Park in Path of Jail Access Road

SUMMER 2013 NewsletterP.O. Box 787, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0 Phone: 250-494-8996 • Email: [email protected]

EDITORIAL Park In Path Of Jail Access Road n a recent trip up the Summerland Joe Fries – Western News Staff – February 6, 2013 –Princeton road I was struck with the number of people in the back- reating additional access to the new use of the upgraded business park entrance Ocountry enjoying the outdoors. There were jail near Oliver will likely involve on Highway 97. trucks and campers loaded with boats, ATVs, cutting a road through Inkaneep horses, fence posts and bicycles. I was also CProvincial Park. “The other issue is, if at all possible, to struck with the realization of what we could conserve highly valuable conservation and be doing to the outdoors if we were not judi- B.C. Parks is considering an application from environmentally sensitive areas, you don’t ciously careful in our interactions with it. another government agency to remove 0.28 divide them with roads,” said Allan Patton, hectares from the park in order to provide a the RDOS director for the area. There is little doubt that there is ‘plenty’ of secondary access to the jail, which is slated room for all in the ‘vast’ tracks of land in the for construction at the Senkulmen Business “Sure it’s squeezed and small, but there’s Okanagan Similkameen region but these Park just north of Oliver. going to be a road there with ditches and terms have to be placed into context in order all this kind of stuff. It totally takes away the to appreciate what it means to interact with “The intention is to portray that as a back- integrity of that property.” the land. Initially lets appreciate that there door exit,” said Stacy McGhee, a senior is virtually no pristine, first growth wilder- manager for Shared Service B.C., which is McGhee noted that three alternate routes ness remaining in the region. In virtually all shepherding the application through the were explored, but the proposed option is areas people have explored, exploited and regulatory process. the cheapest and the shortest, at about 500 used the land. Flora and fauna have been metres in length, so it will have the least impacted, altered and restricted as a result McGhee explained the plan last week during impact on the environmentally sensitive of the use. Roads, trails and vehicle ruts have a presentation to the board of the Regional area around the jail. intersected and sectioned wildlife territories District of Okanagan-Similkameen, from and impacted traditional feeding, rutting and which he was seeking an endorsement. West Bench RDOS Director Micharl Brydon migration ranges. reminded his collegues that area of concern The new road would intersect Tuc-El-Nuit is in fact adjacent to a business park. Also important to consider are the con- Drive directly across from Campsite Road, cepts of watersheds and carbon sinks. As and would cut through the narrowest point “It’s an environmentally sensitive area there, trails and roads are established the micro of the eastern portion of the two-piece park. but let’s face it, it’s right beside a wine fac- climates around them are altered, vegeta- A 0.85-hectare chunk of Crown land at the tory and pretty soon, right beside a prison,” tion changes and water retention diminishes. northern edge of that portion would then be Brydon said. “This isn’t pristine.” We have surely all witnessed the rushing added, resulting in a net gain of park space. streams cascading down former dry road The board agreed to support the applica- or trail beds during a summer storm. We The RDOS advisory planning commission tion; Directors Patton and Brad Hope were need to ask where is that water going and is for the area looked at the application in opposed. it being routed away from where it naturally December and agreed to support it as long as was destined to end up? no signage is erected that would tend to steer McGhee said the plan still needs approval motorists to the new route. The commission from the Transportation Minstry. Surely the carbon dioxide count goes up was concerned its presence would increase Construction on the jail is expected to begin with the number of vehicles on the roads traffic on Tuc-El-Nuit Drive and discourage in 2014. and trails.Even hikers and bicyclists gener- ally use gasoline-powered vehicles to reach their staging area. Add in motorcycles, ATVs Please used the enclosed membership form on the and boat motors it is obvious that the CO2 back page to help us carry out our mission. continued on next page…

