Realizing a Vision for Conservation through Collaboration

Action, Communication, Education

A Partnership of Organizations & Government

Focused on conservation issues in the Okanagan basin of British Columbia, Canada.

A Hub of Information & Resources

Helping our community take action to improve environmental protection in the Okanagan.
  • MaintainingIllustration of a leafRegional Biodiversity
  • ProtectingIllustration of the head of a bird resembling a hawkSpecies at Risk
  • BalancingIllustration of the head of a bearGrowth & Conservation
  • MaintainingIllustration of a fish, probably a salmonEcological Connectivity

Okanagan Mountain-K’nmalka (Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park & Area) Wildlife Corridor

The Okanagan Nation Alliance (ONA) and the OCCP have launched an Action Plan designed to maintain, protect and restore the 65 km-long ecological corridor between Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and K’nmalka area. It is the last remaining connected low elevation route for wildlife movement on the east side of Okanagan Lake.

The Plan provides a set of 15 actions to connect and protect natural areas for tmixʷ (all living things) using the corridor. It centres Syilx principles, while also supporting stewardship efforts of farmers and ranchers, and providing education opportunities on the importance of habitat connectivity.

This plan is the first of its kind in the central Okanagan and aims to serve as a pilot program for protecting biodiversity across public and private lands for other regional, provincial, and corridor initiatives.

See the Wildlife Corridor Action Plan [PDF, 15.7MB]

Featured

Newest ProjectConservation Planning Tool

Okanagan grasslands with forested mountains beyond them

It is increasingly important for local governments, Indigenous communities, and the province to have tools to better understand and monitor land changes. Land development has heavily impacted Okanagan Valley ecosystems and what remains is at risk of further fragmentation and loss.

Learn more!

New ProjectPlanning for Climate Change in the Thompson Okanagan

Sandhill herons near the grassy shoreline of a stream, while ducks swim in the water

The OCCP and Thompson-Nicola Conservation Collaborative (TNCC) are working on a multi-year research project, the goal of which is to combine Indigenous ecological/cultural knowledge and western science to identify priority conservation areas for wetlands and grasslands and establish policy for their protection.

Learn More!

Projectkłusxnitkʷ (Okanagan Lake) Responsibility Planning Initiative

People attending an outdoor session sit in folding chairs on the rocky lakeshore of Gellatly Nut Farm Park, West Kelowna

The kłusxnitkʷ (Okanagan Lake) Responsibility Planning Initiative (OKLRPI) was developed as a syilx-led response to the large-scale loss of natural areas reported in the Okanagan Lake Foreshore Inventory and Mapping (FIM) reports from 2005, 2009 and 2016.

Learn more!

Recommended

Project

Okanagan grasslands with forested mountains beyond them

Keeping Nature Connected

An ecological corridor connecting Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park to Kalamalka Lake will ensure the integrity of animal and plant populations.

Learn more!

Website

Bertram Creek shoreline, Okanagan Lake

A Resource for Okanagan Lakeshore Living

A Best Management Practices guide specifically developed to offer practical solutions on how to protect natural lakeshore areas.

Visit the site!

Project

Document cover page shows images of people, lakeshore and wildlife

Okanagan Biodiversity Strategy

An environmental policy framework that sets priorities for identifying, preserving and restoring important natural areas.

Learn more!

See Our Current eNewsletterFall 2023

Sagebrush on a steep slope overlooking Okanagan Lake

As individuals and communities across the Okanagan and beyond have been faced with the worst wildfires in history, our thoughts are with all those affected by these tragic events. We send thanks to the fire fighters, volunteers, donors, and partners who have been doing their best to courageously defend and support our communities and help the many evacuees.

Learn more!

OCCP Supporters Include

  • City of Kelowna logo
  • Government of Canada logo
  • Okanagan Basin Water Board logo
  • Regional District of North Okanagan logo
  • Regional District of Central Okanagan logo
  • Real Estate Foundation of BC logo
  • City of Vernon logo
  • Central Okanagan Foundation logo
  • Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, logo
  • Vancouver Foundation, logo

See All OCCP Supporters

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