Return Service Requested Nonprofit Org. Postage PAID Medford, OR Permit #149

P.O. Box 954 Ashland, OR 97520

Spring 2014

Siskiyou Summit Land Protected

spectacular 166-acre property on the Siskiyou This area is historically an important transportation corri- ASummit near the Mt. Ashland Ski Rd. was dor. East of the property Native Americans maintained and recently protected thanks to Jud Parsons, long-time used a trail over the Summit, a low point in the mountains Southern Oregon landowner and fruit grower. This between the Rogue Valley and the Colestin and Shasta 541.482.3069 working forest will now be protected from Valley. The Hudson Bay Company used the development and clear-cutting, while al- same trail while hunting for fur-bearing animals, [email protected] facebook.com/landconserve lowing sustainable timber harvest. 166 Acres named it the Siskiyou Trail, and it then became www.landconserve.org twitter.com/landconserve Conserved The outstanding wetlands and springs on part of the trade route between the Willamette the property feed headwater streams in • Water Resources and Sacramento valleys. Later, two modern Founded in 1978, the Southern Oregon Land Conservancy works to protect and enhance precious land in the the Bear Creek watershed and support • Working Forest transportation routes were established near the Rogue River region to benefit our natural and human communities. gorgeous old alder and fern forests. The • Wildlife Habitat old Siskiyou Trail: I-5 and the Central Oregon mountain forest and water resources pro- Pacific Railroad, which crosses the property. Board of Directors vide habitat for numerous wildlife species The protection of this property expands the net- Pat Acklin, President Donald Rubenstein, Secretary Kathleen Donham Dan O’Connor including the Pacific fisher, Roosevelt elk, black bear work of protected lands held by the Southern Oregon Land Donna Rhee, Vice-president Tom Atzet, PhD Julie Lockhart Dave Picanso and cougar. The property is also home to declining Conservancy within the Siskiyou Summit/Colestin Valley Bill Morrish, Treasurer Charles Bennett Dan Kellogg Eric Poole Printed on 100% post-consumer recycled paper bird species such as the band-tailed pigeon, pileated conservation focus area and protects the viewshed from I-5. woodpecker, olive-sided flycatcher and northern Jud, whose family history in this region goes back to 1908 Trustee Council goshawk. The property is adjacent to Bureau of Land when his grandfather purchased Hillcrest Orchards, has a Management land which is designated as Critical Al Buck Paul Imperia, MD Karen Smith Jeanne Taylor strong commitment to healthy forest and farm stewardship Karen DeBoer Judson Parsons Kara Olmo Bill Thorndike, Jr. Habitat for the federally endangered northern spot- and conservation. He believes you can protect ecological Paul Hill Sarah Sameh Nancy Tait Sam Whitford ted owl. values while also retaining economic land uses. The property flanks the northeast slopes of Ogden We are grateful to Jud for placing this important piece of Staff Hill, named after the Hudson Bay Company explorer land in our trust to preserve this working forest and critical Peter Skene Ogden. In 1827 Ogden and his group Alex Liston Dykema, Craig Harper, Conservation Project Manager wildlife corridor in perpetuity. 8 Attorney were the first documented Europeans to cross the Diane Garcia, Executive Director Kristi Mergenthaler, Land Steward Siskiyou Summit into present day Oregon. not only the baby boomers who are driving this. The new economy of ru- Member Director’s ral areas favors individual enterprise. Richard Hay Technology makes it possible for Profile many people to work from anywhere, and this is driving the rural popula- Patton, the lighting designer for the What made you decide to join the tion increase. Oregon Shakespeare Festival to come Southern Oregon Land Conservancy? Message up for the summer of 1950 to assist him. Americans are always moving to the When I first drove into the valley on We sold fireworks outside Medford Diane Garcia, Executive Director next last best place. People are leaving Old 99 from California in 1950, I to cover the cost. I was asked back by Colorado for Montana, California for was struck by its beauty. Later, after Angus Bowmer, founder of OSF, to be I moved here permanently in 1969, Oregon, etc. All of this has an impact technical director and designer in 1952. In 2013, SOLC celebrated its 35th ed to grow at an unprecedented rate, on how we live and the quality of our I became aware of the impact of the I’ve been involved off and on since then. growing population and its activities anniversary as this region’s land con- especially in rural areas. What’s driving lives. Most importantly, it means we What does your job with the Oregon on the land, and so when I first heard servation organization. Since 1978, this growth? Open space amenities. have to work harder to ensure that Shakespeare Festival entail? of the Land Conservancy, I joined to our founding year, we can look back what we love about rural Oregon support its mission. and see enormous changes that have stays that way. Early on when there were only summer Richard Hay, set designer for the Oregon taken place in our area and the world. seasons, I designed and built (with What has kept you a member for 30 Protecting plants, wildlife, habitat, Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, has been volunteer help) sets and props. I