Silver Springs Cattle Ranch

Silver Springs Cattle Ranch (SSCR) spans approximately 1,058.53± acres in Thurston County, Washington, with an additional 115± acres available for a limited time. Located in the South Puget Sound region, the ranch features a rich mosaic of ecological assets, including wetlands, riparian zones, oak and conifer forests, and native prairie. These habitats support several federally protected species, including Chinook salmon, Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, Mazama pocket gopher, and streaked horned lark, making SSCR a high-value conservation property.

Roughly 1,094 acres of the ranch have been identified as suitable for mitigation credit development under federal and state environmental programs. These areas include salmon habitat, Oregon white oak stands, wetlands, and species-specific zones eligible for conservation banking. As Thurston County continues to grow, demand for mitigation credits is rising, positioning SSCR as a critical resource for developers seeking environmental offsets and for agencies seeking long-term habitat solutions.

SSCR lies within the middle of the Deschutes River watershed and provides vital ecosystem services such as flood control, groundwater recharge, and wildlife connectivity. Verified habitat surveys confirm the property’s eligibility for permanent conservation partnerships.

In addition to its ecological significance, the ranch has extensive mineral resources. Approximately 1,034.8 acres have been mapped for sand and gravel using lidar and GIS analysis. Drilling logs estimate more than 217± million tons of in-situ material, with permits in progress for 225± acres, equating to roughly 40 million tons. The site is rail-served, with BNSF and Union Pacific access and potential for port distribution. Under County GMA planning, the site has been designated as mineral resource lands of long-term commercial significance.

The property also generates steady income through long-term leases, including a regional commercial composting facility, a Starlink ground station, a solar farm lease, a grazing lease, and residential rentals. These existing agreements offering reliable revenue, coupled with fully intact and unencumbered development rights, which allow flexibility for future development, conservation, and/or operational shifts.