out beyond the lake you’ll Some of the area surrounding White see the vegetation transform from Lake is provincially designated as the grasslands to hillsides, with exposed White Lake Grasslands Protected Area. rock and ponderosa pine. These hills However, there’ve been challenges are perfect for mule deer, cougars in properly managing and protecting and California bighorn sheep. it. Off-road vehicle use has been Unfortunately, Vaseux Lake and the difficult to manage.34 ATVs damage the surrounding areas aren’t included in sensitive ecosystem and put further the current proposed park reserve pressure on species at risk.35 Some of boundaries although many species these species even end up as roadkill. at risk have critical habitat here.32 The national park reserve would ensure To the west of Vaseux Lake at-risk areas are protected and would have staff to monitor and enforce regulations.36

We recommend increasing the Photos: tiger salamander, big horn sheep (Jared Hobbs), Spotted Lake (Gwen Barlee). park boundaries in negotiation with the Syilx/Okanagan Nation, to include Vaseux Lake, White Lake and surrounding areas in the national park

Photo: Vaseux Lake and Okanagan River (Joe Foy). reserve. A VISION WE CAN’T LET GO references 1. Blackstock, Michael D. and Rhonda McAllister. “First nations perspectives on the Grasslands of the Interior of British fter more than fifteen years of the provincial and federal Columbia.” Journal of Ecological Anthropology 8, no. 1. 2004. Anegotiations and planning, it’s governments know creating a http://bit.ly/2MR4HKA 2. Cannings, Richard J. “The South Okanagan Valley: A National finally time to solidify the federal national park reserve is a top Treasure at Risk.” South Okanagan Recovery Team. Feb. 1999. http://bit.ly/2TBLChV

and provincial governments’ priority. 3. Cannings, Richard J. Ibid.

commitment to creating a national At a time when the current 4. Connelly, Joel. “A new Northwest national park in Canada’s park reserve. extinction rate around the world only desert.” Seattle PI. Oct. 28, 2017. http://bit.ly/2SsdGHq 5. Blackstock, Michael D. and Rhonda McAllister. Ibid.

A federal election in the fall of is 1,000 to 10,000 times the 6. Ibid. 2019 could change the political natural rate, alarms are ringing 7. “About Us.” Syilx/Okanagan Nation Alliance. http://bit.ly/2DYoipz climate for this park and the B.C. loud for humanity. Landscapes 8. Ibid.

provincial government could also supporting wildlife are falling 9. Blackstock, Michael D. and Rhonda McAllister. Ibid 39 change during the years needed apart at the seams. The same 10. “Owls of Canada.” Simply Wild Canada. http://bit.ly/2UKQ12a 11. Jeffersonii Badger Recovery Team. “Recovery Strategy for to establish the park reserve. That’s ecosystems supporting wildlife the Badger (Taxidea taxus) in British Columbia.” Ministry of Environment, Government of British Columbia. Sept. 2008. why it’s crucial for the governments are the ones supporting us. http://bit.ly/2t5afrU

to sign a memorandum of We must hold onto all the 12. “Habitat Atlas for Wildlife At Risk About Species at Risk.” Ministry of Environment, Government of British Columbia. 1998. understanding by this summer. A wilderness spaces we have left http://bit.ly/2MWJjUs memorandum of understanding as a way to safeguard against 13. Pearson, Mike and Healy, M.C. “Species at Risk and Local Government: A Primer for BC.” Stewardship Centre of British would ensure, despite changes to rapid climate change. Humanity’s Columbia. 2012. http://bit.ly/2REW8mZ governments, the national park survival hinges on protecting at 14. “Sage thrasher (Oreoscoptes montanus): recovery strategy 2014.” Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. 2014. reserve moves ahead. least 50 per cent of the planet as http://bit.ly/2UFuV5i 15. “White-headed woodpecker (Picoides albolarvatus): recovery The idea of the South Okanagan- wild nature to halt species loss strategy 2014.” Species at Risk Act Recovery Strategy Series. 2014. Similkameen National Park Reserve and slow climate change.40 http://bit.ly/2Dinlqb 16. “Recovery Strategy for the Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma began in 2003. Since then there’ve Next generations deserve tigrinum), Southern Mountain population in Canada - 2017.” been numerous economic studies, to grow up in a world with Species at Risk Public Registry. 2017. http://bit.ly/2Sx3jlA 17. “Environmental Issues and Options for the South Okanagan intention papers, polls to determine wilderness to Regional Growth Strategy.” Hobson & Associates. June 2006. 37 http://bit.ly/2I7iC0y support and consultations. The explore, wildlife to 18. Hume, Mike. “Aboriginal support revives Okanagan park latest consultation on the proposed wonder about and proposal.” The Globe and Mail. Feb. 26, 2013. https://tgam.ca/2tce9zm

boundaries and impacts and a healthy stable 19. Knox, Jules. “Prairie grasslands disappearing at an alarming benefits of the park was completed planet. That’s why we rate in Canada.” 20. Cannings, Richard J. Ibid.

in February. must protect more 21. Blackstock, Michael D. and Rhonda McAllister. Ibid.

