J O H N SON LAK E R ANC H Cheney, Spokane County, Washington $4,250,000 | 1,380.34 ± Acres
Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
INTRODUCTION Johnson Lake Ranch is located 14 miles south of Cheney, Washington, near the Turnbull Wildlife National Refuge. This immaculately cared for and well-maintained ranch sits on 1,380± acres and was started as a blank canvas ten years ago with no expense spared. The luxury class 2,732 sq. ft. main house with an attached 855 sq. ft. heated garage and features top-of-the-line amenities. Quality finishes include stainless appliances, 10-foot coffered ceilings throughout, granite countertops, and 7-foot solid core doors, just to name a few. The 3,600 sq. ft. heated and insulated shop located near the house is a drive-thru with full-length carports on both sides. The house and shop overlook Johnson Lake. Both are located a mile off of the main road for added privacy and seclusion. There is a bunkhouse with sleeping quarters near the cattle handling facilities that are in great shape and very efficient. This property is a wildlife paradise with numerous big game and too many waterfowl to list. There is a wetland area just to the East of Johnson Lake filling with water in the spring that provides nesting areas for waterfowl and shoreline birds. The owners have not allowed hunting on the ranch, which has allowed the wildlife to flourish. Approximately 10± miles of perimeter fencing, cross fencing, and Jackleg fencing have all been constructed in the last 5 to 8 years. The large pastures are set up for rotational grazing and can support 75 pairs on the ranch. The 50± acres of hay ground produces approximately 100 tons of hay to supplement feeding through the winter months. This ranch has a high level of stewardship and may be one of the most organized and generally well-maintained ranches you will find in this area.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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LOCATION Cheney was first settled in 1878 under the name Willow Springs, soon to be changed to the less poetic designation of Section 13. The survey name was given to a green, spring-filled oasis in Eastern Washington that was designated to become a future depot stop along the Northern Pacific Railroad. The town was finally re-named Cheney after Benjamin P. Cheney (1815-1895), an influential director of the Northern Pacific line. By 1880, so many settlers and land speculators had arrived in anticipation of the railroad that the town was able to wrest away the county seat from the more-established village of Spokane Falls (soon to lose the word “Falls”), 16 miles to the east. However, Cheney seized the prize only after some citizens sneaked into Spokane Falls in the dead of night and made off with the county records. Cheney retained the county seat only until 1886 when another vote was held, and Spokane won. In 1889, Cheney was awarded one of the state’s normal schools (a college for training teachers). The State Normal School at Cheney evolved into Eastern Washington University, which today remains the center of its cultural and economic life. Cheney is also an important agriculture center on the edge of some of the state’s most important wheat-growing areas. Today, the city is also a bedroom community for nearby Spokane.
GETTING THERE From Cheney on Hwy 94, head south on South Cheney Plaza Rd., which turns into South Rock Lake Rd. Turn left on South Long Road to gate on left.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Showalter_Hall_-_Eastern_Washington_University.jpg 2
Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
AIRPORT INFORMATION Cheney sits less than 20 minutes away from Spokane International Airport and the numerous direct flights available at the second-largest commercial aviation center in the state. The airport’s status as 1 of only 2 FAA recognized “hubs” in Washington gives it direct daily access to markets including Sea-Tac, Portland, Bay Area, Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Boise and others. The airport serves as the main commercial aviation outlet for most of eastern Washington, north Idaho, western Montana, and southern British Columbia. The 1.5 million passengers that board planes at the airport draw eight commercial airlines to serve the region.
