We Have Changed our Name to Southern Interior Land Trust

We are now officially known as The Southern Interior Land Trust Society (SILT). Operating for more than 25 years as The Okanagan Region Wildlife Heritage Fund Society, the ORWHFS realized it was time to re-brand and take on a name that was not only shorter and easier to remember but also to align more with the goals of the society.

ONA and ORWHFS Partner on ORRI Habitat Rehabilitation

ORWHFS has partnered with The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) to administer HSP funds for use in habitat rehabilitation for species at risk. The work will primarily be conducted along the Okanagan River Channel that was reclaimed through the ORRI Phase-1 project.

The work being carried out by ONA is critical to the Okanagan River ecosystem and is being funded through the Habitat Stewardship Program.

Western Painted Turtle – Species of Special Concern

At the SILT AGM we held a discussion on whether or not Western Painted Turtles had any special status in British Columbia. Interestingly enough, The Okanagan Sunday Editorial published a very interesting article on the subject (see “Scientists solve puzzle of turtle’s genetic code” on Page A4, Okanagan Sunday, April 7, 2013).

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Taylor Steps Down as ORWHFS President

Ron Taylor, President of the Okanagan Region Wildlife Heritage Fund Society stepped down from the Board of Directors at the Society’s Annual General Meeting held this past April.

After serving more than 20 years as the ORWHFS President, Mr. Taylor turned the reins over to Ross Everatt who was unanimously elected the new President. Mr. Taylor’s many years of service and leadership to the Society included overseeing many of the conservation projects ORWHFS have been involved in, such as the Okanagan River Restoration Project.

Mr. Taylor’s positive straight forward approach and passion for the natural environment and its wildlife will set the tone for the work which lays ahead for the Society.

Thank You Ron!