years? a member of the Southern Oregon Land Population nearly doubled in South- rivers and streams, farms, productive designed the present Elizabethan stage Conservancy for 30 years. We recently asked We need to be vigilant to preserve the ern Oregon and in the state. Jackson lands and scenic views will become Richard to tell us a little about himeself and house; later, I designed the Angus special (and ordinary) beautiful places even more important in the coming County’s population in 1978 was es- why he supports our work. Bowmer stage. When OSF went on in our region. The Southern Oregon timated at 118,500 and in 2012 it was years. Our VISION 20/20 initiative Do you have a favorite memory of time year-round operation, I quit my teaching Land Conservancy gives particular 206,412. That means more housing is how we plan to ensure that what spent outdoors as a child? job at Stanford and moved to Ashland. attention to our local conservation we love most about Southern Oregon I have been designing scenery at OSF was built and more land was devel- A fall cookout and camping with goals-which is of special interest to me. oped. Services were expanded to ac- stays that way for the next 35 years since. Most recently I designed the friends by a local stream - first time on theatre space of the Thomas Theatre. What’s your favorite outdoor place? commodate that growing population. and beyond. Let’s work together to our own! Then, family vacations in Around my cabin at Hyatt lake. The baby boomers led the migration make it happen! Colorado’s Estes Park. Later, in high How have things changed for you since from California and elsewhere. school, hiking in the Rockies with beginning your career? science classmates and our inspiring And we have been forever changed by More and more young people are drawn Once upon a time I could do “all- Thank you Richard for supporting our For the land, science teacher. Still later, backpacking advances in technology. Everything to areas with outdoor recreation and nighters” and work all week; I designed work for 30 years! on the PCT in the Sierras. from VCRs to fax machines to cell- are willing to give up more lucrative city all the shows at OSF. Now, in my phones. (I remember renting a VCR jobs to be close to their favorite ski slope What brought you to Southern Oregon? maturity I’m doing much less! in the late 70s for $5/night to watch or trail or river. While I was an undergraduate at a movie.) Counties with national forests, recre- Stanford, I was persuaded by Bill So, what’s in store for the next 35 ation opportunities, natural resources years? and aesthetic qualities are experiencing Ask Alex (continued from pg. 5) tion agreements with the landowners comes across a piece of land worthy I recently read that the west is expect- higher population growth rates. But it’s This agreement becomes part of the that identify the conservation values of protection, we must work with title to the property so that all future present on the land and what kinds of the landowner to determine what the owners of the land must adhere to it. activities need to be limited to ensure best tool will be that meets both the that those values are not disturbed or landowner’s needs and SOLC’s cri- Printing for Conservation Many land trusts own land as a way diminished over time. teria. We must consider how best to to keep it in pristine condition and There are advantages and disadvan- protect the land, taking into account Printing for Conservation is a partnership between Printing for Conservation manage it using best management For every tages to both owning land and hold- what the costs will be, what the risk Pronto Print and the Southern Oregon Land practices. The Southern Oregon Land purchase made, Pronto Print will ing conservation agreements. We’ll and associated management needs Conservancy. By purchasing print and print-related donate 12% back to us! Conservancy owns only one piece leave that to the next edition of the will be, and the capacity of the orga- items through this program, you can of land, the Williams Creek Pre- newsletter. Suffice to say when the nization to meet future demands. support our work! Details at www.landconserve.org serve. Of the other 57 properties we have protected, we have conserva- Southern Oregon Land Conservancy 2 7 Colestin Valley-Siskiyou Summit One Fence, No Fence, Wildlife-Friendly Fence The Colestin Valley and Siskiyou The word “fence” originated in Old English from “defens”, be especially lethal to wildlife and pets, so consider either Summit focus area is extraordinary, Conservation Area Update meaning defense. The first fences were built to defend tightening the wire or recycling it. with a unique blend of working communities from warfare and were intrinsically tied with Summit area. the private landowner who conserves The perfect wildlife-friendly fence is highly visible and allows lands, both agricultural and forestry, the public interest.” The Colestin the spread of agriculture. Fences were strongly associated animals to jump over or crawl under without injury. The and magnificent natural areas. The Part of the 87,000-acre Cascade- with the emerging concept of private property. Today Valley-Siskiyou Summit area is top rail or strand should be less than 40 inches tall and even Siskiyou Summit is part of the vital Siskiyou National Monument fences keep open range cattle out or enclose grazing ani- shorter across steep slopes. The top two wires