J E F F E R SON S PR I NGS R ANC H Whitehall, Montana $17,500,000 | 1,797± Acres
INTRODUCTION A True River to Mountain Property: This is a complete sportsman’s package with incredible hunting and fishing! Welcome to Jefferson Springs Ranch, boasting a lengthy 1.6± miles of Jefferson River frontage on the eastern boundary and timbered ridges of the Tobacco Root Mountains leading to thousands of acres of contiguous public land to the west. The Jefferson River is one of the many world-famous trout streams in southwest Montana and is formed by the confluence of the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers just north of Twin Bridges. The Jefferson meets the Madison and Gallatin Rivers downstream near Three Forks, becoming the mighty Missouri River. A mix of forested canyons, rolling hills of native grass, and riparian river bottom provide a healthy mix of terrain and vegetation suitable for a remarkable variety of wildlife, including moose, elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, antelope, upland game birds, and waterfowl. This 1,797± acre ranch includes 400± acres under center pivot irrigation. Located about an hour from Bozeman and just 10± minutes from Twin Bridges in the tightly held Jefferson River valley, land this size in this valley rarely comes to market. With some of the country’s most breathtaking scenery, this property enjoys views of seven mountain ranges in an unspoiled valley that has remained unchanged for generations.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
1
QUICK FACTS • 1,797± deeded acres bordering thousands of acres of hard-to-access public lands • 400± acres under pivot irrigation and an additional 140± acres that could be added with the installation of 2 more center pivots • 24± acres under wheel line irrigation • 1.6+ miles of the Jefferson River • 3,208± SF, 4 bed, 2 bath home and separate guest house on the banks of the Jefferson River • Contiguous to thousands of acres of BLM and National Forest land • Extensive water rights out of Parrot Ditch and Spring Creek • Excellent hunting for elk, mule deer, white-tailed deer, antelope, upland game birds, and waterfowl • 1+ mile of Willow Springs Creek, one of the most critical spawning tributaries in the Jefferson drainage • 1± mile of unimproved Spring Creek • 20± minutes to Twin Bridges Montana • 35± minutes to Butte and its commercial airport • 1± hour to Bozeman and its commercial airport 2
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
3
RECREATION H unting | W ildlife In the mornings and evenings, Jefferson Springs Ranch resembles a zoo-like atmosphere when it comes to hunting. The abundance, variety, and quantity of game animals make this a top-tier hunting property in the entire state of Montana. White-tailed deer are found in high numbers, with bucks exceeding 150 Boone and Crockett inches. The ranch provides excellent food sources and outstanding cover for bedding and protection, making this the perfect opportunity for white-tailed deer management. Rocky Mountain elk are found along the eastern border of the ranch in high numbers due to specific agricultural practices on the ranch. Mule deer are found throughout the property, and moose are often spotted in riparian areas along the Jefferson River. Pronghorn antelope are consistently seen in eastern hay fields in high numbers. Strong agricultural portions of the property provide epic days hunting upland birds and waterfowl. Pheasants are found throughout the property, and waterfowl congregate in the grain fields and on the springs, ponds, and open water. On the coldest days of the year, there is ample open water to draw in waterfowl by the hundreds. Wild turkeys and sandhill cranes are also found in healthy populations. Hunting opportunities are endless. Even the most experienced angler, big game hunter, or wingshooter will be in awe of the sporting opportunities afforded on Jefferson Springs Ranch. The ranch is in an over-the-counter area for deer and elk licenses. The acreage qualifies for landowner preference for Pronghorn Antelope and deer and elk B licenses that can be purchased over the counter. 4
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
