A Globally Recognized Biodiversity Hotspot
The Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion is one of the most unique and visually stunning locations in the Pacific Northwest. Expansive vistas containing dormant volcanoes to the east and an endless cascade of rugged mountaintops to the west create incredibly dramatic scenery. The deep canyons and wooded valleys in this region are also home to several iconic and well-loved Oregon rivers, including the Umpqua, Illinois, and Rogue. The variability in elevation, geology, climate, precipitation, and physical connection with the Pacific Ocean makes the Klamath-Siskiyou region one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Because of this, the World Wildlife Fund identified the Klamath-Siskiyou region as one of the 200 most important places for species diversity worldwide.
Unsurprisingly, the region's stunning features and rich plant and wildlife diversity attract both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. While many communities throughout the area offer amenity-filled lifestyles, the City of Ashland (population 21,000) is renowned for its cultural and outdoor activities. Chief among these is direct access to more than 50,000 acres of the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest via an extensive network of hiking and biking trails. Many of these trails originate in the city's center and wind up into the adjacent public lands through the 15,000-acre Ashland Creek watershed, home to healthy forests and the city's drinking water source. The U.S. Forest Service and the city have carefully managed this area to provide clean water and compatible recreation opportunities, and to minimize wildfire risk.
Where Community Meets Conservation
Madrone Ridge is the largest private property adjacent to the Ashland Creek watershed, with about 270 acres within the watershed boundaries. Conservation of the property presents an incredible opportunity to expand on all the qualities that make this region and Ashland exceptional, while adding a greater layer of protection for the city's drinking water source. Located in the mountains northwest of the city, the 1,974-acre property lies adjacent to the city's urban growth boundary and is visible from much of downtown. While the property has historically been closed to public access, the Ashland Parks & Recreation Commission has identified features on the property, specifically Wrights Creek, as the highest priority area for expanding public access and recreation for Ashland residents and visitors.
In addition to the recreation potential, restoration of Wrights Creek, a small tributary to Bear Creek and the Rogue River, and other wetland areas on the property, has the potential to improve water quality and flow in these streams. The varied topography and diverse forest types on Madrone Ridge are emblematic of the biodiversity found in the Klamath-Siskiyou ecoregion, and create ideal conditions for American marten, fisher, ringtail cat, and northern spotted owl to thrive. Finally, the property has been managed for forest health and fuels reduction objectives for the past decade, and permanently conserving this property will help ensure those activities continue, helping protect Ashland and its drinking watershed from wildfire and development.