should be more “land bridge” between the Cascade lies within this focus area and is mals in pastures. They exclude deer from vegetable gardens than 12 inches apart and the bottom at least 18 inches above designated for preservation. Our goal and keep dogs safely in the and Siskiyou Mountains, which the ground. Ideally, the top allows wildlife migration and plant is to protect more private lands in the yard. Fences serve as prop- and bottom wire are smooth, Colestin Valley/Siskiyou Summit. erty boundaries and deter dispersal between the two regions. not barbed. Fences can be To this end, Southern Oregon trespassing and obnoxious The Colestin Valley lies at the foot of made more visible by install- Land Conservancy staff met with neighbors. They can be beau- ing a top rail or PVC pipe the land bridge and contains crucial tiful or pragmatic structures. wildlife habitat including valuable landowners in February to discuss on the top wire and adding tools for protecting precious lands. Fences are extremely use- flagging or fencing markers. oak woodlands, meadows and We believe that working lands and a case in point, because much ful, but they can also harm If you need to keep deer and chaparral. The area has a remarkable wildlife. private landowners can work hand- of the connecting land between elk out of your garden, build number of birds and butterflies the Federally-managed National One study in Montana found in-hand with conservation; in fact, a fence at least 7 to 8 feet tall and is home to many rare animals Monument and U.S. Forest Service that for every five miles of and make the top visible with effective conservation cannot occur and plants, including the Pacific lands to the west is privately-owned. fencing, two deer or elk flagging or markers. Other fisherand Greene’s mariposa-lily without private landowners as stated were killed each year. Most solutions may be seasonal by renowned naturalist Aldo Leopold In fact, over 30% of the Cascade- (pictured), which likes to grow with Siskiyou National Monument is still animals die by getting tangled electric fencing, low post rail native bunchgrasses in the Siskiyou when he wrote, “Conservation will in the upper two wires and or zigzagging worm fences, ultimately boil down to rewarding in private hands. young animals are four times Northern Harrier by Frank Lospalluto hedgerows, and boundary SOLC currently protects 235 acres more likely to die than adults. markers. When maintaining of land on three private properties in Mortality is highest after fawns are weaned. Pregnant and wire fences, barbed strands can be replaced with smooth wire. Yogurt for Conservation the Colestin Valley, and an additional winter-stressed wildlife are also very susceptible. Most A number of landowners of privately protected lands that we 1,466 acres on two properties on the animal fatalities occur with fencing that is taller than 40 work with are building and modifying fences to help wildlife. Siskiyou Summit. This spring we inches, with the most lethal combination being woven wire At the Greenwood Preserve north of Lakeview, wildlife- topped with barb wire. Waterfowl migrating along water- will complete another project in this friendly fencing was installed to keep open range cattle out of focus area adding 166 more acres. ways and owls and hawks hunting in open areas can also wetlands, and the owners have painstakingly installed fence collide with fencing. markers to reduce sage grouse collisions. Out at the coast, Our ultimate goal is to join with So what can a responsible landowner do? Fortunately, landowners are building beautiful fences that keep cows in the local landowners to knit together many of the solutions are generally inexpensive and may pasture and allow elk to migrate. At Howard Prairie, seasonal When you feel the urge for a bowl of delicious frozen delight, the existing protected lands with reduce the labor and expense of repairing fences that are fencing around a prairie and aspen wetland is laid on the head to one of the Yogurt Hut’s four locations and choose “Number 8” additional properties. This will form damaged by wildlife. ground before winter (shown in photo above). As part of our at the cashier. They’ll donate 10% back to support our work! a relatively uninterrupted corridor conservation agreement in open range outside of Ashland, Here’s an easy solution: if you don’t really need a fence, The Yogurt Hut is located at 140 Lithia Way in Ashland, 1345 Center Drive and 67 for wildlife between the Cascades don’t build it. If you have old fencing no longer in use, the landowner is building wildlife-friendly fencing around Rossanly Dr (REI Shopping Center) in Medford and at 162 N. Beacon in Grants Pass. and the Siskiyous, and protect the remove it if time and resources allow. Loose barb wire can springs, wetlands and streams. Thank you Yogurt Hut for your tremendous support! outstanding conservation features of When erecting or maintaining a fence, choices abound that this extraordinary area. 6 consider our wildlife neighbors. 