The Jefferson River valley is famous for its large number of elk, white-tailed deer, and mule deer. Hunting on Jefferson Springs Ranch is incredible, with a robust elk population and the opportunity to harvest the bull elk of a lifetime. The entire property is in hunting district 333. There are trophy white-tailed deer and mule deer available on the ranch and plenty of antelope that call the property home. There are multiple Hungarian partridge coveys for the upland bird enthusiast, a favorite target for many western bird hunters. Grouse are also plentiful in the upper sections of the property, as well as pheasants and turkeys along the riparian area on the lower section of the ranch. Montana’s early-season duck populations depend on spring rainfall. By November, migrating northern duck numbers reflect precipitation on the Canadian prairies during the summer nesting season. When rivers, ponds, and lakes start to freeze, migrating ducks utilize the ice-resistant, spring-fed creeks and rivers on their route. Migrating ducks and geese know all about these unique spots and use them in large numbers when temperatures begin to drop below freezing. 5 www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
F ishing Jefferson Springs Ranch boasts 1.6± miles of Jefferson River frontage. The Jefferson River is well-known for its outstanding brown trout fishery. Fish from the banks and riffles adjacent to the property or float to and from your personal landing. Just minutes down the road in the town of Twin Bridges, the Jefferson River is formed by the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers, all world-famous trout fisheries. The Jefferson River is one of the great fishery restoration success stories in the U.S., as referenced in an article in Fly Fisherman Magazine entitled “Jefferson River Rising.” During the late 80s and 90s, the river suffered from chronic de-watering due to the over appropriation of water for irrigation combined with low water years. In a cooperative effort between landowners, Montana, Trout Unlimited, and Orvis, the Jefferson has become one of the great large trout fisheries in the American west. The Jefferson River has rainbow and brown trout with average fish between 12 and 16 inches, with many over 20”. The Jefferson is a beautiful river to float, with one of the healthiest and most expansive riparian areas of any river in Montana, which is why wildlife are so prolific. The river is bordered by large cattle ranches and very little development, so you can float for long stretches without seeing a house. The stretch of the Jefferson that Jefferson Springs Ranch is on is known as the upper Jefferson, which has arguably the best fishing on the river because of the combined flow of the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers.
6
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
Willow Spring Creek traverses the property for over a mile. Another mile of spring creeks traverses the property and would make for an excellent stream restoration project to further enhance fishing on the ranch. Avid anglers will never run out of options with the Jefferson River, the private ponds, Willow Springs Creek, and the short driving distances to other blue-ribbon rivers and mountain lakes in the area. Part of the success of the Jefferson River fishery is due to the spawning habitat provided by Willow Springs Creek, originating on the ranch. A short visit with the fish biologists at Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks gives one a clear understanding of the importance of this stream to the river. Future conservationminded owners will enjoy the history of this success story that was featured in Trout magazine. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
7
IMPROVEMENTS Jefferson Springs Ranch boasts two modest but comfortable homes and a hunting cabin on the upper portion of the ranch. There is a 3,208 SF, four-bedroom, two-bathroom home in the center of the ranch and a two-bedroom, two-bathroom home that looks out onto the Jefferson River. The hunting cabin also has two bedrooms with a loft and single bath and is in the perfect spot to wake up to herds of elk, deer, and antelope right off the front porch. With multiple stunning building sites overlooking the Jefferson River and seven mountain ranges surrounding the ranch, this is an excellent opportunity to create a family compound.
