After seeing a photograph of Spotted Lake by Becky Wolfe on the Earth, Sea and Sky Photo Critique Forum (the photo will scroll off in a few weeks, but for now see the post on 07/12/06 at 9:23 pm EST), I had to see the lake in person, so I made the trip on Saturday. A small roadside stop is the best vantage point without trespassing on lands belonging to the Okanagan First Nations, so photographic opportunities and perspectives were limited. Along with a number of photographs of the lake, I thought it might be interesting to also use it as a background for a few plant images, as you see in today's photo.
Crested wheatgrass was introduced into North America from the steppes of Russia. Although useful as a forage crop and a stabilizer in battling erosion, it does the latter job so well that it both displaces and prevents re-establishment of native grasses. If the Proposed South Okanagan-Similkameen National Park Reserve ever becomes established, I imagine it is going to be very laborious to control the introduced grasses in the area.
By the way, you can help establish the National Park Reserve by signing the petition – I have, and I'm number 1056. I don't often ask for much from you (other than patience!), but if you could spend a small bit of time informing yourself about the proposed park and signing the petition if you agree, I'd appreciate it.
A few more links about Spotted Lake to end today's blurb: Spotted Lake from the Air and Paintings of Spotted Lake (via Vanishing British Columbia, a site by writer and artist Michael Kluckner).
I'm #1070.
Thanks Bill!
I'm number 1079. Signing was painless, and took less than a minute.
I don't think that my signature would be valid in Canada! However, the lake is really interesting.
When I first saw the image I wondered just what kind of weird clouds you all have up there!! But your comments soon clarified the use of this lake as the background.
Good luck on accomplishing the petition. Aquatic habitats are so important and seem to be the most imperiled of any habitat, especially in the states since they tend to occur where human development and growth soon reach out to! While I commend the Nature Conservancy for protecting these floundering wild lands their (the Nature Conservancy) presence says it all! The days of WILDerness seem to becoming only passing memories!