Conservation society purchases 16 hectares in South Okanagan
Global News
The Southern Interior Land Trust (announced that it purchased a stretch of land along Highway 3, around three kilometres southeast of Osoyoos.
A steep stretch of grassland in the South Okanagan has been acquired by a conservation association.
On Wednesday, Southern Interior Land Trust (SILT) announced that it has purchased 16 hectares of land along Highway 3, around three kilometres southeast of Osoyoos, B.C.
The south-facing land sits above a ravine that protects a groundwater spring — the source of Bourguiba Creek— which flows into Haynes Creek, which is a tributary of Osoyoos Lake.
“Its steep slopes of sagebrush, bunchgrass, and scattered pines are home to California bighorn sheep, provide spring range for mule deer, and habitat for many species-at-risk, such as badger (endangered), rattlesnake (threatened), screech owl (threatened), and half-moon Hairstreak (endangered),” SILT said in a release.
“Conservation of this habitat protects valuable undeveloped land for wildlife in a rapidly developing area as well as offering opportunities for the public to enjoy birding, hiking and other outdoor activities in a natural setting with panoramic views.”
SILT says the purchase was relatively quick, done in a matter of months, thanks to far-ranging support from a variety of organizations and individuals.
Those organizations included:
“This is a beautiful piece of natural Okanagan landscape, where the aroma of sage and pinesap remind me of my childhood growing up in this valley,” said SILT president Judie Steeves.