OSPS Newsletter www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca Summer 2013 • 1 …Editorial continued from front We are reproducing at presentation delivered by local biologist Lisa Scott to the counts are up. Does the vegetation of the Okanagan Similkameen have the ability to OSOYOOS LAKE WATER QUALITY sequester and clean up our air? SOCIETY ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 4Th June 2013 at the Osoyoos United Church The wildlife that inhabits this region needs large tracts of undisturbed land to roam, feed, Milfoil the impacts of aquatic invasive plants can reproduce and exist. We probably get a very Guest Speaker: Lisa Scott, registered biologist, be devastating. Many of these species can good idea of what can occur otherwise from invasive species specialist, and Co-ordinator cause increased boat repair and maintenance stories on the evening newscasts. Bears, cou- of the Okanagan & Similkameen Invasive costs when they become tangled in motors. gars, coyotes and other wildlife have all been Species Society (OASISS): Real estate values can become depressed on ‘putdown’ this spring because they ranged waterbodies with aquatic plant infestations into contact with humans. Deer culls have http://www.oasiss.ca/index.html ‘Zebra like milfoil. Water intake structures on dams been big news as well. The human territories Mussels and other aquatic invasive species’. can be damaged from mats of invasive plant appeal to this wildlife because natural ranges materials. Management strategies to address are being diminished. Wildlife requires a infestations are extremely costly. great deal of land and if we value wildlife, as is surely the case, then we have to ensure that ike their terrestrial counterparts, Unfortunately, the concerns do not end with the land is available. aquatic invasive species (plants and plants. In fact, aquatic invasive animals pose a animals) have been entering Canadian far greater threat to our waterways. Of imme- However, do not get the impression that Lwaters for centuries but never as rapidly as diate concern are two freshwater mussel spe- this is a call for people to stay out of our today. Fisheries and Oceans Canada states cies, Zebra and Quagga Mussels; there are backcountry and outdoors. Rather this is a that aquatic invasive species have already no known occurrences of these mussels in reminder to consider what we have, value it been responsible for significant devastation British Columbia. These invertebrates for more than dollar value and maintain it of some native fish species and fisheries in for everyone. There are enough roads and Canada. Annually, the problem is responsible rapidly colonize hard surfaces and can subse- trails that everyone can enjoy an activity, if for billions of dollars in lost revenue and quently clog water-intake structures, impact it is done responsibly. Different endeavours control measures. recreation, alter food webs and affect water can use different areas and the access to them. quality. Invasive mussels can affect entire For example there is no need to do damage Water-based recreational activities such ecosystems. Recent research has determined to a good hiking trail if a horse trail is located as angling, boating and diving can spread there is a high risk of invasive mussels not adjacent to it and there is little to be gained by aquatic invasive species to new locations. only surviving in some parts of Okanagan having a four-wheeler dig ruts in a trail where Plants, animals, and microscopic creatures Lake, but there is a high potential for mas- horses are used. We can exist together but can cling to clothing, equipment and boats. If sive infestations. there must be some consideration for limiting not cleaned, these species can be introduced our footprints, protecting our treasures and into new bodies of water. When it comes to aquatic invasive species, respecting both the environment and other the ecological balance of our lakes and riv- peoples’ endeavours. Last summer a snakehead fish (“Frankenfish”) ers is at risk, and so is our drinking water. was discovered in Burnaby Lake, BC. It drew Prevention of harmful new invasions is the worldwide media attention and made us first priority, as it is the most cost-effective realise how potentially destructive invasive way to deal with the problem. Once species species can be. We must be vigilant and not are established, the task becomes far more allow these or any other invasive species to complex and costly. get into our lakes and rivers. In the Okanagan Valley, there has been little attention on inva- Please Note: In 2013, OASISS will be work- sive aquatic species, with the exception of ing cooperatively with the Okanagan Basin Eurasian Water Milfoil. Invasive plants like Water Board (OBWB) to launch a valley milfoil, and also freshwater algae known as wide campaign to stop the spread of aquatic Didymo or Rock Snot, can form thick mats invasive species. Watch for summer students on the surface of the water, which can impede Elissa (South Okanagan), Jackson (Central light penetration to underwater plants and Okanagan) and Heather (North Okanagan) animals, hinder boat traffic, clog intake pipes at boat launches, campsites, festivals, fairs and of boats, foul fishing lines and nets and cause at marinas. Thanks to the OBWB and the a danger to swimmers. Once established, Canada Summer Jobs program for helping these species are extremely difficult, if not to protect our waters! impossible, to eradicate. Economically,

