Skip to content

Rosebud Lake Regional Park expanding to protect turtle habitat

BC Parks Foundation is supporting the expansion of the park between Salmo and Creston

For the first time in its 30-year history, Rosebud Lake Regional Park is expanding to five times its current size - from 16 hectares to more than 80. 

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, to include much of the lake's shoreline.

The shoreline of the lake is crucial nesting habitat for western painted turtles, which are the only native freshwater species found in B.C. These charming creatures stand out with their unique red and yellow stripes and can often be found sunbathing in the spring and summer months.

According to the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada, western painted turtles are of special concern. They are especially vulnerable and under threat at their nesting stage, as both predators and humans can damage their eggs. As a result, only one in five hatchlings make it to adulthood.  

"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 their survival," said Hans Cunningham, RDCK Electoral Area G director. “We are excited for the public to continue to access the park as an outdoor recreation area." 

In 2002, the RDCK identified the need to expand the park to provide refuge for wildlife and control the water levels critical to the park’s environment. Rosebud Lake is unique because it is fed by underground springs, further emphasizing the importance of protecting the land. 

The park expansion demonstrates the strength of the foundation’s partnerships with Environment and Climate Change Canada and The Wilson 5 Foundation, as they believe parks are part of the climate solution by reducing the carbon pollution that drives climate change.

“The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund is playing a key role in helping combat climate change and biodiversity loss, getting us closer to our national goal of conserving 30 per cent of land and water in Canada by 2030,” said Minister of Environment and Climate Change Steven Guilbeault.

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 western painted turtles.  

“We also recognize it’s a popular recreational area," BC Parks Foundation CEO Andy Day. "This announcement reflects our community’s commitment to provide opportunities for people to enjoy B.C. while conserving the incredible diversity of life that also lives here.” 

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. 



Kelsey Yates

About the Author: Kelsey Yates

Kelsey Yates has had a lifelong passion for newspapers and storytelling. Originally from Alberta, she graduated from SAIT Polytechnic's journalism program in 2016. Now she calls the Kootenays home.
Read more