The recommendations are coming in!  Residents and stakeholders are getting involved by sharing their ideas as a management plan is being developed for the Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park.  The management plan is in its final stages and the Regional District is still eager for your feedback.

The second of two Open Houses is planned for Saturday, June 28th from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market (corner of Dilworth Drive and Springfield Road).  Interested residents are welcome to drop in, learn about the recommendations for the Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park and provide their comments, ideas and suggestions.

Throughout the public process to develop the management plan, information and an on-line survey can be found at regionaldistrict.com/parksmanagementplans.  It’s anticipated a draft plan will be presented early this fall for consideration of the Regional Board.

Development of the Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park Management Plan involves extensive input and participation from stakeholders, along with opportunities for residents of the Central Okanagan and neighbours of the park to become involved.

Last year the Regional District and Central Okanagan Land Trust (COLT) announced their partnership in protecting 323-hectares of land donated to COLT from the estate of Alfred and Nancy Johns, protecting it as an undeveloped park for wildlife.  These lands along the south slopes were combined with the almost 80-hectares of Cedar Mountain Regional Park just off Chute Lake Road for the new Johns Family Nature Conservancy Regional Park.

In respecting the wishes of the Johns family, the proposed recommendations set out a long-term vision for the park and establish the goals and standards under which the Regional District will operate, manage and steward the habitat values of these ecologically significant lands, while providing educational and recreational outdoor experiences. The District is looking to create a sustainable balance between habitat and wildlife protection and access to the lands.

News from © iNFOnews, 2014