Celebrating Conservation in Action!
Celebrating Conservation in Action
Today SILT’s President Judie Steeves and Vice President Lindsay Lalach joined @bcparksfdn, Honourable Tamara Davidson – Minister of Environment and Parks, and conservation partners to celebrate BC Parks’ permanent protection of a 64-hectare private inholding within Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park.
This important acquisition strengthens a critical regional wildlife corridor in the Okanagan and helps safeguard the ecological integrity of the park. Other than a firebreak which is now a trail connecting different park areas, this piece remained largely unchanged by the 2003 wildfire that went through this area, which makes it particularly notable for conservation.
Protecting biodiversity requires more than securing individual parcels, it requires connected landscapes. Connectivity between larger protected areas is critical for wildlife movement and ecosystem resilience. That’s why SILT works to conserve key “stepping stone” habitats that help link these landscapes together, supporting biodiversity and wildlife movement across the region.
Congratulations to BC Parks Foundation, BC Parks, and all the partners and supporters who helped make this possible! Including the persistent volunteers of the Friends of the South Slopes, who lobbied for conservation of this parcel.
Watershed Security Fund Grant Award
Phase 3 of nʔaʕx̌ʷt Ginty’s Pond restoration work will get underway this year with the help of a $150,000 grant through the Watershed Security Fund – kłaʕc̓xntm k̓łp̓əlk̓stm iʔ nʔaʕx̌ʷt – To look after and restore Ginty’s Pond.
Read more about the announcement and project partners here.
Resolution of Edward’s Pond Tree Litigation
Resolution of Edward’s Pond Tree Litigation
The Southern Interior Land Trust has resolved the litigation it commenced concerning the removal of a dead wildlife tree on its Edward’s Pond Property, on terms it deems satisfactory, which settlement terms are otherwise confidential.
Vehicles & Dumping are Damaging Habitat
Despite a vehicle closure now in its 5th year, people continue to disregard SILT’s private land ownership of its Grand Forks Grasslands conservation property.
People are welcome to walk on SILT’s land to enjoy nature and wildlife-related recreation, but vehicles, dogs, fires, litter, livestock, and camping are all prohibited. “SILT purchased this land to protect and produce wildlife”, says SILT’s executive director and biologist, Al Peatt. “We will be ramping up controls to prevent further habitat damage by trespassers.”
Users are asked to obey signage and respect this sensitive grassland. The Morrissey Creek public road ends before the yellow gate, and all vehicle operators are asked to park there or turn around. The land beyond the yellow gate is private; there are no public trails or roads beyond the gate.