The Murray-Carson property is a gently sloped vacant 1.03-hectare (ha) waterfront lot on the north shore of Gardom Lake midway between Enderby and Salmon Arm. The property’s upland area is about 70% old field habitat of mostly agronomic grasses and forbs. About 10% of the property is intact riparian vegetation in a 10-metre (m) wide strip at the shoreline. Open stands of deciduous-coniferous trees along the east and west boundaries, and about a 15 m wide strip of coniferous forest along Gardom Lake Road to the north, cover 15% of the land. The remaining 5% is a managed nesting area for Western Painted Turtle (SARA-listed Special Concern).
Other than two bird nesting boxes, there are no structures, fences, or other improvements. The constructed gravel-pad turtle nesting area was built and is maintained by the Gardom Lake Stewardship Society (GLSS). The turtle nesting area is located near the lake in the property’s southwest corner. The GLSS is an incorporated society dedicated to protecting the natural, historic, and economic values of Gardom Lake and its surrounding foreshore and watershed. Its activities on the land are authorized by the owners, one of whom is a former GLSS director.
The property is locally known as a refuge, resting and free-movement area for abundant wildlife. Deer, moose, elk, turtles, frogs, and many bird species use the land.