2 • Summer 2013 www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca OSPS Newsletter Trans Canada Trail Launches New Website by Trans Canada Trail ‘.kml,’ which you can open in Google Earth. WALK, CYCLE OR CANOE ACROSS The second type is ‘.gpx,’ which gives you CANADA n early 2012, the Trans Canada Trail geocaching types some GPS data for your The new interactive map also allows you team was proud to unveil its new website, searches. The third type is a simple ‘.pdf’ to track your milage! The My Trail tab in which not only showcases the beauty of document of the trail segment, which will the map allows you to input the number of Ithe Trail, but offers state-of-the-art function- be useful to most people out there. steps or kilometers you have walked, run, alities courtesy of its mapping partner, ESRI. cycled or even canoed, daily. As you input SHARE YOUR STORIES! your information, you can see your progress The most important development is that Being a member of the Trail’s online com- across Canada starting in the west in Victoria. visitors to www.tctrail.ca can now set up a munity also allows you to share your events, Challenge yourself – how long do you think free account, which gives them access to photos and stories on the map. Make sure it will take you to get across the Rockies? hidden goodies such as maps, events listing you’re still logged in and, once you’re on Challenge your friends and coworkers – who and pictures. the map, select the Share tab. You’ll only be will make it to the Maritimes first? able to share if you’ve zoomed into a location LOOKING FOR A MAP? sufficiently. By selecting ‘Place a Pin’ from AND SO MUCH MORE! Click on the ‘Explore the Trail’ tab and you’re the Share tab, you can place a pin on the Keep an eye on the site and the map, because on the Trans Canada Trail’s official, interac- map and choose information to share with more exciting changes are afoot, particularly tive map. Using the Search tab in the map fellow community members. If you want in regards to the ‘My Trails’ tab. You’ll be able allows you to find your next destination. to see others’ stories, pictures and events, to create entire challenges and invite friends, Once you’ve zoomed into that destination, a check off the Stories, Photos, Activities or family and even strangers from across the list of local sections of the Trail will appear – if Events boxes (Note: if nothing shows up, country and even the world to “walk” across you’ve logged into your Trail account, you’ll that means that nothing is currently active Canada, or whatever distance is enticing to not only get a description of the selected trail on that Trail segment. Be brave and be the you. By signing up to the Trans Canada Trail’s segments (gravel versus paved, for instance), first to submit a photo!) newsletter, you’ll find out first! You can sign you’ll also have access to three different types up by submitting your email address at the of files describing the Trail. The first type is bottom of any page on www.tctrail.ca.

SAVE OUR SPECIES Protecting endangered species is common ‘cents’ or months, Canadians have listened think it’s important to protect endangered species are currently listed under the Act. to elected officials in Ottawa tell them plants and animals. And the majority of those that protecting the environment is asked (85%) say diverse and abundant popu- But now the federal government is talking Fbad for the economy. Luckily, most don’t lations of wildlife play a crucial role in sup- about watering-sown SARA make it more believe the hype. porting the country’s economy and health. “efficient.” Given the drastic cuts made to key environmental laws last year – also under the According to a national poll (commissioned The message from Canadians is clear: it’s guise of greater efficiency – we have reason in part by Ecojustice), nearly all Canadians about interdependence, supporting the deli- for deep concern. cate relationship between economic growth and preserving the ecosystems that sustain Now is no time to weaken SARA and priori- this growth, our lives and those of other spe- tize industrial development over protecting cies. Healthy and intact ecosystems supply the environment. Making sure we take care our drinking water, enrich our soil and regu- of endangered species and the ecosystems late the climate, providing the clean air, water we all rely on isn’t just good for business. It’s and land we all need to survive. common sense.

That’s why Canada’s national endangered spe- Kimberly Shearon, cies law is so important. The Species at Risk Communication Coordinator Act (SARA) doesn’t just protect endangered wildlife, it also protects the ecosystems that Winter 2013 / Issue 69 they – and we – depend on. More than 500

OSPS Newsletter www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca Summer 2013 • 3 10 Principles for Strong Environmental Laws Values West Coast will use your donation to fight for

