The lands Mr. Turner, as quoted in a recent letter to the editor (Western News, Nov. 7, Preserve the land) propose to consume Indian Reserve, orchards, cattle ranching (both private and leased range land) vineyards, wineries, fruit stalls, packing houses, private residences, small holdings plus much more.
The majority of development in the Similkameen Valley is at the bottom of the valley. The encroachment of land is in the Okanagan Valley not here, just drive from Osoyoos to Kelowna then from Richter Pass to Princeton and see the difference. This valley is and always has been protected by the people living here, No one can do it better than the residents.
For anyone who does not know who Russ Turner is please read his bio at www.skaharockclimbing.com/About_Us/Russ_Turner_-_Bio/ — looks like an ulterior motive to me. My opinion, for what it is worth
There would be no economic benefits from tourism consequent to the realization of a national park in the South Okanagan but there would be a lot of economic harm to the people that are here now. Please leave us alone and find a park some where else.
Alyce Coggan
Cawston