The Southern Interior Land Trust Society has worked closely with The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations to administer contracts for ecosystem restoration work throughout the Okanagan Shuswap districts.

The ecosystem restoration (ER) projects have been targeted at areas within fire maintained ecosystems that have experienced ecological impacts from fire exclusion or beetle infestation. The general objectives of ER are to restore designated areas to an ecologically appropriate fire maintenance condition, in accordance with tree stocking standards for open range and open forest sites. Then, to maintain the restored ecosystem.

Areas of ER projects include: Eneas Creek; Summerland Bald Range; Satellite Hill; Woodward & Southfork; Trout Creek.

John Holdstock was treasurer for the Okanagan Region Wildlife Heritage Fund Society (now SILT) from its founding until his sudden death Dec. 25, 2010.

He was a leader in guiding the formation and development of the ORWHFS, and was a past-president of the B.C. Wildlife Federation, as well as serving in a variety of positions in related organizations for more than 50 years.

In his memory, a number of organizations where he played a key role collaborated with his survivors in creating the John B. Holdstock Scholarship, to help people succeed in their efforts toward a career in furthering his aims—to conserve healthy habitat for fish and wildlife throughout the province.

The funds are administered by the B.C. Conservation Foundation and details, including an application form, are available on the website at: www.bccf.com

The fund welcomes donations to the capital that makes it possible to provide annual scholarships to candidates judged worthy by a team made up of major contributors.

Every year, a student exhibiting the goals and traits considered important to the contributing partners is helped along his or her way with a scholarship of $1,000.

Okanagan River is recognized internationally for its value as a spawning area for salmon and trout. It is also crucial for wildlife since it is the only river in the south Okanagan – one of Canada’s most biologically diverse,species rich and endangered ecosystems. In the 1950s the river was straightened and confined between dykes to control flooding and allow for agricultural and urban development. Eighty-five percent (85%) of the riparian habitat was lost. National Geographic now considers the Okanagan the third most endangered river in Canada. The Okanagan River Restoration Initiative (ORRI) improved a 1km section of the river that is vitally important for fish and wildlife. Six riverfront properties were secured and the dykes adjacent to these properties were relocated so that the river could flow back into its historic path and restore the original floodplain. ORRI was a very complex undertaking involving 23 government and non-government agencies in both Canada and the United States. ORWHFS played a critical role providing administration, guidance, and financial help throughout the project. SILT (ORWHFS) was particularly helpful in securing several of the properties necessary for the project. Download the Brochure Here.

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