anadians want strong environmen- 4. Establish legal framework for strategic credible and transparent, all project tal laws, and we deserve an envi- environmental assessments. Strategic information, including that not required ronmental assessment process that EA should systematically integrate envi- by the assessor but produced by the Cdelivers on core Canadian values to the ronmental considerations into govern- proponent, should be readily accessible environment, democracy, and responsible ment planning and decision making online. development. Here is a blueprint of what processes relating to proposed policies, strong environmental assessment legislation plans and programs and there should 9. Make EA procedures more fair, pre- must include, at a minimum, to protect those be public records to demonstrate how dictable, and accessible. Each type of values and ensure wise decisions making this integration has been carried out and EA should have predictable processes, process. Strong environmental assessment implemented. actors, and procedures; but predict- (EA) laws should be based on and measured ability of process must not be conflated against the following key principles: 5. Establish legal framework for regional with predictability of outcome. Even environmental assessments. Regional where simplified, each step in an EA 1. Adopt sustainability as the core objec- environmental assessments undertaken should demonstrate how all informative. EA legislation should be directed, ahead of industrial development, or a tion required to make the best decision, at its core, to achieving specific and major expansion of development, should including that provided by Aboriginal measurable sustainability goals and be carried out to help define the terms groups and the public, is being fully con- leaving a positive environmental and and requirements of subsequent project sidered. An efficient EA regime should socio-economic legacy. assessments as well as providing base- provide for clear rights of appeal for line data and analysis for subsequent affected parties and for those with public 2. Strengthen public participation. An assessments. interest standing. effective and inclusive EA should have early and ongoing processes to meaning- 6. Require comprehensive, regional 10. Apply design principles throughout fully engage the public in assessments of cumulative effects assessments. Create the EA process to ensure that focus proposed projects or policies, including and implement a mechanism so that and efficiency do not come at the demonstrated participation opportuni- comprehensive, regional cumulative expense of democratic and constitu- ties from the initial identification of the effects assessments are conducted based tional rights. A successful EA regime proposal through to monitoring, full on the need to manage for sustainability must be applied broadly and consis- transparency and sharing of information and the outcomes legally integrated into tently, while ensuring particular reviews not only by government but also by pro- decision making. are focused and efficient. Any policy ponents. Meaningful engagement with or proposed project that could inhibit the public also requires that funding is 7. Employ multi-jurisdictional assess- progress toward sustainability goals or provided through an independent body ment and avoid substitution. Effective cause significant adverse environmental for multi-faceted assistance to partici- EA should require that all provinces and impacts must undergo an EA. pants and on an early and ongoing basis. territories negotiate, in serious consulta- tion with Aboriginal governments, and This checklist for strong environmental assess- 3. Meaningfully involve Aboriginal execute harmonization agreements with ment laws was jointly developed by West Coast governments as decision makers. the federal government that: allow for Environmental Law, Green Action Centre, and An EA process should respect and predictable sharing of EA responsibili- Mining Watch Canada. 200-2006 West 10th accommodate Aboriginal and Treaty ties; follow the highest standards and Avenue Vancouver, BC V6H 1J6 604-684- rights, including Aboriginal title, with best practices; and allow for efficient 7378 [email protected] www.wcel.org Aboriginal rights-holders having a administration of the process among meaningful role in government-to-gov- all affected levels of government and ernment decision making on resource departments. development in their territories and all aspects of environmental planning and 8. Ensure transparency and access to assessment. information. For ay EA process to be

4 • Summer 2013 www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca OSPS Newsletter Bill Johnston and family on Dewdney Trail in Snass Creek Valley, north of Rhododendron Flats on Highway 3, 1981. The OSPS Trails Committee prepared cedar posts to hold various direc- tional signs on historic trails in the Cascades. Note: the width of the tread of the trail is approximately two feet, the standard for the 400- mile trail (644 kilometres) from Hope to Wildhorse Creek in the East Kootenays.

Left photo - Bill Johnston & family

Bottom photo - Claire Johnston

Photographer - Pat Johnston

The signs were placed on the Dewdney Trail 2.5 kilometres (1.5 miles) above Highway 3 on the trip the Johnston family took to Dewdney Pass, 10 km (six miles) above the highway at Snass Creek, 1981. Dewdney Pass is at the Cascade Divide, separating the Skagit River drainage from the Tulameen River headwaters. The Tulameen/Similkameen/Okanagan River drainage is part of the Columbia River system.

The Story ver thirty years ago OSPS was involved in assisting with the reestablishment and maintenance of historic trails in the Cascade Mountain range. The story of OSPS Trail Committees Orole in this ongoing project will be told in the upcoming edition of the Okanagan Historical Society’s Journal.

Bill Johnston, a long time director of the OSPS, has been involved with this project from the early 1980’s and has been instrumental in maintaining a link with the various committees that have been involved. His memories and notes have been tapped for this story of historical significance.

In 2013 the OSPS continued its support for the Cascade Trails by supplying resources for maintenance and necessary archaeological work. The OSPS can surely take pride in the role that has been played in ensuring that the trails are available for study and pleasure. We thank our predecessors for their foresight and dedication.

