Local & Provincial Items (October)

Local

1. Farmers’ Markets:
   Vernon: Mon/Thursday, 8 – 1, Kal Tire Place. Come for a nibble, fresh greens, plants, crafts and more!
   Armstrong: Sat., 8:30 am – 12:30 pm, IPE fairgrounds.

2. Okanagan Similkameen Stewardship had a successful restoration year! Their field crews removed an impressive 4,200 kg of invasive plants from around 30 properties and sites across the region, helping protect native plants, biodiversity and healthy ecosystems.

3. Where do municipal candidates stand on climate? Check out Vote4Tomorrow for each candidate’s questionnaire answers for the North Okanagan and the rest of BC.

Provincial

1. B.C. has an extinction problem. Scientists say there is a fix. B.C. is home to almost 500 species considered endangered, but scientists and wildlife advocates say the province lacks comprehensive endangered-species legislation to protect them and their habitats. The story examines what a made-in-B.C. species-at-risk law could mean for protecting biodiversity. For the full story, go here.

2. Protecting Chinook salmon in Bessette Creek.  Severe drought and record-low streamflows in Bessette Creek have put endangered Chinook salmon at risk, prompting B.C. to temporarily restrict certain agricultural, industrial and mining water uses. The order is intended to keep enough water in the watershed for salmon spawning and survival. For the BC government news story, go here.

3. B.C. launches research into conservation areas and bird habitat. New research is examining whether B.C.’s conservation areas are actually protecting the specific habitats that priority bird species need to survive. The work highlights an important conservation lesson: formally protecting land isn't necessarily enough if the right habitats aren't protected and managed. For more, go here.