The Commonage Preservation Alliance was created to bring together support for the preservation, protection and restoration of the unique and extremely at-risk wildlife and their habitat that is the Commonage. The Commonage from Lake Country to Vernon is a very important wildlife corridor which links the wildlife movements from south of Ellison (Duck) Lake to the Bella Vista/Goose Lake range and beyond. If we establish this protected corridor, we can help bring back extirpated species to bring the area’s biodiversity back into balance and complete. The Commonage is also an important corridor which supports the migration of the unique flora and fauna species from the US deserts up through the Okanagan Valley to the Thompson/Nicola/Cariboo/Chilcotin regions. In order for this fragile ecosystem and its biodiversity to survive far into the future we need to stop the fragmentation of habitats by human development. To learn more about the Okanagan https://www.okanaganhabitatpreservation2030.ca/ Please share and discuss this information and write to all levels of government.
THE COMMONAGE GRASSLANDS
At one time, this land was reserved from pre-emption, to be enjoyed by the First Nations and the white settlers for their continuous and common use as pastureland, hence the name Commonage. Today Canada is made up of different people and cultures from around the world and in the last little while I have been noticing do to the focus on climate change, scientist, governments and citizens of all walks of life are changing their attitudes toward the importance of nature. We here in Canada have the opportunity to make the right moves into the future by blending the indigenous ancestral knowledge of nature and how to live in balance with it and our technologically focused lives. As for the Commonage we need to consider the importance of the area as a wildlife corridor, home to rare and endangered species and the significant historical and cultural uses by the Okanagan (Syilx) People. We must consult with them (OKIB) on this areas future.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Si7xten in Lillooet, 1996
A quiggly hole, also known as a pit-house or simply as a quiggly or kekuli, is the remains of an earth lodge built by the First Nations people of the Interior of British Columbia and the Columbia Plateau in the United States. The word quiggly comes from kick willy or keekwulee, the Chinook Jargon word for "beneath" or "under".
Appearance and location[edit]
A quiggly hole appears as a circular depression in the ground, the remnants of a former log-roofed pithouse (locally named a barabara or an ulax). Quigglies generally come in large groupings known as quiggly towns, some with hundreds of holes indicating a potential population of thousands. Some of these holes were residential for single family or larger groups, while some may have been storage only. Quiggly towns are typically located where solar exposure, water supply, and access to fish, game and gatherable foodstuffs are favorable.
Quiggly towns and smaller groups of quiggly holes are common features of the landscape in certain areas of southern British Columbia, notably from the Fraser Canyon near Lillooet across the Thompson River valley and down the Okanagan Valley.
Hudson's Bay Flats is the old location of a site called Fort Chilcotin, which contains several quiggly holes.[1] The Thompson River between Pritchard and Kamloops also has quiggly holes.[2] Indigenous artifacts have been recovered from quiggly holes including arrowheads and scrapers. Some rockhounds believe digging around quiggly holes looking for artifacts destroys what little historical record remains.[3]
Si7xten in Lillooet, 1996
A quiggly hole, also known as a pit-house or simply as a quiggly or kekuli, is the remains of an earth lodge built by the First Nations people of the Interior of British Columbia and the Columbia Plateau in the United States. The word quiggly comes from kick willy or keekwulee, the Chinook Jargon word for "beneath" or "under".
Appearance and location[edit]
A quiggly hole appears as a circular depression in the ground, the remnants of a former log-roofed pithouse (locally named a barabara or an ulax). Quigglies generally come in large groupings known as quiggly towns, some with hundreds of holes indicating a potential population of thousands. Some of these holes were residential for single family or larger groups, while some may have been storage only. Quiggly towns are typically located where solar exposure, water supply, and access to fish, game and gatherable foodstuffs are favorable.
Quiggly towns and smaller groups of quiggly holes are common features of the landscape in certain areas of southern British Columbia, notably from the Fraser Canyon near Lillooet across the Thompson River valley and down the Okanagan Valley.
Hudson's Bay Flats is the old location of a site called Fort Chilcotin, which contains several quiggly holes.[1] The Thompson River between Pritchard and Kamloops also has quiggly holes.[2] Indigenous artifacts have been recovered from quiggly holes including arrowheads and scrapers. Some rockhounds believe digging around quiggly holes looking for artifacts destroys what little historical record remains.[3]
There is evidence that the Okanagan People (Syilx) travelled through the area (today we call the Commonage) to get to the Shuswap River to catch salmon for winter supply and trade and also to the Thompson River valley for the same. There is also evidence that they built Kekulis in both Ellison and Kekuli Provincial Parks areas.
