Page 19 – Land & Ranches for Sale in Western & Southeastern United States

As a ranch broker in the rocky mountain west I am fortunate to spend a lot of time on great ranches. The scenery and wildlife are a unique bonus to my job. Seeing a bear is particularly exciting, whether black or grizzly, giant boar or little cub. I’m happy to be a new member of the Bear Trust International, a conservation group grounded in science with a goal to preserve, enhance and protect bear populations and their habitat. The following article highlights a recent topic, Grizzly bear introduction and federal protection. If you share my passion for the Bears of the World I encourage you to join and support this fine group. Craig Jansen, Associate Broker

Are Grizzly Bears in Yellowstone Ready for Delisting

Montana-based non-profit, Bear Trust International, wants to help everyone determine this answer for themselves. How? The same way that grizzly bear scientists do. Look at the scientific data. Not sure if you can analyze the data? No problem! Bear Trust International has graphed all the data for you. See below.

First, a little background: Grizzly bears in the lower 48 states were listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act in 1975. At that time, grizzly bears were placed under federal protection with the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

It’s important to remember that the GOAL of the Endangered Species Act is to recover listed species so that they no longer need federal protection and the management of the listed species can be returned to state wildlife agencies.

In 1982, the first grizzly bear recovery plan was created, which identified 6 grizzly bear recovery zones:

Each grizzly bear population in each of the 6 grizzly bear recovery zones can be evaluated for recovery, delisted, or relisted independently. At question today is the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Is it ready for delisting? Well, how do you KNOW when any listed species is ready for delisting? Answer: look at the recovery plan, it provides a road map to recovery with science-based recovery criteria that must be met before a threatened or endangered species can be delisted.

For the grizzly bear population in Yellowstone, the grizzly bear scientists determined over 30 years ago that there are 3 science-based demographic recovery criteria. When these 3 recovery criteria are met, then the grizzly bear population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem is supposed to be delisted. All 3 of these recovery criteria were met in year 2008. How do we know? Look at the data.

For example, let’s look at Recovery Criterion # 1: There must be at least 500 individual grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, and this number cannot fall below 500 for 2 consecutive years. There must also be at least 48 females with cubs and this number cannot fall below 48 for 2 consecutive years.

Bear Trust asked the US Fish and Wildlife Service for the data and then Bear Trust graphed the data for the first part of Recovery Criterion #1 below:

The data clearly show that at least 500 bears were in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem by 2007, and by 2008 the number did not fall below 500 for 2 consecutive years. Want to see graphs of data for all parts of all 3 recovery criteria for grizzly bears in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem? It’s easy to do! Visit: http://beartrust.org/grizzly-bears-in-yellowstone-proposed-delisting-by-usfws

At Bear Trust, we value the roles that science and hunting play in effective wildlife conservation. Everything Bear Trust does is grounded firmly in sound science.

Want to help Bear Trust ensure long-term, sustainable populations of wild bears through science-based education, wild bear research, habitat conservation, and conservation policy? Please contact Bear Trust’s Executive Director, Dr. Melissa Reynolds-Hogland:

[mail_to email=”melissa@beartrust.org”]melissa@beartrust.org[/mail_to]
Home Office: [ai_phone href=”+1.406.626.1627″]406.626.1627[/ai_phone]
Office: [ai_phone href=”+1.406.523.7779″]406.523.7779[/ai_phone]
www.beartrust.org

A new feature by Robert Dean recently published in Anglers Club Magazine references an article by the Harvard Medical School’s Department of Neurobiology which digs deeper into the science behind the calming, de-stressing act of fly fishing, and what many anglers have known all along: fly-fishing is good for you. While many of us who have had the pleasure of standing knee deep in a river or stream steadily casting to rising trout can attest, there is a sense of tranquility and peace that comes from the experience. Is it the serene surroundings that put our stresses at bay, or perhaps the aesthetic white noise of the babbling water, or the rhythmic cadence of the casts themselves that allow us to detach and relax?

