Munson pond - before and after road development

Left - Google maps view of Munson Pond as of May 15, 2025
Right - Future view of Munson Pond from Google maps

Munson Pond is a jewel of Kelowna.  Even though it used to be an open gravel pit, it is now home to countless birds and mammals and a haven for humans needing peace, a breath of fresh air, and a touch of nature.  Western Pond turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act.  Their population is such that people lose count when trying to ascertain their number.  

With the proposed road development, Munson Pond will lose valuable ecologically important land, will suffer from an increase in urban traffic, and will likely be affected by nearby housing developments that are sure to come.  All of this development will put more pressure on the inhabitants and result in a decrease in both biodiversity and population.  

A further injury to the pond will be an increase in eutrophication due to nearby residential and commercial development.  Nitrates, phosphates, insecticides, and herbicides will affect plankton growth that will in turn reduce the water quality of the pond.  An increase in summer and winter kills will destroy native populations and allow invasive species such as goldfish and red-eared turtles to thrive.

The pond could turn into a stinking slough from the decomposition of abundant biomatter.  The once vibrant jewel of Kelowna could become a putrid mess.  All for the want of road construction.  That's where Munson Pond's eventual destruction begins.

Thanks for reading.

Eric Svendsen     www.ericspix.com

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