Leave lake debris on beaches for now

The public is being asked not to clean up debris they may see washed up on beaches along Okanagan Lake.

With the lake currently sitting above full pool, debris like branches and leaves provide a natural barrier to erosion to beaches

“While it may seem intuitive to pick up branches and debris to keep our beaches clean, those natural woody materials actually help break the waves and keep our beaches from eroding so we can enjoy them for years to come,” said Melanie Steppuhn, Park & Landscape Planner with the City of Kelowna. “Right now we ask that residents leave this debris where it is for a few weeks until we see the water at lower levels.”

Steppuhn said the debris protects the sands and gravels of the beachfront.

“It’s nature’s way of keeping the beach in place, and it is especially important to do so when the lake is at high levels, as it is right now.”

Once lake levels drop, the debris can be cleaned up.