By Ann McCreary
An area of wild grasslands bordering Okanogan County near Similkameen is being considered for a new national park by the provincial government of British Columbia, which is accepting public comments on the proposal.
The proposed new national park is the result of extensive discussions with First Nations, local communities and conservation advocates, according to the B.C. Ministry of Environment. The area being considered for protection is the South Okanagan-Similkameen region that borders north central Washington.
The region is the northernmost extension of the arid Columbia Basin, with rolling hills of sagebrush and grass and sweeping valleys. It is home to rare and endangered animals, and contains sacred cultural and traditional sites that are important to First Nations.
The region is the traditional territory of the Syilx (Okanagan) First Nation Indian Bands, one of the principal advocates of the national park proposal.
It is also an area that is facing intense development pressure and increasing population, the Ministry of Environment said in a press release about the proposal.
The proposed new park was endorsed last week by Conservation Northwest, a Bellingham-based conservation group that advocates for wildlife and wildlands conservation in Washington and British Columbia.
“This biodiversity-rich area is essential to afford the highest protection to,” said Mitch Friedman, executive director of Conservation Northwest.
The region contains desert and steppe landscapes and ecosystems common in eastern Washington and other parts of the American West, but unique in British Columbia and western Canada.
Designation of a new South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park would permanently secure wildlands protections and cross-border habitat connectivity for wildlife in the area bordering Canada and the United States, according to a statement by Conservation Northwest.
“In an era of changing climate, such connectivity will be likely vital for the long-term survival of many species in the region,” Conservation Northwest said.
The area also provides for high quality outdoor recreation and tourism, the organization said.
The provincial government said a number of factors will be considered when developing the final policy, including protection of First Nations values and cultural sites, expansion of tourism, protection of at-risk species, recreational activity, agricultural activities and protection of ranching and existing grazing lands.
Members of the public, including U.S. citizens, have a 60-day period to provide comments on an “intention paper” detailing the proposal, with final responses due Oct. 12. Final recommendations are expected in early 2016.
Information about the proposal and comment forms are available at www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/planning/protected-areas-framework-s-okanagan.html.