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This table is a list of present Parks, Protected Areas and Ecological Reserves in the Okanagan Valley with a breakdown by percentage of each area (North, Central and South). You can see that the North Okanagan has only 8% of it's area protected in someway. We need to set aside at least wildlife connective corridors, riparian areas, ponds, wetlands and habitat large enough to sustain endangered and at-risk species. 
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LEAVE A LEGACY BY PRESERVING OKANAGAN GRASSLANDS
Commonage Preservation Alliance believes that we need to create economic development www.defra.gov.uk/news/2011/06/02/hidden-value-of-nature-revealed/ around our incredible BC natural environment, not increase the physical development of the land. Each time we sub-divide and develop the natural areas of this province we fragment the habitat and eco-systems. We are appalled with what is happening in the Amazon, Indonesia and the Congo, yet we ignore what is happening in our own backyard. The government (https://www.buckscounty.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1788/2011-Comprehensive-Plan-Executive-Summary-PDF) needs to be protecting more natural areas, by way of direct purchase, by donation or if we do land swaps make sure we swap already developed land for undeveloped. It is so common for private ranch and land owners to sub-divide their land and sell smaller parcels for country residential buyers. This fragments the land and is quite often fenced limiting the movement of animals in the area. The best solution that we see for this is to secure all large parcels of undeveloped land into zoning that disallows sub-division of that land and classify the land use that will not affect the area's eco-systems and habitats or by purchase of these properties when they come available and secure them under legal protection i.e.: Parks, protected areas, ecological reserves.
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Environment Canada writes:
Habitat loss and degradation are perhaps the most important pressures facing wildlife today. The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) of Environment Canada considers habitat protection vital to conserving wildlife and is making efforts to preserve the remaining wilderness areas that support healthy and diverse wildlife populations. Efforts are also focused on creating and protecting wildlife areas where habitat losses have been greatest. The protection and wise use of Canada's wildlife habitat are a joint responsibility, shared by governments, non-government organizations, the public, Aboriginal groups, and the private sector. |
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The City of Vernon writes:
Unlike many other cities, which are working to reclaim and reinstate ecosystems and natural features, Vernon has the unique and enviable opportunity to grow into a beautiful, balanced and sustainable city. There are many challenges in this process, but these challenges can be achieved. The City has opportunities to learn from the choices made by cities around us with similar challenges, so we can build on the experience of others. As a result, the City of Vernon is poised to move forward and rise to the challenges ahead. The protection of the natural beauty of the city’s setting, Vernon’s most valuable asset, will ensure Vernon remains a highly livable, attractive and memorable place. |
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Grasslands Conservation Council of British Columbia writes:
Grasslands are a small but significant component of B.C.'s natural landscape. Although they represent less than 1 percent of the provincial land base, they provide critical habitat to over 30 percent of BC's threatened and endangered species and as such are one of Canada’s most endangered habitats. Grasslands are also a vital component to the viability of BC’s ranching community – one of the social and economic mainstays of our diverse province. Of the approximately 730,000 hectares of native grasslands in B.C., 39 percent are privately held, 9 percent are in Indian Reserves and the remainder are provincial crown lands, much of them covered by grazing tenures. The loss of large, natural grassland areas is due largely to two main issues: Development of ranches into rural, small/medium acreage subdivisions, and urban encroachment. Fragmentation of rural landscapes is a complex issue with roots in entangled land use policies and regulations to socioeconomic pressures to environmental issues. The fragmentation and development of grasslands without any thought given to long-term sustainability is denigrating the social, cultural and ecological aspects associated with grasslands. The complexities involved in this issue are closely interrelated. In order to be understood, we must examine how the legislative framework, conservation issues, socio-economic aspects and land use planning and decision making processes interrelate. These issues must be grappled with, made clear, and applied to future land use and decision-making processes if we are to make sizable gains towards the conservation and stewardship of BC's grasslands. http://www.bcgrasslands.org/docs/D96FB435AC3D488E.pdf |
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THE NORTH OKANAGAN
The Okanagan Valley has built a reputation for its scenic beauty, which is quickly deteriorating with its growing population and over and random development. If we protect the remaining natural areas and work on reclaiming others, we will continue to enjoy and be proud of this beautiful part of the world.
