Goose Lake Range

Address

Goose Lake Range

Participating Community

Area B

Area C

City of Vernon

District of Coldstream

Status

Active

Project Description

The Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) is working on a development plan for the Goose Lake Range that offers residents and visitors a recreational experience that preserves the natural beauty and biodiversity of the area. Our draft plan includes three trail options which strike a balance between conservation and passive recreation. We've launched a public survey to get feedback on which option(s) the community prefers and why. The survey will be open until October 15.

Option 1 - View the full-sized map

Most involved trail option to maximize the user experience
Boardwalk construction that passes through riparian management areas provides wildlife view and wetland educational opportunities
Showcases the bio-diversity of the Goose Lake Range
Utilizes naturally elevated viewpoints providing panoramic views of the North Okanagan Valley

Option 2 - View the map

Most conservation focused option as it avoids crossing riparian management areas
Primarily follows grassland features
Utilizes naturally elevated viewpoints providing panoramic views of the North Okanagan Valley

Option 3 - View the map

Most accessibility-focused trail option
Boardwalk construction that passes through riparian management areas provides wildlife view and wetland educational opportunities
Showcases the bio-diversity of the Goose Lake Range
Avoids naturally elevated viewpoints to limit trail grades

The Goose Lake Range is a 46-hectare natural area situated on a broad plateau between Swan Lake and Okanagan Lake. This area contains vital natural habitats, provides opportunities for passive outdoor recreation, and preserves historical significance, such as the Grey Canal. Conservation is at the forefront of this plan, with many portions of the area being of high or very high conservation value.
The slopes in the area are gentle and long, with a few small wet draws that run approximately north to south and tie into the north end of Goose Lake near the dam. Between the draws lie native grasslands and rocky outcrops. The ecological values have been assessed, and recommendations to preserve these values are presented in the environmental assessment section.
The park is part of a larger area historically used for ranching and for defence ordinance and munitions training by the Canadian Department of Defence (DOD). As such, the potential of encountering munition items within the Goose Lake Range exists. Additionally, areas of the park have been identified as having high archaeological potential.
The development plan is guided by the framework developed for Goose Lake Range in the GVTNS Master Plan and specifically the four pillars of sustainability as they relate to the benefits of parks and trails: environmental, social, economic, and cultural.

Department Contact

Parks, Recreation & Culture