8
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
ACREAGE | AGRICULTURE Jefferson Springs Ranch is unique in that all acreage types can be found within its vast boundaries. The largest portion of the ranch comprises irrigated hay meadows with a sizeable riparian area and mature Cottonwood Forest located along the Jefferson River. The property includes four large pivots and native pasture, which runs right up to the timbered hills of the Tobacco Root Mountains. The ranch is contiguous to thousands of acres of hard-to-access public land to the west. A portion of the property is protected by an existing conservation easement with Montana Land Reliance granted by previous ownership in 2004. This easement is very compatible with the historical uses of the property and does allow construction of 1 additional single-family compound and outbuildings. The ranch is a solid agricultural operation, with excellent facilities, ample cover, and a hay base. There are four pivots, two of which are brand new, that provide irrigation to 400 acres. Another 24 acres of hay ground under wheel lines round out the sprinkler irrigated property. The balance of the remaining acreage includes flood and sub-irrigated meadows and uplands, providing excellent feed that makes for huge healthy calves, with very good cattle handling facilities and senior water rights out of Parrot Ditch and Spring Creek. Crops grown on the ranch include barley, oats, timothy hay, and grass alfalfa hay, all producing high yields annually. The remainder of the ranch is not harvested to allow plenty of feed for wildlife and cattle in the winter months. Some food plots, including corn, have been planted for wildlife, birds, and winter grazing. The ranch is an excellent candidate for wintering and calving up to 400 head of mother cows. In the past, there has been some localized grazing occurring during the summer months for a select number of cattle.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
9
LOCATION T win B ridges The small southwest Montana agricultural community of Twin Bridges, about 10 minutes south of the property, is described as “where the rivers run through,” referring to the proximity of the Ruby, Beaverhead, and Big Hole Rivers that merge to form the Jefferson River just north of Twin Bridges. The seven surrounding mountain ranges, including the Pioneer, McCartney, Gravelly, Tobacco Root, and Ruby Range, offer thousands of acres of public lands and abundant wildlife habitat.
W hitehall Jefferson Springs Ranch is a little over 10± minutes to the small town of Whitehall. Whitehall is in the Jefferson Valley in the shadows of the Tobacco Root and Highland Mountain ranges. Whitehall is within 23-60 miles of three major airports, four colleges, five ski resorts, seven major rivers, mountain lakes for fishing and backpacking, lakes for boating, and three hot springs. There are numerous snowmobiling trails for winter riding and summer trail rides. The mountain ranges surround the valley, which is excellent for big game hunting. Whitehall offers grocery stores, gas stations, schools, churches, and several restaurants and bars.
B ozeman The property is about an hour from the vibrant university town of Bozeman (population 52,800±), home to Montana State University and the Museum of the Rockies. Bozeman has received national accolades for its scenic location, endless outdoor activities, and historic downtown. Bozeman restaurants and shops have become favorite places for those who love nature—whether fishing, hunting, skiing, mountain biking, or hiking. 10
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
GETTING THERE The most convenient airport to the ranch for private jets is the Ruby Valley Field Airport in Twin Bridges. Located about 20 miles from the ranch, it has two runways, 6,000 x 60 feet and 2,866 x 100 feet. A larger private airport is just north of Dillon, about 45 minutes from the ranch. Dillon’s longest runway measures 6,501 x 75 feet. The nearest commercial airport is Bert-Mooney Airport in Butte. This airport is a short 35± minute drive from Jefferson Springs Ranch. Bozeman-Yellowstone International Airport is the busiest airport in Montana and is only an hour from the property. It is serviced by numerous daily flights from Delta, United, American, Alaska, Allegiant, Avelo, Frontier, Jet Blue, Southwest, Sun Country, and Jet Suite. The airport also caters to corporate and private aircraft, as well as providing hangar rentals. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
11
WATER RIGHTS Montana waters, in all their varied forms and locations, belong to the State for the benefit of its people. A water right is the right to use the water within state-established guidelines, and not any ownership of the water itself. Since water rights in Montana are guided by the prior appropriation doctrine, a person’s right to use a specific quantity of water depends on when the use of water began, establishing the relative priority date of use on the water source. The first person to use water from a source established the first right, the second person could establish a right to the water that was left, and so on. Additionally, water users are limited to the amount of water that can be beneficially used. Beneficial use includes, but is not limited to, agricultural, recreational, fish, wildlife and domestic purposes. Montana is currently conducting a statewide adjudication of all water rights with priority dates prior to July 1, 1973. The statewide adjudication is a court process that prioritizes and quantifies all existing water rights in each Montana drainage basin. With 85 basins in Montana, and over 219,000 water right claims, the statewide adjudication is a massive undertaking that is expected to stretch well into the future. Until the adjudication process is complete, the status of any particular water right claim cannot be guaranteed. Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons do not warrant or make any representation concerning the quantity or quality of any water rights, nor any legal entitlement to use of water rights, permits to appropriate water, exempt existing rights, determination of existing water rights, nor any ditches, ditch rights, or ditch easements appurtenant to or constituting a burden on the property. Water rights claims appurtenant to the property may or may not have been fully or finally adjudicated, and any Buyer is advised to make any offer to purchase contingent upon and subject to such independent inspections, evaluations, and advice concerning the water rights and adjudication process as a Buyer might deem prudent. All Buyers should be aware that Fay Ranches, Inc., its brokers and salespersons involved in this offering have not conducted an expert inspection or analysis of the water rights for this property.