Vehicle Rentals The Spokane International Airport is also serviced by 8 rental car companies. The proximity of Cheney to the airport reduces overall costs of vehicle rentals but also allows for quick and easy pickups and drop-offs. Photo courtesy of https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ygsia_1b_(10136569543).jpg
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
AREA HISTORY Cheney developed into the city we know today because of its strong ties to education, rail, and agriculture. This provided a strong economic base for the community and was the result of much larger events that took place in the United States. In 1858, the last Indian uprising occurred in Eastern Washington. Because isolated Eastern Washington was an area of this Indian unrest during the early part of the territorial period, it was not until the late 1860s and early 1870s that settlers made homes in the area. In the latter part of that decade, settlers attracted by plentiful water and timber and the promise of a railway line made their homes near a group of springs bubbling through a willow copse from the bank where the Burlington Northern Depot now stands. The name of the little community, originally Section Thirteen became Willow Springs, then became Depot Springs, because of its ties to the railroad, then Billings, in honor of a president of the Northern Pacific Company, and finally Cheney, in honor of Benjamin P. Cheney, a Director of the Northern Pacific R Benjamin P. Cheney was the eldest son of a blacksmith who was born in 1815 at Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Mr. Cheney, a director of the Northern Pacific Railroad, donated $10,000 to establish the Benjamin P. Cheney Academy in the town. And the railroad donated 8± acres of land so that the educational facility could be built. In 1880 the railroad was graded through the town, and in 1883 the town was incorporated with the streets laid out in the shape of a triangle with the base parallel to the tracks. The railroad tracks were not in a true east-west line, however, so the original town is askew with the map; the newer part of Cheney was built more to the compass. The only time Cheney actually visited the town of Cheney was on September 18, 1883, following the “Last Spike Ceremony” which was the joining of the eastern and western divisions of the railroad.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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ACREAGE 1,380.34± deeded acres The ranch consists of generally flat upper plateaus and a canyon where Rock Creek flows from Bonnie Lake to Chapman Lake through the property. The canyon, a few hundred feet lower than the upper elevations, provides a wide range of tree species including Douglas Fir, Aspen and Ponderosa Pine.
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
TI MBERLAND Working with the Department of Natural Resources the owner has participated in multiple tree thinning projects to afford a healthy forest while minimizing fuel for fire risk. The results of these thinning projects have improved the health of the remaining timber. The areas of these projects have consumed approximately 100± acres to date. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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SCENIC VISTAS There is a gazebo situated perfectly to watch the waterfall across the valley. Nearby the Columbia Plateau Trail State Park is a 4,109± acre, 130-mile-long rail-bed trail that traces the 1908 original path of the Spokane, Portland, and Seattle Railroad. The route is most accessible at Cheney, with other less accessible points along the way. The route is steeped in history, with scenic vistas along the trail. Currently, 23 miles of the trail between Lincoln County and Cheney are developed and open for public use. Another 15 miles of trail from Ice Harbor Dam to Snake River Junction are open to hikers and bicyclers. Activities include hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, in-line skating, nature viewing, bird watching, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Wildlife viewing is a very popular attraction along the Columbia Plateau Trail as it passes 4.75 miles through the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. Many large animals can be seen, such as deer, elk, and moose. More than 200 species of birds have been identified and the area is famed for the visiting trumpeter swans. The best times for wildlife viewing is early morning and evening. Spring migration occurs from midMarch through mid-May, while fall migration is from September through November. While enjoying your trek through the refuge, you can read from several interpretive panels on topics such as wildlife, the Ice Age Floods, and wetlands. Washington Parks—www.parks.state.wa.us
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
CLIMATE • • • •
Climate data courtesy of: http://www.city-data.com/city/Cheney-Washington.html
Cheney, Washington gets 18 inches of rain, on average, per year. Cheney averages 42 inches of snow per year. On average, there are 177 sunny days per year in Cheney. Cheney gets some kind of precipitation, on average, 112 days per year.
IMPROVEMENTS The current owners started with a blank canvas and all improvements are less than 10 years of age, including underground power to the main house. There are approximately 1.5 miles of allweather roads and miles of dirt roads throughout the property. All perimeter and cross fencing was constructed in the last 5 to 8 years. Cattle handling facilities are excellent, following in the design of Temple Grandin livestock handling systems for a safe efficient means of caring for cattle during the year and shipping calves to market. There are propane backup generators for both the main house and cattle handling area.
