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PNW-SRM MEETINGS

2016 Summer Field Workshop

Symphony of Species: Managing Rare and Diverse Ecosystems

The BC Chapter invites you to the south Okanagan to experience beauty and diversity of the grasslands in Canada’s only true desert environment, Wednesday through Friday, June 8 – 10th, 2016 in Osoyoos, BC.

Home to a plethora of wildlife species that are rare and endangered in Canada, these rangelands have been grazed by cattle for over a century. Habitat management is truly art and science, where both ecological and social factors make valued contributions to the symphony. The two day workshop will bring together a diverse group of researchers, ranchers, biologists and others with an interest in rangeland management. An opportunity for young and old to engage together in study, observations and discussion, to look at the challenges and celebrate nature – always a success.

Extend your stay for an early summer vacation before or after the symposium to explore the beautiful south Okanagan and Similkameen. If you are lucky it will be perfect timing for the season’s first pick of cherries. “There’s more here than just bright skies and wineries set against gentle sloping hills. While we embrace and proudly showcase our vintner industry we also have sophisticated resorts, championship golf courses, the nation’s warmest lake, and a wide range of cultural, intellectual and artistic experiences.”

Full Registration includes social snacks, session refreshments, Thursday lunch & dinner, Friday field trip & lunch.  CDN $$120 US $88.  Daily registration is also available.  Download updated agenda and registration form here.

Updated Agenda

Wednesday, June 8th

2:00 – 4:30    PM

PNW Section Executive Board Meeting

Troy’s Grill  Meeting Room, 8309 – 78 Ave

4:30 – 9:00 PM

Registration, Social Reception     Bring your silent auction items

Troy’s Grill  Meeting Room, 8309 – 78 Ave

Thursday, June 9th      Bus Tour  8:15 AM – 4:30 PM, 2 CEU’s

Host – Greg Tegart

Social & Ecological Dimensions – Coordinating Management , 2 CEU’s

Haynes Ecological Reserve, Oxbows River:

  • Land owners & managers working together -South Okanagan Wildlife Management Area
  • Managing the needs of Species at Risk
  • Historical overview & ranching history
Greg Tegart Retired Agrologist & Agriculture Manager Lavington, BC

Rob StewartEcosystems Biologist, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations, Penticton, BC

Christine Bishop – Research Scientist, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Pacific Wildlife Research Centre, Delta BC

Alex Mclean – Retired Range Agrologist Penticton, BC

White Lake Basin Rangelands:

  • Introduction to area grazing lands, history & current jurisdictions.
  • Species at Risk; key birds, rattlesnakes &  amphibians, their habits & habitats
  • Water Developments
  • Lunch
Wade CliftonRancher, 3rd generation Keremeos, BC

Christine Bishop – Research Scientist  ECCC [see above]

Darcy Henderson – Habitat Ecologist Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment & Climate Change Canada, Kelowna, BC

Nick Burdock The Nature Trust of BC’s, Okanagan Conservation Land Coordinator, Penticton BC

Barb PryceNature Conservancy of  Canada, Forester & Area Director, Penticton, BC

Historical View of Fairview Town Site;  

Local Resident

5:30 – 8:45 PM

Dinner – Social, Auction, HSYF Presentation

Sonora Community Centre 8505 – 68 Ave

Friday, June 10th      Bus Tour  8:15 AM –  2:00 PM, 2 CEU’s

Host – Rob Dinwoodie

Water and the Desert in the Aftermath of Fire, 2 CEU’s

West Chopaka –  Desert Grasslands

  • What can monitoring an exclosure tell us
  • Water developments & livestock distribution
  • Grazing management – history & current
Alex McLean – Retired Range Agrologist Penticton, BC

Cy Kelly & John Terbasket – Local Ranchers, Cawston, BC

Kirk Safford – Ecosystems Biologist BC Parks, Penticton,BC

Rob Dinwoodie Range Officer, BC Ministry of Forests, Lands & Natural Resource Operations, Vernon, BC

Kobau Mountain – Sage communities & Fire

  • Grazing History
  • Fire recovery consideration & strategies
  • Lunch enjoying the view
Kirk Safford – Ecosystems Biologist BC Parks, Penticton,BC

Local Rancher(s)

Rob Dinwoodie – Range Officer, FLNRO, Vernon, BC

Alex McLean – Retired Range Agrologist Penticton, BC

Spotted Lake – a rare phenomena

Photo Opportunity

We will visit range sites so remember to bring appropriate foot wear!

Osoyoos Accommodations.  Book accommodation directly at the hotel of your choice. Browse to Osoy0os/British Columbia Visitors’ Centre.  There are no blocked rooms.

CEU Credits.  2 CEU credits each for the tours on Thursday and Friday.  Download and fill out the CEU Documentation Form  and return it to the course facilitator for signature and forward to SRM.

CEU Workshop Roster (for facilitator’s use only)

US Citizens: If you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, you must carry proof of citizenship such as a passport, birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, a U.S. Permanent Resident Card, or a Certificate of Indian Status along with photo identification. U.S. citizens who are members of the NEXUS program can use their membership card as proof of identification and citizenship when entering Canada by land, air or water. This applies when you are using either conventional or NEXUS-only lanes. U.S. citizens who are members of FAST may use their membership card when entering Canada by land or water only.