Upon reading this article for the first time I was immediately reminded of one of my favorite quotes on the topic of fishing, “Many men go fishing all their lives without knowing that is not fish they are after.” – Henry David Thoreau

NEUROBIOLOGISTS SAY FLY-FISHING IS GOOD FOR YOU

Fly-Fishing is Good for You by Robert Deen

It doesn’t take a brain surgeon to know that fly-fishing is good for you. Or does it?

The Harvard Medical School’s Department of Neurobiology recently published an article that compared fly-fishing to yoga in its ability to relax the brain and combat the ill effects of every day stress.

“What is it about this so-called quiet sport, with its incantation of rod and fly, river, and nature, a sport of both stealth and strategy, that helps to lessen stress and calm the brain?” asked the article the Harvard Mahoney Neuroscience Institute Letter.

Herbert Benson, Mind Body Medicine Professor at Harvard Medical School, says humankind has learned over millennia how to turn off stress by “breaking the train of everyday thinking.”

Fly-Fishing is Good for You

“What better example of this than fly-fishing,” says Benson, “with the repetitive back-and-forth motion of the rod and line and fly? You’re focusing on where that fly is going to land on the water and that breaks the train of everyday thought.”

The negative physical impacts of day-to-day stress in modern society are well documented. More recently scientists have identified the so-called “relaxation response” — the purposeful initiation of a physical state of deep rest, one that changes a person’s physical and emotional responses to stress. When practiced, the relaxation response slows down breathing rate, relaxes muscles, and reduces blood pressure.

Doctor’s Orders

Yoga has long been the prime example of an activity based on the purposeful pursuit of a state of relaxation. The Harvard neurobiologists compare fly-fishing to yoga, with its repetitive casting motions and contemplative state. A fly fisherman is removed from “the real world”, surrounded by nature, and disconnected from phones and electronic devices.

Fly-fishing has also been compared to meditation, in that fly-fishers perform a simple, repeated task, often for hours on end. “The motion of fly-fishing is part and parcel of the activity itself and may contribute to its calming effect,” says Benson.

More than 38 million Americans fly fish. A survey by the Outdoor Foundation found that 38 percent of Americans who say they are considering taking up fly fishing will do so as means to relax and reduce stress.

The Harvard article also points out a study involving combat veterans that found participants had significant reductions in stress and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and improvements in sleep quality after participating in a fly-fishing retreat.

And you thought you were fly-fishing just for the fun of it. Now you have scientific proof that going fishing Saturday instead of getting those home chores done is the right decision – after all, you’re only doing it for your health.

This article by Robert Deen was originally published on Anglers Club

#FindYourPark this summer and celebrate the National Park Service’s 100th year on August 25. At Live Water Properties we are fortunate to be headquartered in Jackson Hole, the gateway to Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. Not only do we get to sell spectacular properties around these two parks, but we also have incredible real estate properties around the National Parks in the West. This summer, take up the park service’s invitation to #findyourpark and if you decide you never want to leave, Live Water Properties will help you #findyourhomeinthepark (well next to the park).

Grand Teton National Park

Grand Teton National Park is the closest national park to our headquarters in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The park is named for the Grand Teton, the highest peak in the park at 13,770 feet. The 310,000-acre park is part of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, one of the most complete ecosystems in the world, complete with wildflower meadows, glacial lakes, alpine peaks and dense forests. One can see grizzly and black bears, gray wolves, coyotes, bison, bald eagles, pronghorn and elk when visiting. Grand Teton is also a great park to vacation with families due the variety of activities such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, fly fishing, paddle boarding and kayaking.

The Flat Creek Fishing Estate is situated 6 miles south of Jackson Hole, on Flat Creek, a beloved fishery among locals. This 34.89-acres estate provides excellent access to the town’s resort amenities including shopping, art galleries, museums, outdoor outfitters and fine dining. The national parks and the ample amount of nearby public lands that make up 97% of the valley create endless opportunities for outdoor recreation during all seasons.

