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Sharon Shepherd Thank you for the opportunity to meet with you last week and discuss the project plan the Canadian EarthCare Society has of establishing a wildlife recovery centre here in the central part of the Okanagan Valley. As you are now aware, no such facility exists in the Central Okanagan – and the need is overwhelming. Please find attached information that outlines our plans and concept of this project. Please consider that while great energy and time has already gone into the project, it is still a very fluent and flexible template outline. There are still many unknowns such as land, buildings …that make more exact budgets and detailed planning difficult. With that in mind our business plan is generally top heavy in the hopes of overestimating rather than under. In reality our first year or two of operation could be significantly less than projected through the benefits of partnerships, stakeholder cooperation, donations, volunteers, and lower overhead and staffing costs. It is our hope that the Regional District of the Central Okanagan will be a significant partner or contributor to this vital project. In our research work the most suitable and logical site for such a project in the Kelowna area would be somewhere within the large Coyote Ridge Park, belonging to the RDOC. EarthCare/OWRC members have had two very respectful, informative and enjoyable meetings with Bill Vos and staff members and have asked them to consider their support and input into the possibility of utilizing land at that site for the project. In a nutshell we see the full two-phase project needing a minimum of five acres, but ideally up to 30 acres to operate efficiently and effectively. (Please see Phase Two outline attached). It is clear that this marvelous project will need the cooperation and teamwork of many Okanagan stakeholders to be successful. We firmly believe that not only will such a facility be of tremendous value in assisting injured wildlife and maintain a healthier environment, but also as an educational tool for students and adults, and a tremendous tourist and visitor draw to Coyote Ridge Park. Many of you, like myself, are born and raised (or at least longtime) Okanagan residents - and do not have to be reminded how much habitat and wildlife we have already lost in our lovely valley. That impact will not diminish. Last year’s fire was another harsh reminder of how fragile our ecosystem is. Collectively, through this project, we have an opportunity to make a huge and significant positive difference in mitigating some of that harm today and in the future. We present this information package to you in the sincere hopes that you will find the ways and means to help make this dream a reality. On behalf of the members, volunteers, and board of directors of the Canadian EarthCare Society, and Okanagan Wildlife Recovery Centre (OWRC) project members – I thank you for your time and energy. With respect, Charlie Hodge
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Canadian EarthCare Society Street Address: |
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EarthCare asks RDCO to support
Okanagan Wildlife Recovery Centre project |