By Tom Mark

Update -Swan Lake Gets New Protection

Jun 20, 2018 | 12:51 PM

Update 1 PM

The provincial government has designated Swan Lake part of a new wildlife management area.

It essentially means the lake and it’s surrounding wetlands will be protected and enhanced

The designation will also support development of a management plan for the area that encourages conservation and shared stewardship.

RDNO Board Chair Bob Fleming says it’s great news and he’s hopeful there will be funding for some special projects, including a new weir at the south end of the lake.

“It’s failed a number of times so water just flows around it so it doesn’t actually work. I’m hoping that they’ll address that and put some money into actually constructing a weir that works for water level control on the lake.”

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Fleming says that’s important for a number of reasons including flood control and ensuring nesting areas don’t dry up prematurely.

The lake’s relation to BX Creek could also be addressed.

“There’s been some indication they’ll pay some attention to BX Creek and where it comes into the lake and so due to flood events on the creek it jammed up and actually the creek mainly doesn’t flow into the lake anymore. It takes a side track and goes through the wetland.”

Which effectively leaves no control of water flowing into the lake.

Fleming adds the regional district recently bought some land that would improve access to the lake.

“I was hoping that we would put a small floating dock there to allow for hand launches for canoes and kayaks and for people coming off the lake because we can provide parking in that area and parking has been an issue at the meadowlark boat launch.”

The government announcement didn’t include any financial figures, but Fleming expects more details and money as development of the plan moves forward over the next couple of years.

Fleming says the regional district looks forward to working closely with the Province to protect and preserve all that Swan Lake has to offer to the region.

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The provincial government has designated Swan Lake part of a new wildlife management area.

Long recognized for its wetland habitat, Swan Lake now has special significance to help protect migratory birds, animals and species at risk.

The designation will also support development of a management plan for the area that encourages conservation and shared stewardship.

First Nations and stakeholders on conservation and management issues will be brought in to offer their guidance.

There will also be partnership opportunities for research and education.

A 3.2-hectare conservation property on the eastern shore of the lake owned by The Nature Trust of BC, and currently leased to the Province, will be included in the new wildlife management area.

Jasper Lament with The Nature Trust of BC says”The Nature Trust of British Columbia purchased our Swan Lake property in 1993, with funding support from the Province and local conservation organizations. Swan Lake was first proposed for habitat protection back in 1922. Almost 100 years later, we are delighted to work with our partners to establish a large conservation land complex at Swan Lake.”

The area will complement the existing Swan Lake Nature Reserve Park at the south end, which includes lands owned by the Regional District of North Okanagan and Ducks Unlimited Canada.

The wildlife management area lies within the traditional territory of both the Okanagan Nation and the Secwepemc Nation Lakes Division.

The lands of the Okanagan Indian Band border the north end of Swan Lake.

The band provided support for the wildlife management area proposal.

Dan Buffett, manager of provincial operations for B.C. with Ducks Unlimited Canada says the designation strengthens the habitat protection and management of the site for the many waterfowl and other species that rely on the area throughout the year.

“Swan Lake is an important nexus for wildlife migrating through or breeding in the Okanagan, and an important link in the chain of habitats that allows wildlife to co-exist in an urbanizing valley. We appreciate the work from our many partners including the Province of B.C., First Nations, local governments and neighbouring landowners that made this project possible for the wildlife and the community.”

Bob Fleming, Chair of the Board of Directors for the Regional District of North Okanagan couldn’t be more pleased.

“Swan Lake is a fantastic natural asset for our region being both an extremely important habitat for wildlife, particularly waterfowl, and a wonderful little lake for various kinds of recreation. The RDNO looks forward to working closely with the Province to protect and preserve all that Swan Lake has to offer to our region.”

by Tom Mark