809 Acres in Wolf Creek Donated to SOLC
Sourdough Gulch Ranch—there is a serenity and beauty here. The soothing sound of the creek just below and the mist-shrouded evergreen-covered slopes, the sun peeking through. I am standing on a property SOLC recently acquired, and its picturesque beauty strikes me.
A 6-acre reservoir
Mixed-forest meets pasture and meadows
This diverse and beautiful 809- acre property in northern Josephine County in the Grave Creek watershed, was deeded to SOLC on December 23, 2019. The property is abundant. Most of the property, about 700 acres, is heavily forested with mixed-forest of coniferous and deciduous trees. With a history of periodic commercial logging behind it, the forest shows vigorous re-growth. Some of the adjacent lands are owned by the BLM and managed as late-successional reserves.
Wolf Creek, an important fish bearing stream
To the south, about 3,100 feet of Wolf Creek runs through the property, with riparian trees like alder, big leaf maple, Oregon ash, cottonwood, and others. Wolf Creek is an important fish-bearing stream, providing habitat and cold water to the Rogue Basin. Another creek and tributaries flow through the property from the north, in addition to several seeps and springs.
The property is a great place to take a walk along several forest paths and through clearings and pastures. It might also be a great place to take a swim. An earthen dam constructed in 1966 creates a 6-acre reservoir, often visited by waterfowl. The main house sits next to the dam, perfectly situated to enjoy the scene.
The acquisition of Sourdough Gulch Ranch was the result of a unique and fruitful collaboration with a generous landowner who wished to donate the property. SOLC will sell the property subject to a conservation easement that will protect the important conservation values of the property.
As a result of this win-win transaction, the donor is able to achieve a lifelong goal of leaving a legacy of conserved land, while at the same time supporting the mission of SOLC. Not only will this project result in the conservation of this amazing property, but the proceeds from the sale will enable SOLC to work diligently on its mission to preserve special places in Southern Oregon. We are honored to protect and steward this property in perpetuity.
A steep oak woodland and grass meadow
A stump left by a beaver called a beaver chew
