Page 17 – Land & Ranches for Sale in Western & Southeastern United States

Part Two: Streams, Ponds and Lakes, Wetlands

Fluvial restoration usually entails a combination of bank stabilization techniques to curtail or prevent existing or potential erosion issues; creating superior fisheries habitat by engineering areas of riffles, runs and holding water that incorporate protective structure; and sometimes even increasing the velocity of existing flow. Erosion problems generally stem from bank instability due to natural runoff events and/or natural or man-related degradation of the riparian corridor. Remedies often include rip-rapping banks with rock or logs to increase stability, and reseeding exposed banks with native grasses, bushes, trees and willow species. Excavation of the existing stream channel can create a complex of necessary habitat regimes for trout, including feeding areas, spawning gravel, and pools complete with rock and wood structure for cover. In the case of spring creeks, the absence of regular “flushing flow” events associated with annual runoff periods can eventually lead to siltation and over-widening of the channel. Both these circumstances generally contribute to an increase in water temperature and lack of holding water for trout. A narrowing of the channel can provide deeper water and protective cover for fish, and also increase the velocity of flow, which usually results in cooling the water temperature and preventing future silt build-up.

Creating ponds and lakes can lead to enjoyable stillwater fishing opportunities, provide nesting and feeding habitat for waterfowl, and create an associated riparian area that is attractive to a myriad of upland bird and both game and non-game species of wildlife.

Ponding sources can vary from springs, drilled wells, existing groundwater percolation and even offsite – where creek flow is diverted through a pond or lake, then channeled back to the source. Thoughtful planning considers the natural terrain of a property to determine the best location for a pond or lake, and factors in the importance of creating a diverse lake bed environment where balanced proportions of shallow weed beds for food production and adjacent deep water areas for shelter provide a fertile environment conducive to a productive fishery

Wetlands and marsh preservation is key in maintaining the overall health of a property. These areas can be exceedingly important in naturally controlling erosion and flooding events on a property. The additional benefit centers on wildlife; everything from ducks and pheasants to muskrats, beavers, mink, foxes and deer utilize the wetlands ecosystem for nesting, bedding, feeding and cover habitat.

Continue Reading: Part 3 Agricultural and Range Options

Today we start a 3 part series on maximizing recreational assets of real estate.

Recreational-oriented property has been a dynamic segment of the rural real estate market in the Rocky Mountain west for many years. Beginning in the early 1980’s, the historic trend of farms and ranches being purchased mainly for agricultural production was augmented with an additional buyer pool of individuals largely motivated by recreational amenities that a property could offer. This trend continues today, and some of the most compelling and desirable acreages are those that provide the foundation to raise crops and livestock as well as provide good opportunities for fishing, hunting and a variety of other recreational pursuits. These properties oftentimes reward an owner with a lifestyle tied closely to the land, along with the benefits of a viable income stream, potential tax advantages, and long-term appreciation of an investment that can actually be touched, is engaging to own, and can be enjoyed by family and friends.

In the broadest sense, the term “recreation” as it pertains to real estate certainly describes different things for different people, but most individuals highly value the presence of fish and game, whether for sporting pursuits or the simple aesthetic experience of having a prolific wildlife community and sustaining ecosystem on the property. While some properties naturally have the right blend of ingredients to support diverse wildlife, many do not, due to location, or the simple fact that a mix of preferred features that draw and support animals are insignificant or non-existent altogether. Fortunately there are methods to address these deficiencies, ultimately increasing productivity and invariably, the overall value of the land. Generally, as long as water is available, habitat and food sources can be established or further enhanced. While this process of property sculpting does require effort, time and money, the benefits can be very rewarding, and may open the door to acreages – possibly “diamonds in the rough” – that do not immediately provide strong recreational options, but are also priced accordingly less than more turn-key offerings.

Concurrent with the surge of interest in recreational property, an industry comprised of land and water reclamation and enhancement firms has evolved that specialize in property improvement strategies for landowners to increase wildlife populations, whether it be for fish, upland birds, waterfowl or big game species. These firms incorporate knowledge of disciplines including agricultural management, range and soil science, water rights, wildlife biology, engineering, geology, forestry, construction and other areas of expertise, are well versed in what can and cannot be done due to practicality, viability, and existing regulations, and can facilitate the process of obtaining any requisite permits for a particular task. While there are many different issues and improvements that may need to be addressed on a particular property, enhancement projects generally fall into a few categories – albeit accepted practices, regulations and required protocol will vary state to state. My observations are based on experience gained through brokering recreational real estate in my home state of Montana for almost three decades.

Continue Reading: Part Two Streams, Ponds and Lakes, Wetlands

Written by Leisel Maher, Age 6

Today I was on the bus. I got to play on my mom’s phone. I was going to Rendezvous Park. I was stocking cut throat fish in the pond. People want to fish there but there was not any fish. Are class put in 350 fish. They are big enough to catch. They came from a hatchery in Auburn, Wyoming, in a big truck with a water tank full of fish.

The fish were caught in nets and moved to a bucket. When the bucket was full (we took it down to the pond’s edge). We would reach in, get a fish and throw it into the pond. They were awfully slimy. Our hands became slimy. You can go fishing on Saturday and you can keep the rod that you were fishing with.

