Gore Ranch

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.

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.

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. 

The McConnell Foundation plans to work with community partners including CAL FIRE, Prather Ranch, and Point Blue Conservation Science, to support the property’s fire resilience, agricultural production, and ecological health.

The property’s scenic open space can be enjoyed by the public while driving along the winding country roads of Texas Springs and Branstetter Lane. The property’s many hillsides also provide stunning views of Mount Shasta, Mount Bally, Mount Lassen, and the Trinity Alps. 

We’re thankful for the permanent protection of Gore Ranch, with its expansive wildlife refuge, ranchland, and precious environmental resources that will continue to benefit our local community and ecosystems for years to come.