A remnant of the once extensive wetlands along Mission Creek in Kelowna. (R.J.W. Turner, GSC 2006-156)

Nature was here first

Okanagan Basin ecosystems range from highland forests to semiarid grasslands. What treasures! These plants and animals are the oldest water-users in the valley, and remain important and legitimate water-users today. A major reason for us to conserve water is to ensure that nature has enough for its own needs.

Trout Creek at Summerland is Okanagan's second largest stream. Low water flows in summer reflect the challenge of meeting water needs for both humans and fish. (R.J.W. Turner, GSC 2006-157)

Cactus flowers (C. Klym)

Down in the valley, competition between nature and humans is fierce

We use valley bottoms in the Okanagan Basin for agriculture, recreation, towns, and roads. Nature has been squeezed out of many areas. Wetlands have been drained and filled, and many streams and rivers channelled and dyked, to create land for our agriculture and towns. Remaining wild spaces are precious. Loss of habitat has put at risk many species, such as the peregrine falcon, yellow-breasted chat, and sockeye salmon.

Sockeye salmon spawn in the only remaining natural channel of the Okanagan River at MacIntyre Bluff, near Oliver. (R.J.W. Turner, GSC 2006-159)

Sockeye salmon die after spawning. (J. Heighton, Pêches et Océans Canada)

Water for fish

Fish species in our lakes and streams need clean water year-around in which to live. Sockeye salmon spawn in the Okanagan River and rear in Osoyoos Lake. These salmon are one of the few remaining natural runs in the entire Columbia River system. Shorelines of Okanagan Lake and streams are critical spawning areas for kokanee.

Dyked and channellized Okanagan River near Oliver (R.J.W. Turner, GSC 2006-158)

Frog in wetland (C. Klym)