Leisel is the daughter of Live Water founders, Alex and Macye Maher.

Another community event on June 3rd: the final fish stocking at R Park for children with rods for all. Fishing will be a blast!

By: Beckett A. Maher

I think as a member of our community I am happy, and I love joining in on the Trout Unlimited cleanup. The most interesting thing I’ve ever found was last year, my dad and I discovered a whole camp and took down all of it; we had to load it in a front-end-loader. This year was fun too, I got to hang with my buddy Sam. I also found an intact volleyball. I have already started playing with it. I really look forward to next year’s cleanup and creating a healthier town and that includes trout habitat.

Beckett is the son of Live Water Properties owners/founders Alex & Macye Maher

Live Water Properties is a marketing firm at heart. We take your unique property and market it to the vast pool of buyers. Technology has altered marketing completely in the last 15 years. In a world where attention spans are decreasing, and a vast majority of property searches are done online, we strive to change our marketing techniques in order to keep your property in front of potential buyers. As technology has advanced, so have we. Live Water has shifted from print heavy marketing and a simple website, to a top of the line website that is sure to impress even the most tech savvy buyer.

Generation X – The “Forgotten Generation”

In the coming years Generation X (Born between 1965-1982) will be the biggest pool of home buyers on the market. According to marketing firms, Gen X is the “forgotten generation.” Many firms have skipped over them completely in favor of the more accessible and impulsive Millennials. Gen X members still use a combination of medias in their lives. They own smartphones and laptops, and spend a significant amount of time on them; however, they also still read newspapers and books, have TV, and listen to the radio.

Gen X is set to be the wealthiest generation alive by 2030, with over $34 trillion in net worth.* They will also have children and grandchildren to whom they’ll be interested in providing for and giving opportunities to access the ranch lifestyle.

Adapting to Changing Technology

This Generation has adapted to the technology that drives our world today. Of all Gen Xers, 75% are on social media. Email, social media, and smartphones are a huge part of their business and everyday life. However, Gen Xers do still appreciate phone calls and face-to-face interaction. Evidenced by the fact that word of mouth referrals and repeat business account for 82% of real estate transactions.* “Word of mouth” can mean many things. Email introductions, sharing of links or personal information through social media or email messages constitute many of the word of mouth referrals we’re talking about.

So how do we stay in front of this changing Gen X population and their recommenders? A highly targeted market strategy utilizing a wide range of medias. People remember and connect best with stories, and visual storytelling is just as important as written words. Photo heavy documents (both print and online), videos, interactive searchability, an upgraded website, and social media presence are all tools to connect to the users’ dream of owning a ranch. Shorter attention spans and increased scrolling, preferring photos over text, indicate that the more media heavy we can be with your property the more successful we can be.

Marketing a Lifestyle

Even those people who aren’t looking to buy a ranch may be potential recommenders. We’re marketing a lifestyle. Social media is the ultimate tool in marketing a lifestyle. Users post their “highlight reel” of their own lives, convincing others this is their reality. Live Water aims to market the ranch lifestyle as a possible reality to users. Our social media strategy, which provides glimpses into the lifestyle, while not being an overwhelming feed presence, is extraordinarily successful in terms of views and click throughs.

Live Water Properties is determined to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to marketing the premier properties. We provide a media hungry populous with high quality photos and videos of ranches they’ll watch over and over again.

Authors: John Turner & Deirdre Griffith

*Sources:

Just a few weeks ago, 28 teams came together for a memorable weekend raising their rods, and in so doing raising a great deal of money for a very deserving cause. In its fifth year, Risers 4 Rett hosted it’s first of two annual events on the famed waters of the Taylor, Gunnison and East Rivers.

What a Catch

Under the enthusiastic tutelage of some of the valley’s most well-known fly fishing guides anglers from all corners of Colorado and beyond enjoyed line-ripping rainbows on the nutrient-rich Taylor as well as eager brown trout on the meandering bends of the mighty Gunnison. All told 56 anglers caught and released over 1,300 trout in two days of fishing, though more importantly raised over $40,000 benefitting the Rett Clinic at Children’s Hospital.

About the Rett Clinic

The Rett Clinic at the Children’s hospital offers love, therapy and assistance to the patients and their families affected by Rett Sydrome. Rett Syndrome is a neurological disorder that affects young girls. While most of its challenges are through loss of speech and motor control, it can severely disrupt breathing and eating, cause skeletal deformities and physical seizures, and leads to tremendous emotional duress.

Big-Hearted Anglers

Based out of the Almont Resort, conveniently located at the confluence of the Taylor and East Rivers (forming the Gunnison River) the event featured moving presentations by participants whose own families have been affected by this relatively unknown disorder. The big-hearted anglers in the room responded in kind – generously opening their wallets to bid on incredible fishing trips, best in class rods and reels, and a host of other unique auction items from a Peyton Manning-signed football to truly one of kind artwork. A huge thanks to all of our participants, guides, my fellow board members and of course the sponsors who gave so generously.

For more information about upcoming events please contact Colorado-based Live Water Properties Broker Brian Hartley.