This map in the provincial government’s “intentions paper” shows the three areas being considered for protection and current land uses. Areas 1 and 3 are being considered for national park reserve status, while Area 2 would become a provincial conservancy. The province has underlined that this is conditional on respecting existing tenures and allowing land acquisitions only on a willing-seller, willing-buyer basis — conditions the federal government has previously accepted.
The Ministry of Environment has released the results of its Intentions Paper outlining the many submissions received from British Columbians on land protection measures in the South Okanagan.
The 81-day public comment period generated 3,460 responses.
The feedback shows the public is very interested and passionate about issues of environmental protection, First Nations cultural values, tourism and recreation opportunities in the region. Themes identified throughout the submissions included the need to ensure connectivity between areas, to preserve and protect the remaining biodiversity of the South Okanagan, and to recognize the importance of hunting, fishing, tourism, ranching and recreation in the area.
Several additional areas were suggested as requiring protection, including areas around Vaseux Lake and the South Okanagan Grasslands Protected Area. Comments also focused heavily on respecting existing land use commitments, such as access and recreational activities in regards to the Okanagan Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan.
The full report is available at http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/pdfs/consultation-summary-so-ip.pdf
Minister of Environment Mary Polak said the intent is to protect significant geographic and cultural values, while providing recreation and tourism opportunities for future generations.
The provincial government will consider all feedback when developing the final recommendations, and continue to engage with First Nations to better understand their interests prior to any final decisions. The province is expected to move forward on a decision later this year.