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
RECREATION Fishing Badger Lake nearby is one of the most popular lowland trout lakes in the region. WDFW annually stocks both Rainbow and Cutthroat Trout fry, which drives the fishery. WDFW also stocks a modest number of Kokanee each year. When kept clean of nuisance fish species, this lake is one of the best opening day trout lakes in the state. Badger Lake is a great family fishing destination, whether you enjoy the lake from a boat or try your luck bank fishing from the WDFW access area.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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RECREATION Outdoor activities on the ranch include hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, ATV riding, skeet and target shooting and exceptional bird watching. There are 2 pavilions constructed on the ranch. One is at the canyon edge overlooking the waterfall on the eastern cliffs and the other is set up for outdoor shooting.
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
Elk Herd near Cheney, Washington—www.stepoutside.org
RECREATION Wildlife Extravaganza! The current owners have not allowed hunting on the ranch, which has allowed wildlife to flourish. Big game includes moose, elk, whitetail and mule deer. There are lots of turkeys on the ranch and the lake, ponds and wetland areas are home to swans, pelicans, numerous species of ducks, geese and shoreland birds. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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NEARBY ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES This ranch is located near Turnbull NWR encompasses approximately 18,217± acres of the Channeled Scablands. The ecosystem that pre-dominates the Refuge is unique within the National Wildlife Refuge System and has characteristics that distinguish it from natural reserves worldwide. The powerful forces of volcanism, glaciation, and the largest floods in geological history have combined to forge a distinct environment. The combination of basalt outcrops, flood eroded channels, and ponderosa pine forests infused in a diverse landscape of over 130 marshes, wetlands and lakes, creates an environment of aesthetic beauty as well as high-quality wildlife habitat. Refuge ecosystems represent an ecological transition between the dry, sagebrush-dotted grasslands of the Columbia Basin and the timbered Selkirk and Bitterroot Mountain Ranges that rise to the east. The more than 3,000± acres of wetlands on Turnbull NWR represent some of the last quality breeding habitats available in eastern Washington for waterfowl, which have experienced tremendous population declines across North America due to loss and degradation of breeding migration, and wintering habitat.
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
INCOME/RETURN OPPORTUNITY Large pastures are set up for rotational grazing. Summer grass months can support 75 pairs of cattle on the ranch. There are 50± acres of hay ground generating approximately 100 tons of hay each year used for winter feeding.
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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WATER SOURCES | WATER RIGHTS There are three wells on the property approximately 500 feet deep that supply water for the cattle handling facility and the main house, which are electric. A 3rd is solar-powered for livestock watering.
MINERAL & TIMBER RIGHTS All mineral and timber 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.
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
CONSERVATION | STEWARDSHIP 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. CRP/Wetland Conservation Program includes Jack Leg Rail fencing around 86± acres with a contract through 09/30/2024 paying $5,602 per year. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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QUICK FACTS • • • • • • • •
1,380.34± acres Luxury class 2,732 sq. ft. main house 3,600 sq. ft. heated and insulated shop Cattle handling facility Bunkhouse with sleeping quarters 30± acre lake Rock Creek flows though the property Approximately 10 miles of perimeter fencing • Everything is less than 10 years old • Wildlife extravaganza
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
SUMMARY Don’t miss this opportunity to own the Johnson Lake Ranch. This immaculately cared for and wellmaintained ranch sits on 1,380± acres and is located 14 miles south of Cheney. The main house is 2,732 sq. ft. with an attached 855 sq. ft. heated garage. The 3,600 sq. ft. heated and insulated shop located near the house is a drive-thru with full-length carports on both sides. Both are located a mile off of the main road for added privacy and seclusion. There is a bunkhouse near the cattle handling facilities that are in great shape and very efficient. This property is a wildlife paradise with numerous big game and too many waterfowl to list. www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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PRICE $4,250,000
TERMS Cash, Conventional Financing, 1031 Tax Exchange
TAXES $5,094
CONTACT Please contact Bryon Clarke at (253) 226-2280 | bclarke@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.
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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Johnson Lake Ranch | Cheney, Washington
www.fayranches.com | (800) 238.8616 | info@fayranches.com
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BRYON CLARKE Broker Licensed in: WA c. 253-226-2280 bclarke@fayranches.com
FAY RANCHES INC. (800) 238.8616 info@fayranches.com www.fayranches.com