Welcome to The White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch
The White Lake Basin Biodiversity Ranch was initiated by The Nature Trust of British Columbia in 2000 with support from our conservation partners.
The Biodiversity Ranch, comprised of 8,056 hectares of private land, leased land, and Crown grazing license, is an innovative approach to conservation and management in BC. The principal goal is conserving the diversity of the native species and ecosystems within the context of a viable working cattle ranch.
The White Lake Basin is one of the largest intact grassland areas in the South Okanagan. Within the boundaries of the Biodiversity Ranch, 57 species at risk have been identified along with 27 red- and blue-listed plant communities.
White Lake is one of 11,000 sites that have been designated as Important Bird Areas (IBAs) worldwide.
The important Bird Areas Program of Birdlife Interactional is a global network of sites that support significant populations of birds, including rare and endangered species. The White Lake IBA, predominantly grassland and sagebrush habitat, with some ponderosa pine and mixed forest and an alkali lake, is one of the classic birdwatching locations in British Columbia.
Conservation Initiatives in the White Lake IBA
As a key member of the South Okanagan Similkameen Conservation Program, The Nature Trust of British Columbia works in cooperation with other conservation organizations, the National Research Council and the Clifton Ranch to protect the diversity of habitats and species in the IBA.
Why is White Lake an Important Bird Area?
The White Lake basin was designate an Important Bird Area because it supports several birds listed by the Canadian Species at Risk Act, notably Sage Thrasher, Western Screech Owl, Common Nighthawk, and Flammulated Owl. This IBA also has nesting Grasshopper Sparrows and Lark Sparrows, which are species of concern in British Columbia. The IBA is also good habitat for other grassland animals, such as Western Harvest Mouse, Tiger Salamander, Great Basin Spadefoot Toad and Western Rattlesnake.
Are Important Bird Areas protected?
The Important Bird Area (IBA) designation is a scientific, not a legal one. However, much of the area within the White Lake IBA is managed to benefit biodiversity. About a quarter of the site is protected within White Lake Grasslands Protected Area under B.C. Parks. Most of the remaining area is private land, owned by the National Research Council and leases to The Nature Trust of British Columbia and Tifton Ranch. Outside these areas, help from private landowners is needed to protect habitat.
Help conserve IBAS
Grassland birds need help to survive. You can support them and their habitat by keeping dogs on a leash, driving slowly to avoid hitting birds and other animals, participating in bird monitoring and stewardship activities, spading the word, and supporting organizations involved in IBA conservation.
Sage Thrasher