Oyama family donates ecogift to DUC

Kelowna, B.C., June 4, 2009 - A family from Oyama made a generous contribution to conservation, donating a wetland parcel to Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC). The property lies between Wood and Kalamalka Lakes in B.C.’s central Okanagan Valley.

“We inherited this land from my father and for years enjoyed having nature right on our doorstep,” said David Young of the four-acre wetland parcel.

“Donating this land to Ducks Unlimited made sense because of their commitment to protecting natural areas like this. We can rest assured that future generations will continue to enjoy our wetland.”

Brad Arner, B.C.’s manager of conservation programs commented, “DUC is pleased to receive this generous land donation from the Young family."

“Up to 85% of Okanagan Valley wetlands have been drained or filled in. Those that remain are in great jeopardy due to gradual urban growth and increased competition for land. Conserving wetlands like this is increasingly important not only for the wildlife that depend upon them but for the important role they play in water conservation.”

The Oyama wetland provides a migration stopover along the Okanagan Valley, an important corridor of the Pacific Flyway. Waterfowl observed at the property include mallard, green- and blue-winged teal, cinnamon teal, gadwall, bufflehead, redhead and Canada goose. Bald eagles, osprey, red-tailed hawks, pheasants, songbirds, amphibians and reptiles are also commonly sighted. Fish from Kalamalka Lake also spawn in the wetland.

DUC plans to maintain the wetland habitat in a productive and natural state and in the future may offer programs to enhance community awareness of wetland values and DUC’s role in conserving them.

Wetlands play an integral role in contributing to the environmental and economic health of B.C.’s towns and cities. Valued not only for their recreational appeal, wetlands provide critical waterfowl and other wildlife habitat, improve water quality, minimize the effects of flooding and droughts and also have the potential to remove and store greenhouse gases from the Earth’s atmosphere.
Funding assistance for the ongoing habitat management and operation is provided by the Habitat Conservation Trust Foundation, Ducks Unlimited Canada and our conservation partners, and DUC’s many volunteers from across B.C.

Ducks Unlimited Canada conserves, restores and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. DUC has been committed to wetland conservation for more than 70 years.

For more information contact:

Wendy Fister w_fister@ducks.ca
Marketing & Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Phone: (604) 312-4632