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RDOS recognized for Conservation Fund

Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen board recognized for protecting biodiversity.
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From right to left: RDOS Board Chair Karla Kozakevich, SOSCP Manager Bryn White, and SOSCP Chair Nick Burdock. Submitted photo

Celebrating efforts to protecting biodiversity the Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen board was recognized for establishing the South Okanagan Conservation Fund.

South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program acknowledged the RDOS board for their efforts in protecting biodiversity. The RDOS fund is intended to protect rare species and ecosystems.

“As a board we are pleased to be recognized in this way by our local government peers,” said RDOS board Chair Karla Kozakevich. “Establishing the Conservation Fund was a major accomplishment for the RDOS in 2016. The fund will allow for the preservation of land and species at risk through opportunities of land purchases and/or environmental conservation projects through joint partnerships”

Related: Conservation fund a big move for regional government

A working group of local governments from across B.C. has been coming together with the B.C. Ministry of Environment under the banner “Species and Ecosystems at Risk-Local Government Working Group (SEAR-LGWG)” to enhance the protection of species and habitats at risk. This is the inaugural year of this award sponsored by the working group to acknowledge the efforts of local governments in protecting biodiversity. For their role in fulfilling that mandate, South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program manager Bryn White did not hesitate to nominate the RDOS.

“We are thrilled the RDOS board has deservedly won the very first SEAR-LGWG Award,” said White. “The RDOS board and staff has shown great leadership with the establishment of the South Okanagan Conservation Fund. This innovative fund will protect species and ecosystems for generations to come. It also will work regionally across electoral area and municipal borders, engaging all citizens of the South Okanagan to come together to protect the wonderful region in which we live, work and raise our families. Their vision will leave a significant legacy for nature and a positive future for our communities.”