Southern Interior bighorn sheep decimated by disease
Twenty wild bighorn sheep were recently found dead near Grand Forks. They have determined the sheep died from bluetongue, also known as epizootic hemorrhagic disease, a virus caused by mites which has no specific treatment.
Though the catastrophic loss of cherished wildlife is indeed unfortunate, it does not affect the habitat value of SILT’s conservation properties. In fact, this occurrence highlights the importance of acquiring and maintaining quality wildlife habitats in places where wildlife may thrive. It will take time for the Grand Forks bighorn sheep herd to recover.
In the meantime, SILT will remain committed to managing its Grand Forks Grasslands property to benefit wild sheep and other wildlife. SILT looks forward to cooperating further with its conservations partners, including the Wild Sheep Society of BC, to help the Grand Forks bighorn sheep herd recover as quickly as possible.
Photo: BC Wild Sheep Society
SILT Honoured by Low Brothers Bottle Drive
SILT was recently presented with a donation of $1,000 through the efforts of brothers Josh and Jayk Low collecting bottles and cans in their community. “SILT is honoured to receive the benefit of Josh and Jayk’s hard work” said SILT’s executive director Al Peatt, “the boys’ community spirit and leadership is truly outstanding. SILT appreciates their support and that of everyone who donated their bottles and cans.” SILT will use the donation to help manage wildlife habitat at its R.E. Taylor Conservation Property in Olalla.
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SILT Bioblitz – Snakes & Amphibians with Mike Dunn R.P.Bio
Watch our video on Reptiles & Amphibians. Learn more about the habitat value at SILT’s R.E. Taylor property thanks to Lindsay Lalach and Mike Dunn R.P.Bio.
SILT Supports Conservation of Sickle Point on Skaha Lake
Sickle Point, south of Penticton on Skaha Lake, must be conserved for its value as wildlife habitat. It has the highest conservation ranking (Class 1) by the Southern Okanagan Similkameen Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (Keeping Nature in Our Future).
Sickle Point’s water birch and wild rose communities support endangered wildlife such as the Yellow-breasted Chat, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Western Rattlesnake and Pallid Bat. Sickle Point is part of the seasonal path for resident and migrant wildlife, including the American White Pelican and Sandhill Crane.
The Southern Interior Land Trust supports the Save Sickle Point Committee in its effort to raise funds for the purchase of this valuable conservation property. Read more about Sickle Point and how you can help by visiting the Save Sickle Point Website.
Photo Credit: David Mai