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As a natural resource, Okanagan Lake has a direct impact on the quality of life
residents enjoy, as well as, long-term social and economic conditions on communities
on the lake. The RDCO is committed to the protection of the natural environment
along the
foreshore, the protection of
kokanee spawning grounds
and the protection of the water quality of the Lake.
Developing around Okanagan Lake
In order to protect these values, the Regional District will: ensure strict adherence
to the
Land Development Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Habitat, which
are to:
- Provide and protect vegetated leave areas next to the lake
- Control soil erosion and sediment in run-off water
- Control rates of run-off to minimize impacts on the lake
- Control work and construction along the foreshore area
- Maintain fish passage in the lake for all salmonid life stages
- Prevent the discharge of deleterious substances into the lake
What about the Kokanee?
Okanagan Lake historically supported a large kokanee population. Recently the kokanee
population has undergone a significant decline. Key issues identified for the decline
included habitat deterioration, lake nutrient reduction and competition between
kokanee and mysis relicta. Public and government concern for their future led to
the formation of the
Okanagan Lake Action Plan.
This plan is attempting to address all of the physical and biological factors that
influence Okanagan Lake and the kokanee populations that inhabit it.
The Okanagan Basin Water Board reviews matters related to the control of
Eurasian Water milfoil weeds in Okanagan Lake.
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