Grasslands dependent species

Badgers are a grasslands and open Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir forests dependent species. This area provides key habitat for badgers and other rare grassland species. The badger plays a key role in the grassland ecosystem. It digs, aerates and mixes the soil, helping plants to grow. They are the only true burrowing predator in Canada and are important for the control of burrowing rodents.
Their abandoned burrows are used by the endangered burrowing owl as nesting sites. Other rare species use their abandoned burrows for homes, too – such as gopher snakes, rattlesnakes, and possibly rubber boas. Badgers need a lot of space. Male badgers have been found to need a territory an average of 500 km². 

Residential subdivisions

If human habitats (residential subdivisions) are fragmented, we just build another road. When we fragment wildlife habitat without providing connective corridors, many species do not survive.

Grassland Forests

Only a few patches of old-growth Ponderosa pine, Douglas-fir, and Western Larch forest remain and these forests support diverse communities of plants and animals. Ponderosa pine and Douglas-fir woodlands support a number of species found in no other habitat type, especially if they are in an old-growth and fire maintained state, with large trees widely interspersed with grasses.​

Human Population and Activity

Human population and activity are rapidly growing in the Okanagan. Human-caused changes are having a serious impact on habitats, placing species at risk. In the North and Central Okanagan, some species such as the Burrowing Owl have been extirpated (become locally extinct) through loss of habitat, and many others have become endangered. There is also the possibility of severing the north-south link between northern grasslands and southern deserts. Climate change may result in increased temperatures and reduced precipitation throughout the Okanagan. If so, populations of (2 Examples: Grasslands converted for grazing purposes, forests converted to fields) many plants and animals will decrease as viable habitat becomes scarce. Species that cannot find suitable conditions quickly by moving to higher elevations or moving northward through the corridor, will disappear. Unmodified lands are limited in extent and are almost entirely under private ownership, most being found in valley bottoms. Ensuring that valley bottoms connect to higher elevations is critical to many species and will help mitigate some impacts of human development. We need to know more about the relationship between human settlement, ecological processes, and functioning ecosystems; planning growth and development in a manner that allows for conservation is essential to maintain the social, economic and environmental health of the region. 

​By OCCP​

More Large Natural Sanctuaries

With more parks and protected areas, us city dwellers can enjoy our weekends and evenings going on long walks or hikes, taking in the incredible vistas, maybe even catch a glimpse of a deer or a gopher. There is always the spotting of the many bird species in the area, birds of prey, song birds and waterfowl.
You probably won't see a Badger, Rattlesnake, Screech Owl, Cougar or a Bear, but they are there, because it's their home too. 

No Wide Open Spaces and No Wildlife 

Do we want to keep eliminating wide open spaces and push out most or all the wildlife or do we want a balance of living with the convenience of city life and the escape to nature for peace and relaxation?

BC’s Okanagan Valley is an important corridor extending north from Washington State to Vernon and beyond to the northwest, connecting species of plants and animals to the Thompson/Nicola and the Chilcotin/Cariboo. This corridor provides critical habitat for an array of plants and animals which are unique and rare, some of which are found nowhere else in Canada. This important habitat allows species to forage, migrate, and find a mate which is essential for their long-term survival.

Predator Ridge Resort and Sparkling Hill Resort has done a wonderful job of providing a great resort living experience, with 2 world class golf courses, wellness centre, great amenities, hiking, walking and biking trails, outstanding homes and remarkable scenery with spectacular views.

Predator Ridge Resort & Sparkling Hill Resort has built around 900 units so
far , but will be a community of 2100 units when it is completely built out, as well as two 18 hole Golf Courses. Is this not enough, considering the unique and endangered wildlife habitat which surrounds it?