BC Parks Foundation has welcomed the biggest expansion of Rosebud Lake Regional Park in its 30-year history, going from 16 hectares to 80 hectares of waterfront wonderland.
BC Parks Foundation CEO Andy Day says the increase is five times the size of the original park and provides more than just an increase in recreational opportunities for the public.
“It will protect the protected Western Painted Turtles and those are the only native freshwater turtle species in BC.” said Day.
“It’s going to be really critical for them and their habitat.”
This expansion brings much of the lake’s shoreline into the regional park. The shoreline and the upland leading into it are crucial for Western Painted Turtles, who stand out with their unique red and yellow stripes and can often be found sunbathing in the spring.
According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, the Western Painted Turtles are of special concern. They are especially vulnerable and under threat at their nesting stage. Predators and humans can damage their eggs. As a result, only one in five hatchlings make it to adulthood.
Meanwhile, Rosebud Lake is unique because it is fed by underground springs, further emphasizing the importance of protecting these lands.
BC Parks Foundation has purchased the land and worked along with Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) staff to support the expansion of the park, located north of the Nelway border crossing between Creston and Salmo.
In 2002, Regional District of Central Kootenay established “The Rosebud Lake Park Plan” which identified the need to expand the park to provide refuge for the wildlife and the ability to control the water levels that are critical for the park’s environment.
This announcement builds on parks being part of the climate solution and reducing the carbon pollution that is driving climate change.
“We have worked hard to secure the protection of the Western Painted Turtle and are happy to now have both the water and land protection to ensure the survival of the painted turtles,” says Hans Cunningham, RDCK Electoral Area G Director.
“This day wouldn’t have been possible without BC Parks Foundation working with Regional Parks staff to expand Rosebud Lake Regional Park. We are excited for the public to continue to access the Park as an outdoor recreation area.”
This park expansion demonstrates the strength of the Foundation’s partnerships with Environment and Climate Change Canada and The Wilson 5 Foundation.
“Expanding Rosebud Lake Regional Park not only safeguards critical habitat for Western Painted Turtles but also creates a space where people can stay active, explore, and connect with nature,” say Summer and Chip Wilson.
“This expansion ensures the heart of what makes BC extraordinary is protected forever.”
Public encouraged to use the park with care
Rosebud Lake Regional Park is known for its waterfront accessibility providing endless recreational opportunities to the public, including walking Trails, however, we are reminded to tread with care to preserve the flora and fauna in the area,
“Enjoy the area and obviously be very mindful and cautious about where you are and protecting the species that are there,” said Day.
“Enjoy it responsibly and safely.”
The RDCK will continue to operate Rosebud Lake Regional Park, including the additional land acquired, and will be taking over the rights and obligations of the water license to protect the painted turtles.
Park visitors must stay on existing roads and trails, although it’s important to note the area isn’t routinely maintained. In the future, the RDCK aims to work towards a management plan and upgrade basic amenities to the park. Planning efforts will include public consultation.
Day says projects like the Rosebud Lake Regional Park expansion couldn’t happen without British Columbians.
“It’s all essentially crowdfunded. It’s all done through a support community of everyday British Columbians and that says a lot to me about who we are in British Columbia and how much we care about this place and want to keep it beautiful.”
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