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.

This project focuses on a 65km by 1km corridor linking Okanagan Mountain and Kalamalka Lake Provincial Parks, connecting essential grassland and ponderosa pine ecosystems and critical wildlife habitat.

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.

Protecting this corridor it supports our own well-being by helping maintain clean air, healthy soil, fresh water, and local food sources. It also reduces climate-related risks by slowing groundwater loss, preventing soil erosion, buffering floods, regulating CO₂ levels, and acting as a natural fire break.

As the first project of this kind in the Central Okanagan, it can serve as a model for protecting wildlife corridors and biodiversity across both public and private lands—regionally, provincially, and internationally.

Learn more about the Corridor:

VIDEO:

ONA and OCCP – Okanagan Mountain – Kalamalka Lake Wildlife Corridor

The Okanagan Mountain–k’nmalka Wildlife Corridor – Wildlife Corridor Action Plan

In 2023 the Okanagan Mountain Kalamalka Wildlife Corridor Action Plan was finalized in partnership with ONA.

The Action Plan is designed to maintain, protect and restore the 65 km-long ecological corridor between Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park and K’nmalka area, 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.

OCCP-ONA-Okanagan-Knmalka-Wildlife-Corridor-Action-Plan-Sept-2023 (1)