The Okanagan River between Okanagan and Skaha lakes has been altered extensively over the years, from a meandering course with abundant riparian vegetation, to a channel through a highly developed landscape. What were once natural meanders of the Okanagan River have become cut off from the main river, and are now stranded as old river channels, or “oxbows”. Where healthy riparian areas once existed, there are now only remnant wetlands showing significant signs of neglect, with restricted riparian vegetation.