**DEADLINE OCT 31st!** Help Establish a new South Okanagan Similkameen National Park – Please SEND a MESSAGE now!

For over a decade, conservationists have been working to establish a national park in the South Okanagan and Similkameen Valleys near Osoyoos in the hottest region of southern British Columbia, in order to protect some of the most endangered ecosystems in Canada. While this area is best known for its grasslands and the “pocket desert” (antelope brush ecosystem), it also includes significant stands of old-growth Ponderosa pines – perhaps the most fragrant smelling tree in Canada – and interior Douglas-firs, particularly in the central part of the proposal (known as “Area 2”, around Mount Kobau) and scattered throughout the proposed park lands.

The Province of B.C. recently announced a new proposed conservation framework, including national park designation, for the South Okanagan-Similkameen and they have invited public comments until October 31. This is wonderful news! And now we need to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to establish a national park here.

Please take the time to SEND a MESSAGE to let the province know what makes this area special to you, and why this deserves the highest level of protection – especially by including Area 2 in the national park.

Go to: https://sosnationalpark.wordpress.com/