12
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
MINERAL RIGHTS All mineral rights appurtenant to the property and owned by the Seller will convey to the Buyer at closing. Mineral rights are not guaranteed. It is suggested that the Buyer conduct a mineral search with a title company.
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP A portion of the property is under conservation easement with Montana Land Reliance. Please inquire with the listing agents for more information. Each of us at Fay Ranches has a love of the land and a desire to see it remain as productive agricultural ground as well as quality fish and wildlife habitat. Through promoting the use of thoughtful land stewardship, Fay Ranches has guided owners toward a legacy of conserving wide open spaces, enhancing and creating fisheries and wildlife habitat, and implementing sustainable agricultural operations. Fay Ranches is proud to say that since our company began in 1992, the landscape on which we work has been significantly enhanced by the conservation ethic and land-use practices of our clients. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
13
14
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
SUMMARY Fay Ranches is honored to bring Jefferson Springs Ranch to market. Nestled against BLM and National Forest land in southwestern Montana, this ranch is one of the most scenic and prolific sporting properties to come to market in the Northern Rockies. A lengthy 1.6± miles of the trout-rich Jefferson River meanders through the east side of the ranch, while the west side borders thousands of acres of hardto-access public land. Located on the banks of one of Montana’s greatest fly fishing rivers, this 1,797± acre ranch is located at the foot of the stunning Tobacco Root Mountain Range, boasting some of the finest outdoor recreation in southwest Montana, as well as plentiful agricultural production. Wildlife abounds throughout the ranch, with elk, mule and white-tailed deer, upland birds, antelope, and wild rainbow and brown trout. World-class fly fishing and miles of hiking and horseback riding trails mean that Jefferson Springs Ranch has an endless ability to entertain and amaze, making it the perfect legacy ranch.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
15
PRICE $17,500,000
TERMS Cash
CONTACT Please contact Vinny Delgado at 406-253-0507 | vdelgado@fayranches.com to schedule a showing. This is an exclusive listing. An agent from Fay Ranches must be present at all showings, unless otherwise noted or other arrangements are made. To view other properties, fly fishing properties, and sporting ranches that we have listed, please visit our web page at www.fayranches.com.
