Okanagan residents are encouraged to come and share their views on two Wildlife Management Area proposals for their region at two open houses in early November.

The first proposal would add several parcels of land to the existing South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area near the communities of Oliver and Osoyoos. The proposed additions will conserve riparian and upland habitat for important wildlife, including several species at risk, including the Behr's Hairstreak butterfly and the Lewis' woodpecker.

(flickr.com)

The South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area was established in 1994, and consists of a series of land parcels ranging from Oliver in the north, to the Inlet of Osoyoos Lake at the south. The existing Wildlife Management Area and proposed additions are integrally tied to the Okanagan River and conserve important habitat.

(flickr.com)

The second proposal is to establish the McTaggart-Cowan Wildlife Management Area on the east side of Skaha Lake immediately east of Penticton. It neighbours the newly established Skaha Bluffs Park.

(flickr.com)

The designation of this proposed wildlife management area is important for protecting species at risk and their habitats in the South Okanagan, most notably lambing areas and foraging areas for California Bighorn Sheep.

Both wildlife management areas were recommended by the Okanagan Shuswap Land and Resource Management Plan.

Those interested are encouraged to attend one of the following open houses:

South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area Additions

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012
3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location:

Meeting Room 2
Oliver Community Centre
6359 Park Drive
Oliver

McTaggart-Cowan Wildlife Management Area on the east side of Skaha Lake

Wednesday, Nov. 7, 2012
3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Location:

Courtyard Atrium
Ramada Inn and Suites Penticton
1050 Eckhardt Avenue West
Penticton

The Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations works to maintain and restore the province's ecological diversity of fish and wildlife species and their habitats. One way the ministry meets these goals is through the management of the province's various types of conservation lands, including the establishment of wildlife management areas under Section 4 of the Wildlife Act. This designation gives the ministry additional tools to manage the land and associated land uses.

Learn More:

For more information on the South Okanagan Management Area additions, contact: Leith McKenzie (250 371-3724) email: Leith.McKenzie@gov.bc.ca

For more information on the McTaggart-Cowan Wildlife Management Area, contact: Susan Omelchuk (250 828-4263) email: Susan.Omelchuk@gov.bc.ca

Contact:

Brennan Clarke
Public Affairs Officer
Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations
250 356-5261