Here in Penticton, we love to boast about how we’re one of just two cities around the world situated between two lakes. We can swim, boat or paddle at either lake on any given day, walk along the creeks to spot wildlife or float down the Channel on a lazy afternoon. But sometimes, it’s easy to take our water for granted.
This Love Local blog pays tribute to the groups and volunteers who work behind the scenes to protect and preserve our waterways. Join us in extending a whole-hearted thank you!
Friends of the Penticton Oxbows
The Friends of the Penticton Oxbows is working to restore and rejuvenate the oxbows and wetlands along Hwy 97. This group was formed in 2008 by four people and has since grown to more than 100. They have conducted tours of the oxbows, lobbied politicians for support and work with the City to highlight the importance of the wetlands.
Why are oxbows important? The vegetation that surrounds oxbows supports water quality by removing sediment and pollutants, while limiting future flooding. Many at-risk plant and animals species depend on the wetlands for survival. In conjunction with the South Okanagan Naturalists Club, the Friends of the Oxbows also began to collect data on bird use of all the oxbows south of Ellis Creek.
Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship
Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship works directly with landowners and community groups to care for large natural areas on their properties and in their communities. OSS offers advice about local species and habitats as well as assistance with habitat restoration including native plant revegetation, information on invasive species, fencing of environmentally sensitive areas, and other efforts that protect water quality and aquatic habitats.
For an example of a habitat restoration project done by OSS, check out the Riverside Marsh restoration between Coyote Cruises and Loco Landing. Love what they do? Get involved!
Okanagan Nation Alliance
The Okanagan Nation Alliance works to conserve, protect, restore and enhance fish stocks. Their kł cp̓əlk̓ stim̓ Hatchery is a testament to the perseverance of the Syilx people to realize their dream of restoring the n’titxw (salmon) throughout the region. The 25,000-square-foot hatchery has the capacity to rear eight million eggs.
Among other projects, the ONA is also involved in the Okanagan River Restoration Initiative, which involves improving salmon spawning and rearing habitat for fish in the Penticton Channel between Skaha and Okanagan Lakes.
En'owkin Centre/ECOmmunity Place
The En’owkin Centre and ECOmmunity Place are located on the Penticton Indian Band Reserve, offering a range of educational programs that aim to preserve and foster the traditions of the Syilx people. Today, ECOmmunity Place brings together learning and lands, conservation and culture on an 100-acre site located on the west side of the Okanagan River, home to lowland riparian and wetland habitats, vital to the survival of Indigenous plants, fish, birds and wildlife.
The En’owkin Centre has collaborated with the Okanagan Nation Alliance, Penticton Indian Band and other partners on the K’əmcnitkw Floodplain Re-engagement Project, which is moving into its final construction phase. Once restoration construction of the floodplain is complete (Feb/Mar), they will issue a call for volunteers to help them plant up to 50,000 Indigenous plants to restore vital habitat for species at risk and Indigenous biodiversity. Stay tuned!
Penticton Flyfishers
Not only are members of the Penticton Flyfishers dedicated to the practice and promotion of fishing with flies, but they’re deeply involved in the research and conservation of all fish species. This includes supporting and encouraging the preservation and development of lake and stream waters for the practice of fishing with artificial flies, and supporting the Ministry of Environment with projects that are intended to enhance fishing opportunities.
Although temporarily on hold due to COVID-19, the club typically meets for fishouts at various lakes during the open water season. It’s an opportunity to fish with experienced anglers and learn about the local fisheries.
Southern Interior Land Trust
The Southern Interior Land Trust aims to conserve and restore wild land as habitat for wildlife. It has been involved in projects such as the Okanagan River Restoration Initiative, setting back the dykes along this river so its natural flows can be restored and recreating acres of wildlife and fish habitat in the South Okanagan.
The group also operates the Love Your Lake program, providing lakeshore landowners along Okanagan Lake and Vaseux Lake with a free evaluation of their shoreline, with specific actions for how to protect and revitalize the shoreline and improve lake health.
Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society
Invasive species within our waterways could be anything from the potentially devastating Eurasian Water Milfoil to invasive mussel species including Zebra and Quagga mussels. The Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society works with the Okanagan Basin Water Board, local government, marinas and yacht clubs, and the provincial government to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Visit their website to learn more about invasive species – and how to report possible sightings.
Okanagan Basin Water Board
“There’s this feeling that there’s this long string of lakes throughout the Okanagan, so how can we possibly have a water issue? But we do. We often refer to it as the ‘myth of abundance,’” said Corinne Jackson of the Okanagan Basin Water Board (OBWB), a local government agency formed in 1970 to provide leadership on water issues spanning the valley.
Despite being known for our lakes, the Okanagan has less water available per person than anywhere else in Canada, explained Corinne, who manages its Okanagan WaterWise outreach program. Population growth and the impacts of climate change are creating even greater challenges, not just for water availability, but also quality.
A recent survey of Okanagan residents, conducted for the Water Board, found:
- Forest fires and invasive mussels were the top two concerns involving Okanagan water issues.
- 85% of respondents practice water conservation, with the #1 method identified being watering their yard less (53% of responses).
Among its many programs, the OBWB provides grants to organizations for water conservation and quality improvement. Learn more at OBWB.ca/WCQI.
So, how can you do your part to protect our water?
- Visit the Okanagan WaterWise website for tips about things you can do at home, in the yard, at work or school.
- Pledge to Make Water Work in your yard and find the right plants to help you.
- Don’t Move A Mussel - Learn how to protect out waters from invasive zebra and quagga mussels.
Other Groups and Projects
Other groups that are deeply involved with conservation projects throughout the area include the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program and the Vaseux Lake Stewardship Association.
Did we miss one? Tell us about it and we’ll add you to the list! Email economicdevelopment@penticton.ca.