Yellowstone National Park

Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America’s first national park. It is also the largest National Park, consisting of 2,219,789 acres, larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined. It is believed the park was named for the yellow rocks one sees when overlooking the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. Sitting atop one of the world’s largest calderas, Yellowstone is home to more geysers and hot springs than anywhere in the world. In fact, 50% of all the world’s hydrothermal features are in Yellowstone, the most famous being Old Faithful. In addition to the hydrothermal features, Yellowstone is also known for its incredible variety of wildlife.

Yellowstone is mainly in Wyoming but also spans into Idaho and Montana. With offices in each state, Live Water Properties has excellent options near every entrance.

Duck Creek Cabin at Yellowstone National Park is located north of West Yellowstone, Montana. This is truly a one-of-a-kind offering: the property itself is approximately 100 yards away from Yellowstone National Park. This 12-acre sporting retreat enjoys private access to trophy fishing on Duck Creek and Duck Creek Lake. The property is complete with a 3,525 sqft main house, guesthouse, helicopter pad, onsite angling opportunities and the most fabulous backyard in the world.

Duck Creek Preserve at Henry’s Lake is located in Island Park, Idaho, a 29-mile drive to Yellowstone. Comprised of 160 deeded acres, and protected by a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy, Duck Creek Preserve is nestled at the mouth of the majestic Centennial Mountain Range. Known as the crown jewel in the “Golden Circle of Trout”, Henry’s Lake is one of the premier trout fishing lake destinations in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem.

The Wapiti Lodge is conveniently located approximately 30 miles east of the entrance to Yellowstone National Park and 20 miles west of the historic western town of Cody, Wyoming. Situated in a spectacular setting on 4.68 acres, the Wapiti Lodge on the Shoshone River offering is a unique opportunity to own an exceptional lodging operation so close to Yellowstone.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is 415 square miles of dramatic mountain vistas, high mountain lakes and is teeming with wildlife. It is important habitat to elk, mule deer, moose, bighorn sheep, coyotes, black bears, eagles and hawks. While summer offers prime wildlife viewing opportunities and colorful wildflower-filled vistas, the fall is equally beautiful with golden-filled scenery, the chance to hear bugling elk and to watch the rut. Rocky Mountain National Park is also great for hiking. For the adventurous, Long Peak is the highest peak in the park at 14,249 feet. The 16-mile exposed trek is not for the faint of heart, but it offers unsurpassed views from the top.

Walden Hollow on the Colorado River is located just a 20 minute drive from Rocky Mountain National Park’s Grand Lake Entrance. The 40-acres property is the ideal family getaway that offers excellent fishing. A perfectly placed log home overlooks the river. Elk, deer and moose as well as a wide range of bird life often frequent Walden Hollow.

Every year passionate anglers from around the world seek the legendary waters of the West. Whether it be Montana, Wyoming, Oregon, Idaho or Colorado, each state offers fishing quality and diversity. If you love big rivers, small mountain streams, lakes, ponds or spring creeks there are a variety of offerings to explore and enjoy. Craig Janssen, broker for ranch real estate company Live Water Properties, says the number one reason his phone rings is trout, meaning those searching for a fishing ranch to call their own. As a passionate angler with 12 years of real estate experience, Craig helps clients “land” the property of their dreams. Janssen says the hardest thing about finding a ranch is that everyone has a different image in his or her mind of what the ideal property is. His top tip for finding the perfect ranch is to understand and list out what you want in a ranch. Here are the questions he recommends asking yourself when buying a fishing ranch:

What type of fishing are you looking for?

Did you get hooked on fishing Montana on a trip down the Yellowstone River, or was it the Gallatin? Do you prefer technical spring creek fishing, or are mountain stream’s your passion, are ponds ok, or do you dream of land with river frontage? Whatever is in your mind’s eye be specific so your broker can search for the right piece.

