RDCO to begin monitoring groundwater levels in north Crawford park

The Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) says groundwater monitoring work is set to begin at a regional park in the north Crawford neighbourhood.

According to the regional district, understanding the groundwater supply and water levels in the Woodhaven Nature Conservancy Regional Park is a “key” component to future restoration planning and park redevelopment.

Wayne Darlington, RDCO Director of Parks Services, says the nearly 30 hectare park has experienced floods, forest fires and “atmospheric climate change” over the past few years.

According to the RDCO, the multi-phased project will examine the long-term resiliency of the park. It will also help inform and develop an ecosystem restoration plan.

The project will see the installation of four groundwater monitoring wells and the collection of “hydrometric measurements” within the park.

Although the forest is “relatively intact,” the RDCO says tree health in the park has declined over time and mature trees are showing high mortality rates due to aging, climate change, increased urbanization and fluctuations in groundwater levels.

Surface and groundwater sources for the park include Bellevue Creek, North Fork Creek, Bonaparte Creek and natural springs.

“Groundwater data collected from these wells will provide valuable information about the Bellevue Creek Watershed and help determine water management in the Okanagan,” says Darlington in the release.

The release says the monitoring is funded through a $20,000 Water Conservation and Quality Improvement grant issued by the Okanagan Basin Water Board