THE COMMONAGE
History
Commonage Road:
Established prior to 1890
The original Commonage route was the main stagecoach route from Priest Valley (Vernon) to Oyama, and then switched back over the ridge to the area known as Oceola Flats (Winfield) and then to its final destination at the Mission in Kelowna. The Commonage Route was one of the earliest trails leading into the area known today as Lake Country (Oyama, Carr's Landing, Winfield and Okanagan Centre). The Route took its name from the Commonage grazing area that extended east from Okanagan Lake to Kalamalka Lake, covering an area of about 24,000 acres. At one time, this land was reserved from pre-emption, to be enjoyed by the First Nations and the white settlers for their continuous and common use as pastureland, hence the name Commonage.
The original agreement was dated May 18, 1876. In 1889, a new agreement was reached wherein the government would take over the Commonage in return for the establishment of an Indian Reserve on the north-west side of Okanagan Lake. The Commonage was put up for sale and after that, opened for pre-emption.
Established prior to 1890
The original Commonage route was the main stagecoach route from Priest Valley (Vernon) to Oyama, and then switched back over the ridge to the area known as Oceola Flats (Winfield) and then to its final destination at the Mission in Kelowna. The Commonage Route was one of the earliest trails leading into the area known today as Lake Country (Oyama, Carr's Landing, Winfield and Okanagan Centre). The Route took its name from the Commonage grazing area that extended east from Okanagan Lake to Kalamalka Lake, covering an area of about 24,000 acres. At one time, this land was reserved from pre-emption, to be enjoyed by the First Nations and the white settlers for their continuous and common use as pastureland, hence the name Commonage.
The original agreement was dated May 18, 1876. In 1889, a new agreement was reached wherein the government would take over the Commonage in return for the establishment of an Indian Reserve on the north-west side of Okanagan Lake. The Commonage was put up for sale and after that, opened for pre-emption.
Emily's Mountain Burial Site
The following is a transcription of the burial site on Emily's Mountain located off Commonage Road in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
Location
Historical Background
Emily Cox was born to Doctor (first name, not a title) Hugh and Mary Cox around 1886. Emily, her parents and siblings emigrated from the United States to Canada in 1891. The family arrived in Vernon in the early part of the 20th century during which Doctor Cox bought a hotel.
On June 15, 1910 Emily married George Anderson in Vernon. George was the son of area pioneer Peter Anderson. The couple first lived in a small home on the Commonage but later moved to the Anderson Ranch in the north end of Vernon.
Emily was an excellent horsewoman and enjoyed riding through the Commonage. Upon her death, her sons decided to bury her ashes in a place where she often rode to view the valley.
Ron Anderson, a great-grandson of Emily and George, passed away at the age of 18. The family buried his ashes near his great-grandmother.
Ann Richards was the daughter of area pioneer Reuben Swift and his wife, Mary Baron. Rueben's first wife Armina was the daughter of Vincent Duteau of Lavington. Reuben was the builder and owner of one of the early hotels, the Royal Hotel, one of Vernon's early hotels, which later became the National Hotel
The Swift family also at one time owned and lived in the Vernon Hotel that was built by Peter Anderson.
Ann hiked the hills surrounding Vernon all her life. As an adult she became a Cub Scout leader and passed her love of nature and the hills in the Vernon district to any boy who was lucky enough to be in her cub pack.
Her husband Robert was also a leader in the Scouting movement in Vernon. He took children on many hikes to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the birds surrounding Vernon.
When Ann died her son buried her ashes along with his father's on Emily's Mountain beneath the wild flowers that Ann loved.
Layout
These four individuals have memorial plaques near the hill top known as “Emily’s Mountain”.
Driving Directions
Starting at the intersection of 32nd Street and 25th Avenue in Vernon, proceed west on 25th Avenue, turning south (left) on 34th Street.
Follow 34th Street (which turns into Mission Road and then into Commonage Road).
Approximately half way between Bench Road and Rose’s Pond, the road will follow a rise; near the top is a pump station on the left hand side of the road.
At this point, park off the road and walk through the fence/gate on the left hand side and follow the road to the top of the mountain.
By Vernon & District Family History Society
The following is a transcription of the burial site on Emily's Mountain located off Commonage Road in Vernon, British Columbia, Canada.
