Save Sickle Point
The vision for Sickle Point
Sickle Point is envisioned as a nature park.
Access to the riparian and wetland areas would be restricted to appropriate trails and boardwalks as they are developed in the future. Interpretative signage would document First Nations culture and heritage in the area, and the habitat, wildlife and fish resources of the Skaha Lake area. Sickle Point would be available as an educational resource for local schools.
Why was it important to save Sickle Point?
Sickle Point has the highest conservation ranking (Class 1) by the Southern Okanagan Similkameen Biodiversity Conservation Strategy (Keeping Nature in Our Future).
Sickle Point's water birch and wild rose communities, which support endangered wildlife and aquatic species such as the Yellow-breasted Chat, Lewis’s Woodpecker, Western Rattlesnake and Pallid Bat, are red-listed by the province. Sickle Point is also part of the migratory path for both resident and migrant wildlife, including the American White Pelican and Sandhill Crane.
The proposal for conservation
Considerations
To the greatest extent possible, a philosophy of “just let it be” would be followed (i.e., a nature conserve/protected area, not a cultivated park) with consideration given to:
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replanting the upland area with native tree species, such as ponderosa pine, poplar and cottonwood
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rezoning of the property from RS-1 (low density residential) to PR (parks and recreation/conservation area)
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removing the marsh road in its entirety and allowing it to return to nature. This could be helped along with some vegetation restoration efforts.
Logistics/tactics
Community involvement sessions will be held, but some initial suggestions include:
• seeking First Nations involvement as part of the planning process
• placing No Camping, No Fires, and other signs
• signs identifying property status would be visible to guide any future access.
• installing educational signage along with rustic fencing to protect the southern riparian area surrounding the marsh. A similar approach could be taken at the northern end of the property, with signs highlighting upland vegetation and wildlife
• turning sections of the marsh road into a wildlife-viewing walkway with interpretive signage
• installing other interpretive boardwalk(s) on the property
• under professional supervision, restoring habitats damaged in the past
Save Sickle Point Tempest Theatre
Our video about Sickle Point was done to share the beauty of this precious space. We are very grateful to the Tempest Theatre and Film Society for their generosity in creating this for us. We are pleased that Don Gayton and Richard Cannings believed in our project to Save Sickle Point and made time to speak about this last remaining riparian area.
Naturally beautiful
When you walk toward Sickle Point, Oriole nests can be found along the KVR on the lake side of the trail. It is one of the few natural habitats left for the Orioles to build their nest.
We hope you enjoy this short video of an Oriole weaving its nest.
Sickle Point Committee
Thank you to those who pledged and/or volunteered to save Sickle Point. It was an exceptional effort. We were unable to raise the amount necessary in time to purchase the land by the court deadline. We are grateful that a conservation minded individual was able to purchase Sickle Point with plans to donate the land to a land trust to save it and its ecological values in perpetuity.
If you pledged a donation to Sickle Point thank you for your support. Your pledge amount is not needed at this time. There may be a time when you can again help by being part of future restoration and other initiatives that will enhance wildlife values at this special wetland property. Please stay tuned.
Facebook group: Save Sickle Point
Email: chair@kaledencommunity.com