A landowners' guide to living in the
OKANAGAN MOUNTAIN-K'NMALKA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR
The Okanagan Mountain–k’nmalka Wildlife Corridor is a vital stretch of connected habitat in the Central Okanagan. Spanning approximately 65 km, it links Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park with k’nmalka (Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park)—forming the last intact low-elevation route for wildlife on the east side of Okanagan Lake.
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This corridor supports a wide range of large mammals—including black bears, deer, moose, elk, cougars, and even grizzly bears—that depend on continuous landscapes to migrate, find food and water, breed, and adapt to climate change. The corridor also falls within one of Canada’s most biodiversity-rich regions, home to some of the highest concentrations of species at risk in the country.
But these connections are under threat. Urban sprawl, road building, agriculture, and fencing fragment habitat and limit the movement of wildlife. Climate change is also shifting ecosystems—making connectivity more important than ever.
Your Role as a Land Steward
As a landowner or farmer within this corridor, your property is part of a larger, living network. Simple, intentional choices—like installing wildlife-friendly fencing, maintaining natural vegetation, managing livestock to prevent disease transmission to wild bighorn sheep, and keeping attractants secured—can have a big impact.
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Together, through thoughtful stewardship and small changes on the ground, landowners play a pivotal role in keeping this corridor open, healthy, and functioning for generations of wildlife and people alike.
A wildlife corridor is a connected strip of natural habitat that allows animals to move safely across the landscape.
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In the case of the Okanagan Mountain–k’nmalka Corridor, this means a mostly continuous stretch of grasslands, forests, and riparian areas that links Okanagan Mountain Provincial Park to k’nmalka (Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park). It runs through private land, farms, homesteads, and natural areas—forming a lifeline for wildlife.
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Corridors are used by animals to:
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Find food, water, and shelter
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Migrate between seasonal ranges
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Mate and maintain healthy populations
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Move during emergencies like wildfires
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Adapt to climate change by shifting their range
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Wildlife in the Corridor
Many animals, especially larger ones like deer, bears, elk, and cougars, rely on these corridors to roam. Without safe and connected habitat, they face increased risks of road collisions, food shortages, and population isolation.
Ecosystems in the Corridor
Keeping natural areas connected and protected supports the health and function of wildlife habitats. These areas are critical not only for our survival, our economic security, health and well-being, but also for wildlife that depend upon them. Our region is one of the fastest growing in Canada, and the ability of the landscape to provide essential functions such as habitat for species, pollination, flood mitigation, and clean air and water is at risk if we don't protect local ecosystems.
What You Can Do | Best Management Practices
Wildlife Friendly Fencing
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Remove or modify unused fences (especially old barbed wire).
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Use wildlife-friendly designs (e.g., smooth top and bottom wire, 16-inch clearance for deer/elk passage).
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Fence placement that avoids key travel routes (e.g., ridgelines, riparian areas).
Livestock and Domestic Animal Management
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Prevent contact between domestic and wild sheep to avoid disease transmission
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Double fencing or at least 10 ft separation.
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Avoid grazing domestic sheep/goats in bighorn sheep range.
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Keep guard animals and pets under control to avoid wildlife harassment.
Grassland and Forest Stewardship
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Manage for native grasses and shrubs (limit overgrazing, invasive species).
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Promote patchy forest structures—thinning where appropriate to mimic natural disturbance.
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Consider removal of ladder fuels to maintain open habitat and reduce wildfire risk.
Reduce or Eliminate Rodenticide Use
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Prevent contact between domestic and wild sheep to avoid disease transmission
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Double fencing or at least 10 ft separation.
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Avoid grazing domestic sheep/goats in bighorn sheep range.
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Keep guard animals and pets under control to avoid wildlife harassment.
Habitat Connectivity
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Maintain native vegetation cover along natural travel routes (valley bottoms, draws, ridgelines).
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Avoid fragmenting land with impermeable features (e.g., buildings, continuous fencing).
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Community based: Where possible, coordinate habitat protection/wildlife passage with neighbours.
Water Sources and Riparian Stewardship
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Protect water access for wildlife
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Maintain natural springs or seepage areas.
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Maintain healthy riparian vegetation to shade waters and help keep them cool.
Attractant Management
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Secure garbage, compost, and livestock feed.
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Use electric fencing for orchards, chicken coops, and beehives if needed.
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Avoid feeding wildlife (directly or indirectly)
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Link to Wildsafe BC
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Coexisting with grizzly bears youtube video
Roads & Vehicle Use
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Minimize new road/trail construction.
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Close or rehabilitate unnecessary roads/trails.
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Drive cautiously, especially at dawn/dusk to avoid wildlife collisions. Brake for snakes
Resources
BC Wildsafe
iNaturalist
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Action Plan