OSPS Newsletter www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca Summer 2013 • 5 Notes from the Past Summer of 2007 Editorial Note TILMA means debated in the legislature in BC or Alberta but municipal and local governments weren’t trouble even consulted before it was signed. n July 3, the executive of the OSPS supported Summerland Trans Dear Editor, For more info on TILMA please go to www. Canada Trail Society met with gov- canadians.org or e-mail me at venalee@ Oernment representative from the Ministry n April 28, 2006, the provinces nethop.net of Tourism, the Arts and Sports to discuss of British Columbia and Alberta the future status of the Trans Canada Trail, entered into an agreement, a free Thank you. especially in regard to motorized use. The Otrade agreement if you will. On April 1 of society has received numerous complaints this year the Trade, Investment, and Labour George Venables, Cawston about ugly encounters between non-motor- mobility agreement (TILMA) took effect. Penticton Herald May 22, 2007 ized and motorized users. The government It will have a devastating effect on local people assured the Society that they would democracy, public health and the environ- do their best to prevent such encounters in ment. The agreement allows corporations the future. Watch for our next newsletter for and individuals to sue provincial govern- more information on this issue. Meanwhile, ments for any measure they feel may hinder whether you are motorized or not, please there bottom line, even measures designed let us know what you think about this issue. to protect the environment or public health Juergen Hansen care will be at risk to corporate lawsuits as high as $5 million. Not only was TILMA not Life Member, OSPS

Summer 2006 South Okanagan of the Vaseux Lake complex with that of the Study office at 102 Industrial Place, Penticton White Snowy-Kipoola-Kobau complex is or visit www.pc.gc.ca/sols National Park vital to maintain ecological integrity and Proposed park would preserve wildlife corridors. This is a true Canadian OSPS Member, Laurie Rockwell flora and fauna treasure and heritage and we are morally Summerland Review, June 8, 2006 obligated to protect the area and its species am strongly in favour of the proposed for future generations. federal national park for the following reasons. This park, established over the The establishment of a national park is a Proposed National Ilong term, is the best way to preserve and significant opportunity to engage the First manage the unique flora and fauna of the Nations culturally, financially and in manage- Park South Okanagan-Similkameen. ment. First Nations tourism and eco-tourism enator Ross Fitzpatrick said through are a winning team. It is important that the the course of its development, the park A federal park will ensure a legacy for future public be aware that $50 million has been set would produce 832 full-time equiva- generations with consistent and high quality aside to acquire grazing rights on crown land Slent jobs, which would translate into 161 full- management, conservation and adequate from willing sellers for conservation financ- time jobs in terms of daily park operations financial support. It will also create an excep- ing options for First Nations and to purchase and could see as many as 300,000 visitors tional opportunity to generate local and tour- land from willing sellers at fair market value. each year by 2015. Fitzpatrick said in terms ist activity that will bring millions of annual of a national park it isn’t large, but “it’s very revenue to the area. If we do not support this proposal now, we will environmentally sensible … it’s the crucible have missed what is likely the last opportunity of one of the most beautiful parts of Canada.” Several aspects of this proposal are critical. to protect viable areas of unique wildlands The proposed trans-boundary linkage with and its inhabitants. For more information Scott Trudeau the State of Washington and the inclusion visit the National Park Reserve Feasibility Penticton Herald, June 19, 2006

6 • Summer 2013 www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca OSPS Newsletter OSPS Activities & Programs in 2012-13 April 2012 OSPS contributed $800 toward a completed (J.Hawkins) voicing opposition to motorized A cheque for $3,438 was donated for work plaque that was mounted on a rock at the vehicles being on T.C. Trail in this region on the Cascade Trail bird sanctuary in Summerland which once (Adra Tunnel and Naramata Creek Park). belonged to Doreen and Irvine Adams. Some Delivered a letter of OSPS support for the New OSPS logo selected and put to printing. directors attended the unveiling ceremony. national park proposal to the Regional Noted 40th anniversary of the study ‘Is District Okanagan Similkameen. Directors attended the BC Nature AGM (at Everything Alright Up There’, written by John which a resolution was passed to support Some directors attended a CPAWs meeting Woodworth and published by OSPS. the proposed national park) and attended regarding the national park proposal and the ORC AGM January 2013 reported speaker Chloe O’Loughlin was excel- Director Meheriuk served as the OSPS liaison lent. She made a persuasive presentation re That OSPS give input to the provincial with the SOSNPN on its telephone confer- economic value of a national park to various government that recognizes the contribu- ences and in meetings. business and professional people as well as tions of the Village of Princeton, Rev. John to ranchers and others affected. Goodfellow, Harley Hatfield (and later in his The OSPS donated $1,000 to the 2013 work with Okanagan Historical Society), and Meadowlark Festival. May the Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society for OSPS contributed $300 to sponsor the lunch the work done in founding Manning Park. February in Penticton April 4 at which guest speaker A plaque is being made to recognize the Directors attended RDOS meetings re bio- Chloe O’Loughlin spoke on behalf of CPAWS founder. diversity. Comments re wildlife corridor and regarding the national park proposal. habitat in OK Falls, Oliver and Penticton. October OSPS contributed $1,000 to support the OSPS donated $10,000 donated to the OSPS Board wrote in reply to letter of applica- 2012 Meadowlark Nature Festival. Nature Conservancy of Canada for the South tion re wind energy above Naramata (pointing out many errors in the application and also Director Johnston attended an ORC workshop Okanagan Project lack of reliable wind in area in question). on liability and risk management Havier Walker donated materials for the March June OSPS historical files. OSPS supported the Cascades trail develop- Darkened Website, in conjunction with other November ment ($3 000+) for the coming year. organizations, on June 4 to protest federal Director Johnson attended regional district governments use of the omnibus method to meeting in Naramata regarding trails, forestry OSPS donated $5,000 to Nature Conservancy bundle proposed legislation and watershed: OSPS sent letter to the chair of Canada to assist with wildlife throughways.

