Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada partner to restore property

An extensive restoration project on 162 acres of critical wetland habitat will restore natural oxbow and streamside habitat in the Osoyoos Oxbows floodplain. “This land was historically a very important piece of habitat, but after years of heavy agricultural use, it lost much of its habitat function. Once our restoration work is complete, everyone will see the vegetation and wildlife return.” said Brad Arner, manager of provincial operations for DUC in BC. The conservation property, which includes Bobolink Meadows, was purchased by DUC and NCC in 2002 with the intention to restore its natural wetland and floodplain areas. “Reclaiming its natural systems, while also supporting those native species that have found a niche in the fields, will greatly enhance the conservation value of this internationally significant land.” stated Barb Pryce, NCC’s southern interior program manager. The lands comprise a mosaic of habitat types that supports a diversity of species such as wood duck, hooded merganser, yellow-breasted chat, Long-billed Curlew, Great Basin spadefoot, Tiger Salamander and Bobolink. The project was made possible by the Habitat Stewardship Program, the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the BC Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, and Gord Lindsay of Barefoot Beach Resort in Penticton.