The Okanagan Mountain–k’nmalka Wildlife Corridor is a vital natural pathway that lets animals travel safely to find food, water, shelter, and mates. It helps wildlife move with the seasons and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Background
Rapid development in the Okanagan Valley has increasingly fragmented low-elevation ecosystems, threatening wildlife movement. To address this, we are collaborating with local governments and provincial agencies, conservation organizations, and the Okanagan Collaborative Conservation Program to protect a key ecological corridor in the Central Okanagan.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
In 2023, an Action Plan was developed to protect and restore the last remaining connected low-elevation wildlife corridor along the east side of Okanagan Lake, linking Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and the K’nmalka area. Stretching 65 kilometres, this corridor supports the movement of tmixʷ – all living things through critical grassland and ponderosa pine ecosystems.
Guided by Syilx principles, the plan outlines 15 actions focused on habitat connectivity, land stewardship, and education, while supporting the ongoing work of local farmers and ranchers.
Protecting this corridor strengthens ecosystem health and community well-being by helping sustain clean air, healthy soils, fresh water, local food systems, and climate resilience. As the first initiative of its kind in the Central Okanagan, the project also serves as a model for collaborative wildlife corridor conservation across public and private lands —regionally, provincially, and internationally.
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KALAMALKA LAKE WILDLIFE CORRIDOR
Rapid development in the Okanagan Valley has increasingly fragmented low-elevation ecosystems, threatening wildlife movement. To address this, a collaborative project has been developed by local governments and provincial agencies, conservation organizations, and the Okanagan Nation Alliance to protect a key ecological corridor in the Central Okanagan.