This letter was recently sent to the Summerland list with a variety of offerings: 7. Trans Canada Trail – a wonderful non- Council by Sheila White, an O.S.P.S. director motorized trail leading south to Penticton and a resident of Summerland. Wouldn’t it be 1. Peach Orchard – old, shady, easy hike and east to Osprey Lake and on. Needs to wonderful if each of the Okanagan Similkameen up to the highway have municipal assistance in firm designa- communities were to receive and act on a similar tion. Volunteers have raised much money letter. Something for you to think about (and do). 2. Giant’s Head – a long or short challenge and spent hundreds of hours to produce this depending on the starting point. Fantastic trail, including building fences and trestles Portion of letter drafted view. where necessary. Horses and motorized traffic can easily use the nearby road. Municipal by Sheila White to 3. Conkle Mountain – a good walk with assistance need to support this long section Summerland Council nature viewings. (70 km) of Trans Canada Trail. 4. Garnett Valley – the Heritage Trail past 8. The walkways either side of the highway May 2013 the reservoir. An interpretive sign has been bordering Trout Creek. Different values east placed here. or west but both have great off-leash walks. ummerland is an attractive small town that has a lot to offer tourists. But there 5. Rattlesnake Mountain – good views and The OSPS has been assisting with trails: could be another draw, which has not should have a dedicated trail if a subdivision KVR, HBC Brigade, Oliver-Osoyoos and Syet been fully considered. goes ahead. Trans Canada Trail for many years. It would be good to see Summerland realize its poten- There are some old trails and pathways 6. Lakeshore – partly done in Lower Town, tial by encouraging walking and cycling tour- around, but there is potential to add to the should connect Crescent Beach to Trout Creek. ism as well as opportunities for ourselves.

OSPS Newsletter www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca Summer 2013 • 7 MEMBERSHIP FORM Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society • Box 787, Summerland, B.C. V0H 1Z0

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Why become, or continue to be, a member of the Okanagan Similkameen Parks Society?

he Okanagan Similkameen Parks There is a place in the O.S.P.S. for individu- right to attend monthly directors’ meetings Society is a regional organization als, families and / or groups interested in and a voice to the very dedicated and active concerned with lands that are, ecological sustainability, development of board of directors. Members may be elected Tshould become, may become or impact, plans to enhance appropriate human interac- (or appointed when necessary) to the board parks. The organization provides steward- tion with nature or simply the enjoyment of of directors. ship and/or advocacy for flora, fauna, envi- the out of doors. If you have an affinity for ronments and people within these lands. outdoor activities on a local level or wish to Elsewhere in this newsletter is a partial list The O.S.P.S. has a long and proud history of be involved with conservation on a regional, of some of the activities undertaken by the involvement in identifying, sustaining and provincial or national level the O.S.P.S. may society over the past year. We ask for you sup- enhancing endangered ecosystems, wildlife be the organization for you. port, whether new or continued, to remain corridors, historic trails and environmentally an important and vital advocacy, conserva- sensitive species. The society often partners Included in the membership of an O.S.P.S. tion and protection group in the Okanagan with other groups to advocate for ‘taking the member are three or four seasonal newslet- Similkameen region. Parks are for everyone long term view’ towards preserving our past, ters, an invitation to the AGM (usually with and everyone should be for parks, renew or present and future. an informative special guest speaker), the take out membership in the O.S.P.S. today.

8 • Summer 2013 www.OkanaganSimilkameenParksSociety.ca OSPS Newsletter