Near Castlegar, Dove Hill is well known for its popular hiking trail overlooking snɬuxʷqnm (Castlegar), and its views of the nt̕əl̕txitkʷ (Kootenay River) below Kootenay Lake and ntx̌ʷitkʷ (Columbia River) below Arrow Lake. As the hill has been impacted by fire suppression and invasive species, the Okanagan Nation Alliance is undertaking a five-year project to restore 26 hectares of red-listed brushland and open forest.
Delivered in collaboration with the Osoyoos Indian Band, BC Wildfire, the Central Kootenay Invasive Species Society and other partners, the project includes forest thinning, prescribed fire, invasive plant management and the re-establishment of native and culturally important plants. This work will increase the resiliency of this important brushland ecosystem and, in turn, improve habitat for ungulates, species at risk such as p̓aʕs (common nighthawk) and culturally important plants like síyaʔ (saskatoon). It will also restore wildfire resilience in a historically fire-adapted landscape.
“This project supports the Syilx principle of suxwtxtəm, our inherent responsibility as caretakers of the land, and incorporates Syilx ecological knowledge and western science to inform our work,” said Alysia Dobie, tmxʷulaxʷ (Land) Technician, Okanagan Nation Alliance. “The aim is to enhance brushland health, protect native plant diversity and restore fire resiliency in a valued ecosystem to the benefit of both wildlife and community.”