3 Comings & Goings Ashland: After 8½ years of beautifully managing our office, Leslie van Gelder retired in March. We Where Ya At? are so grateful to Leslie for serving our orga- nization in a multitude of ways and wish her Tuesday, the very best in retirement. Luckily, she will 2014 Hikes continue to be our bookkeeper, so don’t be sur- April 8th from prised if you bump into her from time to time! 5-6pm Michael Stringer also moved on in March to Want to increase pursue other work opportunities. Michael was your bioregional our Development Director since 2008, and IQ in a fun setting? during that time he nearly doubled our mem- bership size and revenue. He also expanded Come discover the natural and our outreach efforts and built the Conserva- cultural history of the southern Bear Saturday, April 12; 8 am - noon Sunday, May 4; 11 am - 12:30 pm Sunday, June 22; 10 am - 2 pm tion Celebration into our largest and most Creek Valley during happy hour at Birding at C2 Ranch Briscoe Geology Park Grizzly Peak Wildflowers successful fundraiser. We wish Michael well in Standing Stone Brewery in Ashland. Hike leader: Bob Hunter Tour guide: Len Eisenberg Hike leader: Kristi Mergenthaler all his future pursuits. Join us to bird on this gorgeous 10,000 Tour this unique interpretive display show- Join us on a 3-mile round trip hike to a Professor Pat Acklin and historian acre conserved ranch near Eagle Point with ing the long and varied geologic history of lookout with outstanding mountain and We also said goodbye to members of the Dr. Jeff LaLande will offer visual expert birder, Bob Hunter. Level: easy. planet Earth in Ashland. valley views. Level: moderate. Trustee Council who served out their terms: presentations on the region’s geog- Deborah Ameen, Chuck McNair, Harry Piper raphy, geology and history followed Sunday, April 13; 2 - 4 pm Saturday, May 10; 8 am - 11 am Sunday, June 29; 10 am - 2 pm and Steve Swearingen were instrumental in by short stories about local area birds Hike the Oredson-Todd Woods Birding in Oredson-Todd Woods Cascade-Siskiyou National Mon- helping broaden our base of support over the (Dr. Pepper Trail) fish (Randy Frick) Hike leader: Vern Crawford Hike leader: Dennis Vroman ument Butterflies past three years. and plants (Kristi Mergenthaler). Explore a beautiful protected forest above Bring your binoculars and your favorite Identify our local butterflies with Kath- We’re delighted to announce that Eric Poole, Arrive early to secure a seat, and Ashland with an expert naturalist. Level: birding book on this hike through Ashland’s leen Donham and Linda Kappen on a pri- co-owner of Full Circle Real Estate in Ash- the first 25 people will enjoy a easy with rocky stream crossings. forested park. Level: easy. vate conserved property. Level: easy. land, has joined our Board of Directors. We beer on us! Thursday, April 24; 10 am - 2 pm Sunday, May 11; 9:30 am - 1 pm Sunday July 13; 9 am - 4 pm look forward to working with Eric to further our mission over the next three years. Wel- Standing Stone Brewery Hike Upper Table Rock Explore the Colestin Valley 101 Oak St. Ashland Wrangle Camp & Big Red Mt. come Eric! Hike leader: BLM Guide Hike leader: Kristi Mergenthaler Hike leader: Dr. Tom Atzet Join us to explore this very special South- Join us for a natural history hike on pro- The Siskiyou Crest is renowned for its ern Oregon landmark - a remnant of an tected land in the Colestin Valley. Level: biodiversity and natural beauty. Visit a derstand method). The Southern Oregon ancient lava flow. Level: moderate & steep. moderate. historic CCC camp on this easy hike. Land Conservancy can own land either through purchase or donation. We can Saturday, April 26; 9 am - 1 pm Saturday, May 17; 9 am - noon Saturday, Sept. 20; 9 am - 11:30 then hold on to it and manage it as any Hike Cathedral Hills Ashland Area Geology Tour Birding at Howard Prairie landowner would, or we can sell it with Hike leader: Dr. Tom Atzet Tour guide: Vern Crawford Bird guide: Frank Lospalutto permanent protections in place. Learn about the ecology of this natural Learn about the area’s unique geology on September is a great time to visit How- I’ve heard of several land trusts or conser- The second way to protect land is by plac- park outside of Grants Pass with one of the a pleasant 3-hour van tour with talented ard Prairie Reservoir in search of local vancies that protect land by buying it and ing a legal restriction on what activities best guides in our region. Level: easy. naturalist, Vern Crawford. and migrating birds. Level: easy. sometimes selling it later. Is this how the can and cannot occur on the property. This Sunday, April 27; 10 am - 1 pm Southern Oregon Land Conservancy protects is more complex, at least at the onset. Saturday, June 7; 9 am - noon To do this, a landowner has to agree to Jacksonville Woodlands Geology land? If not, how have you protected 9,000 Gold Ray Natural Area PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED acres? restrict certain kinds of activities that can Hike leader: Marjorie Ratner Hike leader: Craig Harper occur on the land. Typically this includes This is a good question and one that is pretty Stroll through the flower-filled Jacksonville Investigate this recovering reach of the Space is limited for each hike. Please subdivision, clear cutting, and industrial easy to answer. There are two ways of pro- Woodlands and learn about the geology Rogue River three years after the Gold Ray call 541-482-3069 to register and uses. Other restrictions may apply to the tecting land, one that is easily understood and and natural history of this protected park. Dam was removed. Level: easy. then come on out and join us! construction or building of roadways, one that is more complicated. The first way Level: easy. timber harvesting, etc. is through ownership (this is the easy-to-un- 4 continued on page 7 5