West Redding's Gore Ranch Permanently Protected!

We’re pleased to announce the permanent protection of Gore Ranch, 1506 acres of rolling oak woodlands, serene pastures, and riparian habitat. The protection of this special west Redding property was made possible by the support of the California Strategic Growth Council’s Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) in collaboration with the Department of Conservation and The McConnell Foundation.

“Helping permanently protect this working land, which in turn supports local wildlife and riparian habitat, is an important goal of the SALC program and a key mission of our department,” said David Shabazian, Director of Department of Conservation. “Conserving natural spaces, especially at the urban edge of our communities, is critical to sustaining local economies and supporting California’s climate goals into the future.”

The property is within a development-prone area of the City of Redding’s sphere of influence and is an Open Space Area of Interest in the City of Redding’s Parks, Trails, and Open Space Master Plan. Located southwest of Texas Springs Road and the Westwood Village residential neighborhood, the conservation of this property ensures that the natural landscape of the area will remain intact and safe from development by urban sprawl. 

Located within the Clear Creek and Stillwater-Churn Creek Watershed, the property protects two miles of Olney Creek and 11 seasonal ponds, comprising over 45 acres of aquatic habitat. The riparian habitat of the property supports waterfowl, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates.

The blue oak woodland and grassland of Gore Ranch protects wildlife corridor habitat and provides ample forage for sustainable local ranching operations. 1,477 acres of the property provide seasonal forage for 50 head of cattle through a rotational grazing plan. Ensuring the long-term viability of the property’s ranching operations supports local food networks and strengthens our local economy.

“How wonderful that the Shasta Land Trust has used a grant from our Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program to permanently protect Gore Ranch from urban sprawl,” said Lynn von Koch-Liebert, Executive Director of the Strategic Growth Council. “The 1,506 acres of ranchland and riparian habitat will continue to support the region’s rural economy and wildlife for future generations.” 

With the conservation of this property, Shasta Land Trust has recommended a management plan that highlights ways the landowner can enhance the conservation values and environmental health of the property through various land management practices. The plan includes ways to implement regenerative agricultural practices, improve soil health, and build rainfall catchment capacity for the surrounding watershed to increase water quality and storage. 

“We are thankful for the dedicated staff at Shasta Land Trust that worked to make the conservation easement a reality. Now that we have the easement in place, we are focusing our energy on returning fire resilience to the landscape,” said Shannon Phillips, Chief Operating Office of The McConnell Foundation.

“Our community’s iconic oak woodlands and precious agricultural lands are better protected by the conservation of Gore Ranch. This property creates an important conservation zone within the greater Redding area with immeasurable ecological, economic, and public benefits,” said Paul Vienneau, Executive Director of the Shasta Land Trust. “Thanks to the dedication of The McConnell Foundation, and their interest in preserving the natural resources and beauty of our community, and funding from the Strategic Growth Council, this land is protected forever.”

About Shasta Land Trust

Since our founding in 1998, the Shasta Land Trust has protected over 46,000 acres of farmland, open-space, and wildlife habitat. As an accredited land trust, SLT has worked with willing landowners, partners, local communities, and donors to achieve meaningful and lasting conservation of local lands. The scenic beauty, rich natural resources, and open spaces of far northern California are essential to the health and vibrancy of our families and local communities. Protection of these lands ensures a future with clean air and water, sustainable food networks, abundant recreational opportunities, and healthy wildlife habitats and ecosystems.

About The McConnell Foundation

The Foundation is a private, independent foundation located in Redding, California.  Its mission is to help build better communities through philanthropy.

About the California Strategic Growth Council

The California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) is a 10-member council comprised of seven state agencies and three public members with the mission to build healthy, thriving, and resilient communities for all. Funded through California’s Cap and Trade system and the California General Fund, SGC’s grant programs, strategic initiatives, and interagency coordination focus on multi-benefit and community-centric solutions at the nexus of climate and equity. Since 2008, SGC has invested over $3.5 billion in projects strengthening communities and addressing climate change.

About the California Department of Conservation

​With a team of scientists and other dedicated professionals, the Department of Conservation (DOC) administers a variety of programs vital to California's public safety, environment, and economy. The services DOC provides are designed to balance today's needs with tomorrow's obligations by fostering the wise use and conservation of energy, land and mineral resources.  

DOC administers the SALC Program on behalf of SGC. The SALC Program is part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing greenhouse gas emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities.