Creating the South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve
Protect endangered species and grasslands in the region through a National Park Reserve.
Grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in BC. With over 200 red-listed species and rare grasslands in the South Okanagan-Similkameen, the area requires protection from threats of habitat destruction and degrdation. We’re supporting the vision of a park, co-managed by the syilx/Okanagan Nation, that will safeguard biodiversity and species-at-risk, faciliate Indigenous stewardship, and promote eco-friendly recreation, all while benefiting local economies.
Why Action is Needed
What's at stake?
The South Okanagan-Similkameen region is home to fragile grassland ecosystems, which are rapidly declining worldwide. Without protection, species such as the Flammulated Owl and North American Badger are at risk of extinction. Preserving this area would also store significant amounts of carbon and provide important cultural and economic benefits to Indigenous communities and local economies reliant on eco-tourism.
- Only occurrence of semi-arid desert in Canada
- Recreation activities such as bird watching & hiking
- Cultural heritage of the sməlqmix / suknaʔkinxTourism revenue
Solutions
We're advocating for a National Park Reserve co-managed with First Nations.
Creating a National Park Reserve would ban activities that harm the ecosystem, such as mining and logging, while promoting sustainable recreation. Protecting the grasslands will slow biodiversity loss, preserve cultural heritage, and foster eco-friendly economic growth through tourism.
- Ban destructive activities
- Promote sustainable recreation
- Support vulnerable species
- Indigenous co-management
- Enhance the local tourism economy
- Strengthen cultural heritage
We need your support!
Sign our petition for a National Park Reserve in the South Okanagan-Similkameen!
Updates & News
CPAWS BC
March 20, 2025
Progress report shows BC needs faster action on nature conservation
Today marks the first day of spring, and it’s a cool, crisp day where I live on Secwépemc territory in ...
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CPAWS BC
March 5, 2025
CPAWS-BC urges province to continue advancing nature conservation following 2025 BC Budget
Wednesday, March 5, 2025, unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – With the release of a very tight ...
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CPAWS BC
January 16, 2025
CPAWS-BC urges the BC Government to keep up conservation momentum following Mandate Letters
Unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples/Vancouver, BC – The Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, British Columbia (CPAWS-BC) is urging ...
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Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCA)
Indigenous Peoples have cared for lands and waters since time immemorial. As original stewards, Indigenous Peoples’ leadership, knowledge and experience ...
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