Parks Canada expects to have a wildlands, starting 22. “Climate Change Impacts to Grasslands.” Conservation in a memorandum of understanding with the creation Changing Climate. http://bit.ly/2Gu8SL7 23. 38 Kreitzman, Maayan et al. “The South Okanagan-Similkameen ready by August. We must ensure of the National Park Park Proposal Through a SES Lens.” May 20, 2015. http://bit.ly/2GgVACB Photos: ponderosa pine (Adrian Dorst) western rattlesnake (Jacob Dulisse) this happens. It’s time to let both Reserve. 24. Nixon, Sean et al. “Failure to Protect, Grading Canada’s Species hiking group near Okanagan Falls (Gwen Barlee). at Risk Laws.” Oct. 2012. http://bit.ly/2WQUzpF

25. Echeverri Ochoa, Alejandra et al. “Ecosystem services in the proposed national park reserve for the South Okanagan : Lower Similkameen region.” University of British Columbia. 2016. http://bit.ly/2BpuhBP

26. Ibid.

27. “Economic Benefits Study South Okanagan Similkameen National Park Reserve British Columbia.” Development Consulting Group (Vancouver) and Land Strategies (Calgary). Sept. 2005. http://bit.ly/2SgElrj

28. “Moving forward with the strong business case for a South TAKE ACTION Okanagan Similkameen National Park.” BC Chamber of Commerce. 2017. http://bit.ly/2Gvr5rN

29. “Evaluation of Parks Canada’s National Parks Conservation.” Create the South Okanagan-Similkameen Parks Canada. Jun. 13, 2014. http://bit.ly/2UL9KyQ

30. “Assessing Feasibility of a Syilx/Parks Canada Protected Area: National Park Reserve! Findings and Guiding Concepts.” Syilx Working Group. Dec. 18, 2012. http://bit.ly/2MWm9x8 Please contact federal minister of environment Catherine McKenna, B.C. minister of 31. “Vaseux Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary.” Government of Canada. http://bit.ly/2GeU3wH environment George Heyman and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Ask them to: 32. “Vaseux-Bighorn National Wildlife Area.” Government of Canada. http://bit.ly/2taWTub In collaboration with the Okanagan Nation Alliance sign a memorandum of 33. “White Lake Grasslands Protected Area.” BC Parks. understanding by August 2019 to ensure the South Okanagan-Similkameen http://bit.ly/2Bqejau National Park Reserve will proceed 34. “Okanagan Region Management Direction Statement for White Lake Grasslands Protected Area.” Government of British Create a park as big as possible — include areas like Vaseux and White lake Columbia. Mar. 2003. http://bit.ly/2SDmNFa 35. Iverson, Kristi et al. “Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory Okanagan Continue to work in partnership with the Okanagan Nation Alliance towards Valley: Vernon to Osoyoos 2000 – 2007.” 2008.  http://bit.ly/2TBjbkd a park reserve Photo: western screech owl chicks 36. “Okanagan Region Management Direction Statement for (Wayne Lynch). White Lake Grasslands Protected Area.” Ibid.

37. “Proposed National Park Reserve in the South Okanagan- Federal Environment Minister – email: [email protected] or phone: 819-938-3813 Similkameen.” Parks Canada. Dec. 10, 2018. http://bit.ly/2Ge5lBn BC Environment minister – email: [email protected] or phone: 250-387-1187 38. Fries, Joe. “Patience urged as South Okanagan national park proceeds.” Osoyoos Today. Sep. 21, 2018. http://bit.ly/2RKjg3y

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – email: [email protected] or phone: 613-992-4211 39. Chivian, Eric and Aaron Bernstein. “Sustaining life: How human health depends on biodiversity.” Center for Health and the Global Environment. 2008. http://bit.ly/2UOtNMZ

40. Dinerstein, Eric et al. “An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm.” American Institute of WildernessCommittee.org • 1-800-661-WILD (9453) Biological Sciences. Apr. 5, 2017. http://bit.ly/2c6naOk I WANT TO PROTECT THE SOUTH CREDITS Writing: Charlotte Dawe Editing: Alex Hsuan Tsui YES! OKANAGAN-SIMILKAMEEN Art Director: Sue Fox Graphic Design: Perry Sky Jack Mapping: Geoff Senichenko Wilderness Committee, Vol.38, No.2, 2019. clip Canadian Mail Product Sales Agreement No. 0900567. Return to: Posted in Vancouver for free distribution. Printed in Canada Wilderness Committee Enclosed is: $35 $60 $150 Other $ ______on recycled newsprint with vegetable-based inks. 46 E. 6th Avenue, Fed. reg. charity #11929-3009-RR0001 Press Run 47,000 © Wilderness Committee 2019.  All rights reserved. Written material may be used without Vancouver, BC V5T 1J4 permission when credit is given. Published by click NAME PHONE Wilderness Committee — National Office WildernessCommittee. 46 E. 6th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5T 1J4 org/Donate 604-683-8220 or 1-800-661-9453 604-683-8229  ADDRESS CITY call 604-683-8220 in the PROVINCE POSTAL CODE EMAIL  Yes, send me updates via email.  Email my tax receipt.  Lower Mainland, BC Your gift will be put towards our critical wilderness preservation work. 1-800-661-9453 toll-free WILDERNESS People-powered wilderness preservation for a wild future. COMMITTEE elsewhere in Canada