NOTICE Offer is subject to errors, omissions, prior sale, change or withdrawal without notice, and approval of purchase by owner. Information regarding land classification, carrying capacities, maps, etc., is intended only as a general guideline and has been provided by the owners and other sources deemed reliable, but the accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to research the information to their own satisfaction. 16
Jefferson Springs Ranch | Whitehall, Montana
BLM
National Forest
17
18
19
RELATIONSHIPS IN REAL ESTATE As required by Montana law, a broker or salesperson shall disclose the existence and nature of relevant agency or other relationships to the parties to a real estate transaction. The various relationships and description of duties are as follows: 1. SELLER AGENT A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Act solely in the best interests of the seller; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the seller; Disclose all relevant
and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the seller agent and not known or discoverable by the seller unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the seller agent; Safeguard the seller’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the seller’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the seller for any funds or property of the seller that comes into the seller agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a seller and obtaining a seller’s written consent, to represent multiple sellers of property and to list properties for sale that may compete with the seller’s property, without breaching any obligation to the seller. A “Seller Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to:
Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the seller agent, except
that the seller agent is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; Disclose to a buyer or the buyer agent when the seller agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a buyer and a buyer agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules, and regulations. 2. BUYER AGENT (cont) A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Seller to:
Disclose any adverse material facts that are known to the buyer agent and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any
purchase offer; Disclose to the seller or the seller agent when the buyer agent has no personal knowledge of the veracity of information regarding adverse material facts that concern the property; Act in good faith with a seller and a seller agent; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. 3. DUAL AGENCY
If a seller agent is also representing a buyer, or a buyer agent is also representing a seller with regard to a property, then a
dual agency relationship may be established. In a dual agency relationship, the dual agent is equally obligated to both the seller and the buyer. These obligations may prohibit the dual agent from advocating exclusively on behalf of the seller or buyer and may limit the depth and degree of representation that you receive. A broker or a salesperson may not act as a dual agent without the signed, written consent of both the seller and the buyer. A “Dual Agent” is obligated to a Seller in the same manner as a seller agent and is obligated to a Buyer in the same manner as a buyer agent, except
a dual agent:
Has a duty to disclose to a buyer or seller any adverse material facts that are known to the dual agent regardless of any confidentiality
considerations; and May not disclose the following information without the written consent of the person to whom the
information
is
confidential; The fact that the buyer is willing to pay more than the offered purchase price; The fact that the seller is willing to accept less than the purchase price that the seller is asking for the property; Factors motivating either party to buy or sell; and Any information that a party indicates in writing to the dual agent is to be kept confidential. 4. STATUTORY BROKER A “Statutory Broker” is not the agent of the Buyer or Seller but nevertheless is obligated to them to:
Disclose to: i. a buyer or buyer agent any adverse material facts that concern the property and that are known to the statutory broker,
except that the statutory broker is not required to inspect the property or verify any statements made by the seller; and ii. a seller or a seller agent any adverse material facts that are known to the statutory broker and that concern the ability of the buyer to perform on any purchase offer; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in putting together a real estate transaction, and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. 5. IN-HOUSE SELLER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker
agreement with the buyer, an in-house seller agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a seller for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the seller with respect to the designated transaction. 6. IN-HOUSE BUYER AGENT DESIGNATE
Created when the agency holds both the listing on a property from the seller and a buyer broker
agreement with the buyer, an in-house buyer agent designate is a broker or salesperson employed by or associated as an independent contractor with a broker and designated by the broker as the exclusive agent for a buyer for a designated transaction and who may not be considered to be acting for other than the buyer with respect to the designated transaction. BUYER AGENT A “Buyer Agent” is obligated to the Buyer to: Act solely in the best interests of the buyer; Obey promptly and efficiently all lawful instructions of the buyer; Disclose all relevant and material information that concerns the real estate transaction and that is known to the buyer agent and not known or discoverable by the buyer, unless the information is subject to confidentiality arising from a prior or existing agency relationship on the part of the buyer agent; Safeguard the buyer’s confidences; Exercise reasonable care, skill, and diligence in pursuing the buyer’s objectives and in complying with the terms established in the listing agreement; Fully account to the buyer for any funds or property of the buyer that comes into the buyer agent’s possession; and Comply with all applicable federal and state laws, rules and regulations. Montana law permits a real estate agent, after providing written disclosure to a buyer and obtaining a buyer’s written consent, to represent multiple buyers interested in buying the same property or similar properties to properties in which a buyer is interested and to show properties in which a buyer is interested to other prospective buyers, without breaching any obligation to the buyer.
VINNY DELGADO ranch sales
Licensed in: MT c. 406-253-0507 vdelgado@fayranches.com
FAY RANCHES INC. (800) 238.8616 info@fayranches.com www.fayranches.com