Our Partners – Okanagan Region

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The Land Conservancy’s Okanagan Region is in south-central B.C. This region encompasses five Regional Districts (Okanagan-Similkameen, Thompson-Nicola, Central Okanagan, North Okanagan, Columbia-Shuswap). It is a fascinating area, with Canada’s only desert, mountains, large rivers (e.g. Thompson, Okanagan, Columbia), lakes, grasslands/shrub-steppe, and forests.

The Okanagan-Similkameen is home to some of the greatest concentrations of species diversity and species-at-risk in Canada and is recognized as having one of the country’s three most endangered natural systems. The dry climates and desert-like habitats of the river valleys form the northern tip of the Great Basin desert. Up to 85% of the low elevation wetlands have disappeared since the early 1800’s, and up to 70% of the grasslands and over 60% of the antelope-brush habitat in the Okanagan-Similkameen. The Thompson area records the highest reptilian species density for B.C. Some of the wildlife found in the Okanagan include: White-tailed Jackrabbit, Prairie Falcon and Burrowing Owl.

The Okanagan has about 5% of the land zoned as Agricultural Land Reserve in B.C.

Nineteen percent of B.C.’s beef is found in the Thompson-Nicola. Kamloops is home to the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association. Further south, the Central Okanagan and Okanagan-Similkameen are the only areas in B.C. where production of tree fruits, berries, grapes, and nuts rivals field crops. This is truly the “fruit basket” of B,C. Much of this region is dry and water conservation is a key concern for farmers and urban residents.

With tremendous pressure on wildlife habitat from urban development, invasive species and fire suppression, TLC works with farmers and ranchers through landowner contact programs and stewardship projects. The focus is on protecting and restoring habitats, including riparian cottonwood and water birch forests, wetlands, sagebrush grasslands, ponderosa pine forests, and antelope brush grasslands. TLC is the lead agency for the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program Stewardship Team. This program is a partnership of non-government, government and First Nations organizations working together to conserve biodiversity in the region.

B.C. grasslands are a scarce and fragile ecosystem, home to nearly one-third of B.C.’s endangered species (e.g. American Badger). The Grassland Conservation Council is a key player in the protection and management of B.C.’s grasslands in partnership with farmers and ranchers in the North, Okanagan, and Kootenay Regions.

TLC’s Conservation Partners Program was initiated in the Okanagan-Similkameen with 14 producers, including orchardists, vintners, and vegetable growers.

TLC Conservation Partners – Okanagan Region