Success! Juniper Ridge grassland area is now protected!
In February, the BC Parks Foundation stepped up to bid on 5 parcels of private land for sale in the grasslands above Juniper Ridge (as shown in the photo!), starting 0.5 km to the east of Rose Hill Road. Scott Road runs through the middle of the 517 acres (209 Ha) of area. They had a little over 3 million dollars to start; a donation of another million from an anonymous donor left only a final million to raise before the deadline of March 17 (which was later extended to March 31). They started a crowdfunding campaign, and with the aid of various local groups including the Kamloops Naturalist Club and the Grasslands Conservation council, held a news conference, sent out press releases and arranged for interviews to publicize it. Lots of people and groups (including Transition Kamloops!) from the local area stepped up to donate amounts large and small; they were joined by folks from across the province as the time counted down to the deadline. A donation from Environment and Climate Change Canada helped push the campaign over the top—the land is now secured!
Within the city boundaries, but not suitable for construction of multifamily housing, this area will be an excellent addition to the city’s—and the province’s—protected areas. It is grassland, one of the rarest ecosystems in BC: although previously extensive, grasslands now cover only 1% of the province. The rarity of grasslands is not the main reason for their importance, however: they sequester more carbon than forests, and are vital for producing clean air and water, preventing erosion, and supporting biodiversity, including threatened bighorn sheep, badgers, butterflies and various at-risk plants. Over 30 species of birds have been seen in the Juniper Ridge grassland area and some of the trees that dot the landscape are more than 250 years old. Although nearly all of BC’s grassland plant communities are considered at risk, few are protected, making conservation efforts like this one critical.
In the coming months, the BC Parks Foundation will be working with local groups to assess the status of the habitat and of many of the species found there. The goal will be a management plan that balances human use with the need for protection in a way that will ensure the continued health of the ecosystem. We can look forward to learning more about the Juniper Ridge grassland in the months to come! For more information, check out: https://bcparksfoundation.ca/press-room/a-natural-winner-community-crowdfunding-campaign-combines-with-major-funders-to-protect-area-on-juniper-ridge-in-kamloops/
Photo credit: Doug Smith
Transition Kamloops
Transition Kamloops is a volunteer-driven, registered not-for-profit society focused on increasing local resilience and self-sufficiency in food, water, energy, culture and wellness. We emphasize a local economy, healthy ecosystems, and grassroots community building, while reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. We believe in a better way: a community that sustains life in all its diversity, strives for equality and justice and invests in the future.
Transition Kamloops recognizes that we are living on Secwépemcul’ecw—land that was never ceded to settlers, and continues to be home to vibrant Indigenous cultures, languages, and traditions. We acknowledge the impact of colonization, forced displacement, and ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples. We commit to listening, learning, and building positive relationships with Indigenous communities as we work towards reconciliation.
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