We just conserved an extraordinary place, rich in species and habitat diversity, with a conservation easement (CE). The land is highly scenic with views along Indian Memorial Road of a beautiful stream valley—a vibrant meadow flanked by dark green mountain forests. The 389 acres include aspen stands, headwater streams, montane forests with grand old Pacific yews, and rocky meadows supporting biscuitroots and western juniper. Enchanted swampy patches host elephanthead flowers and spirea shrublands.
The diversity of landscapes across this easement area, along with its strategic location, makes for great wildlife habitat. Oregon Vesper Sparrows, currently being petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act, forage in the grasslands. During bird breeding season, the bugling call of Sandhill Cranes and the winnowing sound of diving Wilson’s Snipe resound in the meadows. The scat of American black bear and Roosevelt elk are sprinkled through the landscape. Pacific fishers and Great Gray Owls are likely present as well as bobcat, cougar, and coyote. The headwaters of a wetland and stream system flows from the property into the recently-renamed Latgawa Creek, within the Little Butte Creek Watershed. This watershed is a high priority for fish conservation in the Rogue Basin, and protecting lands in the upper reaches should help with water quality further downstream.
Pine at Buck Prairie photo by Frank Lospalluto
The now preserved area, within the traditional lands of the Takelma and Latgawa Tribes, had been a historic homestead; a small cabin and some old fenceposts remain. Located within the Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument, it is adjacent to largely federal lands, most which are designated old growth forests. Protecting lands near other conserved lands is a strategy we employ to maximize the benefit of conservation. In this case, the stream on the property flows across federal land and onto the 354-acre Vesper Meadow, also owned by the same landowner and protected with a CE.
We are grateful to Cory Ross who purchased both Vesper Meadow and Buck Prairie with conservation as her primary goal. In her own words: “This land is especially appealing and beautiful, being somewhat healthier than Vesper Meadow. Being within sight of Indian Memorial Road, the property called to us for years until we were able to acquire it. I believe in conservation since we need to have regenerative spaces to heal the negative impact we, as humans, are having on this planet. It benefits both the planet from our little corner, and also builds community, mutual support and healing within us which feeds my soul. I appreciate working with SOLC because the staff bring great expertise, joy and enthusiasm for conservation and education.”
Staff and board join landowners Cory Ross and Greg Conaway as they, and board president Keith Emerson, sign the conservation easement agreement during a small celebration in the SOLC office.
