Eco projects get $400K

Photo: backwoodsmama.com

The RDOS is contributing $200,000 to help the Nature Trust of BC purchase land near Willowbrook.

Funding for seven ecological projects, valued at $400,271, was approved by the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen on Thursday.

Of those funds, $200,000 will help the Nature Trust of BC purchase a 32.2 hectare parcel of land near the White Lake Grasslands protected area, north of Willowbrook, which is a zone of "provincial conservation concern," according to a report brought to the RDOS.

"The Nature Trust of BC has been working with the landowners for 10 years to secure this key inholding for conservation," the report reads, adding a sale was negotiated in 2017 and is expected to close in October.

Another $57,755 will help the Penticton Indian Band's En'owkin Centre purchase a 2.29 hectare land parcel, located adjacent to the Penticton Channel, which will be conserved for its environment factors.

The new conservation area is also meant to "advance reconciliation with Penticton Indan Band members and all Okanagan people," according to the report.

The RDOS will also help fund two projects spearheaded by the Okanagan Nation Alliance to benefit fish habitats, worth $90,260. 

The Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship Society will also receive $38,000, while smaller projects by the Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Alliance and the Okanagan and Similkameen Invasive Species Society will receive $7,841and $6,415, respectively.

The funding is part of the South Okanagan Conservation Fund, which was created by the RDOS in 2017 to provide up to $450,000 annually for environmental projects. Thursday was the first time those funds had been allocated.