COLESTIN VALLEY, Ore. — Southern Oregon conservation groups have taken a significant step toward enhancing the region’s wildlife preservation efforts with the recent purchase of a 142-acre parcel in Bear Creek Gulch. The acquisition by the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC) strengthens ongoing initiatives to create a connected network of protected habitats for migratory species.
The newly acquired land, one of the largest properties within the conservancy’s network, is a critical addition to a broader conservation strategy aimed at protecting Southern Oregon’s diverse ecosystems. The region, known for its varied topography and rich biological diversity, includes a mixture of rocky cliffs, grasslands, multiple creeks, and tree-rich forests—elements that make it an ideal habitat for a wide range of wildlife.
Steve Wise, Executive Director of the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, emphasized the importance of these connected habitats for wildlife migration. “We’re looking to build that mosaic into connected corridors of protected and conserved habitats because that’s the most meaningful thing in the long run,” Wise said. The acquisition also enhances the diversity of the landscape, which is key to sustaining a broad array of plant and animal species.
The purchase of the Bear Creek Gulch property is valued at approximately $700,000, covering both the land acquisition and the ongoing funds for stewardship. These funds will support the long-term care of the property and contribute to the development of future conservation initiatives.
The acquisition is also strategically linked to another critical project in the region—the Mariposa Wildlife Crossing. This wildlife bridge, designed to safely guide animals across a busy highway, aims to reduce vehicle collisions and protect the migratory paths of wildlife in the area.
“This becomes the on-ramp to that wildlife crossing,” Wise explained. “The animals need safe places to go before and after they cross over the highway, and this is part of that migratory path that’s going to make it a healthier, safer place that’s going to sustain this landscape and its living communities, as far as we’re concerned, forever.”
The Mariposa Wildlife Crossing project, which has garnered significant support, is a testament to the growing recognition of the need for infrastructure that accommodates both human and wildlife needs. The crossing will help reduce the number of wildlife-vehicle collisions while providing animals with a safe route to travel between habitats.
As the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy continues to preserve critical habitats and promote ecological connectivity, the Bear Creek Gulch acquisition is seen as a pivotal moment in the effort to protect the region’s wildlife for generations to come.