Residents living in the South Okanagan-Similkameen region support a proposed national park by a ratio of over two to one.

A recent poll commissioned by the Wilderness Committee revealed that 63 per cent of local residents were in favour of the park proposal versus 26 per cent who were opposed.

“I grew up in the Okanagan, and every time I come back I am amazed at how much land has been taken over by development. People in the Okanagan-Similkameen region are deeply concerned about the environment and conservation issues. They want enough land set aside to protect the natural ecosystem, and plant and wildlife species to help maintain their quality of life,” said Gwen Barlee, Policy Director with the Wilderness Committee.
 
The South Okanagan-Similkameen is one of the most endangered ecosystems found in Canada. Its warm dry climate, combined with its mountainous terrain, produces extremely diverse and rare ecosystems, including Canada’s only “pocket desert,” filled with cacti, rattlesnakes and antelope brush. Over 200 bird species, including burrowing owls, sage thrashers and grasshopper sparrows, are found in the region.

Parks Canada began studying the area for a national park in 2003. They have a mandate to establish at least one national park in each of Canada’s 39 natural regions: currently there is no national park in the Interior Dry Plateau natural region of BC. If protected, the South Okanagan-Similkameen Park would include the greatest diversity of ecosystems and the most species at risk of any national park in Canada. Currently, one third of BC’s endangered species are found in the area.

“At the present rate of development, we can’t afford to wait much longer to safeguard this area. A South Okanagan-Similkameen national park will not only be a safe haven for blue birds and badgers but it will be a personal legacy for the majority of local people who believe this unique area is worth protecting,” said Barlee.

McAllister Opinion Research conducted the poll from May 26 to May 31, 2010. The results are based on a random digit dial telephone survey of 405 randomly selected adults aged 18+, living in the Southern Okanagan-Similkameen region of BC. A random sample would yield a margin of error of 4.8%, 19 times out of 20.

For more information please contact:

Gwen Barlee, Wilderness Committee Policy Director, 604-202-0322 (c) or 604-683-8220

For the full polling results click here.