Are private waters priority?

Certain properties may offer incredible river access but may also be located near a boat ramp. You may see several boats in a day and for some buyers that is okay. You also may prefer the privacy of spring creeks or a mountain stream.

Where do you want to be?

How far from a town and modern conveniences do you want to be? If this is a second home or you plan to fly in and out, consider the distance to airports. For example, Bozeman is a thriving town with great air access. Jackson Hole, WY offers direct flights from 13 major cities. Both towns can get you to rural areas in under an hour. If you are seeking complete seclusion, a farther drive from town may pass your test.

What do you want to see?

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Think about what makes a stunning view to you. For some, large open fields and big skies are ideal. Others would never consider sacrificing views of mountains and trees.

Understanding your goals is key; your broker can meet these needs with clear communication. Experienced brokers and anglers such as Janssen and the team at Live Water Properties speak the angler lingo and can help you pinpoint what you want. Make your list, share your favorite fish tales and describe your ideal property to your broker, so he can best help you find the ranch of your dreams.

Last week, Wyoming Game and Fish named Tim and Tina Delaney of Bondurant, WY landowner of the year. The esteemed award is given each year to “Wyoming landowners who have demonstrated outstanding practices in wildlife management, habitat improvement, and conservation techniques on their properties.”

Wyoming Land Owner of the Year — Left to right: Scott Talbott (WY Game and Fish Director), Tina Delaney, Tim Delaney, Jill Randall (Wyoming Game and Fish Dept. Terrestrial Habitat Coordinator), Terry Fieseler (Broker, Live Water Properties), Carrie Little (WY Game and Fish Commissioner President District #4)

The Delaney family initially worked with Terry Fieseler, one of our brokers at Live Water Properties, to purchase the Rolling Thunder Ranch located next to the Hoback Ranches development. The Delaneys continued to grow the ranch by purchasing the Rim Ranch as well as two other smaller pieces. They placed both properties under easement, conserving 7,600 acres next to the national forest, preserving a continuous wildlife habitat for the future.

During the buying process, they consulted with Fieseler and Live Water Properties on conservation easement potential for the land as well as potential habitat improvements that could be made. Since purchasing the properties, the Delaney Family completed numerous projects for Aspen regeneration, sage aeration treatment to improve grouse habitat, and installation of wildlife-friendly fencing. They continued the property’s ranching legacy by leasing the cattle grazing to local ranchers.

“They love the ranch, the wildlife and the agriculture,” says Fieseler of this deserving family.

“Today’s landowners contribute to wildlife management in many ways. Landowners preserve critical migration corridors, they improve habitat through costly enhancement projects, and they provide important access, which allows for our hunting and angling heritage to continue into the future,” says Scott Talbott, director of Wyoming Game and Fish. “Today’s landowners are more than ranchers or farmers, they are key partners with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department in carrying out our mission, ‘Conserving Wildlife – Serving People.’”

We were honored to attend the banquet and watch this deserving family accept the landowner of the year award. One of our favorite parts of the job at Live Water Properties is having the privilege to work with families like the Delaneys. If you are searching for a ranch and interested in conservation easements, our brokers are experienced with local partners and land trusts to help walk you through the process.

Sure the Green River is a little off-color; the water’s pretty high. But the fishing is not bad, if you don’t mind being creative. We had a warm day, and the sky was clear. Beckett (10) and Spencer (guide) worked together on stirring up a trouble by the pink/beige rocky outcropping on the second half of the float. The water swirled—creating a crescendo of water, and the visual perfection of a large, healthy trout, (enormous shoulders on it) fighting with everything it’s got, and Beckett’s hook became so stressed it bent at the weight. Gone was the fly-mouth connection, but forever the memory of the mighty-Green-rainbow. Thank you Spencer at Jackson Hole Fly Fishing School (JHFFS) for excellent guiding…