Location
- Latitude: 50o 13' 10.14" N.
- Longitude: 119o 19' 16.12" W.
Historical Background
Emily Cox was born to Doctor (first name, not a title) Hugh and Mary Cox around 1886. Emily, her parents and siblings emigrated from the United States to Canada in 1891. The family arrived in Vernon in the early part of the 20th century during which Doctor Cox bought a hotel.
On June 15, 1910 Emily married George Anderson in Vernon. George was the son of area pioneer Peter Anderson. The couple first lived in a small home on the Commonage but later moved to the Anderson Ranch in the north end of Vernon.
Emily was an excellent horsewoman and enjoyed riding through the Commonage. Upon her death, her sons decided to bury her ashes in a place where she often rode to view the valley.
Ron Anderson, a great-grandson of Emily and George, passed away at the age of 18. The family buried his ashes near his great-grandmother.
Ann Richards was the daughter of area pioneer Reuben Swift and his wife, Mary Baron. Rueben's first wife Armina was the daughter of Vincent Duteau of Lavington. Reuben was the builder and owner of one of the early hotels, the Royal Hotel, one of Vernon's early hotels, which later became the National Hotel
The Swift family also at one time owned and lived in the Vernon Hotel that was built by Peter Anderson.
Ann hiked the hills surrounding Vernon all her life. As an adult she became a Cub Scout leader and passed her love of nature and the hills in the Vernon district to any boy who was lucky enough to be in her cub pack.
Her husband Robert was also a leader in the Scouting movement in Vernon. He took children on many hikes to enjoy the sights and the sounds of the birds surrounding Vernon.
When Ann died her son buried her ashes along with his father's on Emily's Mountain beneath the wild flowers that Ann loved.
Layout
These four individuals have memorial plaques near the hill top known as “Emily’s Mountain”.
Driving Directions
Starting at the intersection of 32nd Street and 25th Avenue in Vernon, proceed west on 25th Avenue, turning south (left) on 34th Street.
Follow 34th Street (which turns into Mission Road and then into Commonage Road).
Approximately half way between Bench Road and Rose’s Pond, the road will follow a rise; near the top is a pump station on the left hand side of the road.
At this point, park off the road and walk through the fence/gate on the left hand side and follow the road to the top of the mountain.
By Vernon & District Family History Society
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Emily (Cox) Anderson, Ron Anderson, (a great-grandson of Emily and George, passed away at the age of 18), Ann Richards and her husband were all buried on Emily's Mountain.
Now this land, that was used by all, is being divided into golf and wellness resorts, country residential developments and small ranchetts.
The following report stresses the ecological importance of this area:
Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory: Vernon Commonage 2005
http://a100.gov.bc.ca/appsdata/acat/documents/r4159/4497_sei_rpt_1152661437999_1bbfb35ea9fe4281a1d6f77ccfe9cba9.pdf
Sensitive Ecosystems Inventory: Lake Country 2005
https://a100.gov.bc.ca/pub/acat/documents/r7443/4272_whr_rpt_1152740961185_9ab71132f8da4db0939aa807d2c5a60f.pdf
OUR PLAN FOR THE COMMONAGE
There are privately owned areas of sensitive habitat for many at-risk species in the Commonage, which is at risk of development. To preserve this land, we propose to acquire these properties and have their eco-systems and habitats protected for all time. With the help of generous individuals, groups and corporations, we can achieve this goal and with continued giving to this program we can protect other lands as well. With on-going support, in a matter of a few years we can have the majority of the most vulnerable wildlife and their habitat in the North and Central Okanagan protected. We will need a considerable amount of contributions to achieve this goal. Once these natural areas are in caring hands, the governments can preserve these lands under provincial park or protected area status, so please spread the word.
LEAVE A LEGACY BY PRESERVING THE NORTH OKANAGAN'S WILDLIFE AND HABITAT
If you would like to join in with us to preserve the North Okanagan's endangered species and habitats, you can donate to https://bcparksfoundation.ca/donate/ "select Parks Bank" and they will make it happen.
LEAVE A LEGACY BY PRESERVING THE NORTH OKANAGAN'S WILDLIFE AND HABITAT
If you would like to join in with us to preserve the North Okanagan's endangered species and habitats, you can donate to https://bcparksfoundation.ca/donate/ "select Parks Bank" and they will make it happen.