Building capacity for species at risk protection on Lower Similkameen Reserve lands

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With support from the Government of Canada’s Aboriginal Fund for Species at Risk (AFSAR) (Species at Risk Stream), the Lower Similkameen Indian Band (LSIB) conducted a one-year habitat restoration, species monitoring, and outreach project in 2014-2015 focused on the Western Screech-owl and the rich biodiversity of the Lower Similkameen Reserve Lands.

Why this project is important

The Lower Similkameen Reserve Lands in the South Okanagan, British Columbia, contain intact wetlands and cottonwood riparian ecosystems that hold rare and high biodiversity and ecological values. Of significant concern is the Endangered Western Screech-owl (Megascops kennicottii macfarlanei subspecies), a species at risk listed under the federal Species at Risk Act. This owl is threatened by loss of suitable riparian woodland habitat as the area is vulnerable to habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation from human activities.

What was done

LSIB worked with its Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) Planning Committee to include TEK in habitat enhancement, species at risk recovery, and land use planning for the community. Conservation and cattle management strategies were developed and restoration activities in conservation areas and wetlands in the area were undertaken. The project also used a species at risk-based curriculum called Trekking Out Our Land (TOOL), which LSIB developed with previous support from the AFSAR to educate youth about species at risk (identification, habitats, Indigenous knowledge, and cultural significance) and to connect youth with knowledge holders. A team of youth and community members used TOOL to address the threat of invasive species to native habitats and removed invasive plants from three hectares and reseeded native grasses over one hectare of land. Data from Western Screech-owl nesting boxes was collected to estimate population distributions across 40 hectares of the Lower Similkameen Reserve Lands. This project increased awareness of species at risk habitats, threats, and the monitoring and restoration work conducted through community meetings.

Achievements of this project

• Held four TEK Planning Committee meetings to share knowledge on the management of the Lower Similkameen Reserve Lands.
• Developed a Wildlife Environmental Sustainability Plan and contributed to LSIB’s Comprehensive Community Planning to provide input and direction when considering conservation during land use planning.
• Engaged 525 people in weeding, planting, and restoration outreach activities to discuss species at risk and habitat restoration initiatives through TOOL field trips and curriculum.

Significance of this project

LSIB contributed to species at risk conservation and recovery programs through the inclusion of TEK and TEK Planning Committees, the participation in species monitoring programs, and the engagement of community members to learn about species at risk.

Aboriginal fund for species at risk - Species at Risk stream
Email: ec.faep-afsar.ec@canada.ca