South Okanagan Conservation Fund Leverages Additional $2.5 Million for Conservation Work

SOSCP Program Manager Bryn White presented the final South Okanagan Conservation Fund 2018 project results at the Regional District Board this past April 18th. These were the first projects ever funded under the new conservation fund program established in 2016. “All projects have been completed and final reporting requirements met, with one coming forward shortly to request an extension.” The seven projects were funded to the tune of $400,000 from the newly established South Okanagan Conservation Fund. “The incredible thing”, said White, “is that we knew that these funds would leverage outside sources of support but we didn’t realize it would be so significant with $2.5 Million raised from other sources, and $151,000 of in-kind contributions.” SOSCP assists the Regional District Okanagan Similkameen with administration of the South Okanagan Conservation Fund. “The first year has been an incredible success”, says White, “what an amazing model for achieving local sustainability priorities.” SOSCP has developed a guide to help other local governments and community organizations explore the development of local conservation funds in their own communities. The guide can be found here.