This thousand acre ranch, encompassing over four miles of the incredible Ruby River tail water fishery is one of our all time favorites. Ranches of the West (ROW) assisted with due diligence, acquisition, and disposition of the ranch.  Fifteen years of management by ROW, beginning in 1988, resulted in dramatic increases in whitetail, antelope, and seasonal elk populations. USDA EQIP grants were obtained by ROW for certain improvements. Riparian area fencing reversed stream bank degradation and dramatically increased fish population and population unit biomass. Improvements included one hundred and sixty acres added to overall irrigation, introduction of over two hundred acres of mechanized irrigation delivery, twelve miles of riparian area protection fence safeguarding both the Ruby, and Hinch Creek. Wetlands areas were also safeguarded from livestock trampling resulting in significant increases in migratory waterfowl roosting. Hay production was almost doubled via farming, aggressive noxious weed control, and introduction of alfalfa. The headquarters area was completely revamped allowing more efficient operations. Just about half of this great ranch was protected during our tenure via grant of a conservation easement, again reserving certain transfer and building rights. The ranch was sold by the owners in 2003/2004.

Photos by Reid L Rosenthal Copyright 2008