TRAIL CREEK RANCH MEAGHER COUNTY, MONTANA
Offered Exclusively By:
www.westernranchproperties.com
LOCATION The Trail Creek Ranch is located approximately 15 miles northwest of Martinsdale and 32 miles east of White Sulphur Springs, Montana. Access is via Spring Creek Road approximately 7 miles north of State Highway 12, then northwest on a Forest Service road for about 2.5 miles.
THE PROPERTY HAS BEAUTIFUL POCKETS OF ASPEN, FIR AND BIG PINE TREES
AREA Meagher County spans a geographic area of 2,395 square miles with a population density of less than 1 person per mile; a demographic not unlike some other counties in Montana, but noteworthy when considering that this area is situated in the western half of Montana, and the county seat of White Sulphur Springs lies less than a two hour drive from Bozeman, Helena and Great Falls – all major population centers by Montana standards. This is big country, characterized by vast expanses of snow-capped mountains and large valleys. Numerous mountain streams feed the Shields, upper Musselshell and Smith Rivers – all fine trout fisheries – and the mountains and plains in the area are home to a compelling diversity of wildlife species. The region offers premier recreational opportunities, historical richness, and for those few residents, a quality and relaxed western lifestyle. The first significant settlement of the area began in the 1860’s after deposits of gold, silver, lead and copper were discovered in the Big and Little Belt, and Castle Mountains. Cattle and sheep ranchers also homesteaded the area around White Sulphur Springs and the valleys of the upper Sixteen Mile and Smith River drainages. Today the mining is all but gone, but ranching and farming is still big business, with large cattle ranches and both irrigated and dry land farming operations scattered across the countryside. The county seat of White Sulphur Springs, with a population of about one thousand, provides services to the area including banking and medical, a nine-hole golf course and Trail Creek Ranch − Page I
a paved airstrip capable of accommodating small jet aircraft. The closest commercial air service would be within a couple of hours.
NO GRAZING FOR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS HAS RESULTED IN LUSH GRASS STANDS
RECREATION Montana is a recreational paradise. Whether it is fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, skiing, or any number of other outdoor activities, the possibilities are limited only by the imagination. Montana’s trout streams are legendary, and the state arguably contains more premier water than any other region in the continental United States. While it is the “Blue Ribbon” designated trout streams in southwestern Montana – the Big Hole, Yellowstone, Gallatin, Madison, and Missouri Rivers – that generally receive the bulk of notoriety and subsequent angling pressure, there are countless lesser known trout fisheries in the state that offer premium fishing opportunities for both numbers and quality fish, but usually without the crowds. The Shields, upper Judith and upper Musselshell Rivers are all fine trout waters within close proximity to the Trail Creek Ranch, that for the most part, receive a modest amount of angling pressure. These freestone streams are populated with Brook, Brown and Rainbow trout. Additionally, Yellowstone Cutthroat are found in the upper Shields. The fish in these streams are opportunistic when it comes to feeding, and will typically be very receptive to a variety of fly patterns. Unquestionably, the most recognized river fishery in the area is the Smith, which offers a high-caliber trout angling experience in a wilderness setting. Most folks fishing the river do so by raft, floating the approximate 60 miles from Camp Baker to Eden Bridge, over the span of 4-5 days. Due to the increasing popularity of this trip, a permit by lottery is now required to regulate the number of people utilizing the river at any one time, but the inconvenience of the draw process is certainly worth the effort, as both the scenery and fishing are spectacular. There are many other smaller mountain streams – Sheep and Tenderfoot to name two – as well as numerous ponds, lakes and reservoirs in the immediate vicinity of the property, waiting for the adventurous angler Trail Creek Ranch − Page II
to explore. Bair, Sutherland and Martinsdale reservoirs are all within minutes of the property, and offer shots at big rainbows and browns.
TRAIL CREEK
THERE ARE GOOD NUMBERS OF ELK IN THE AREA AND ARE SEEN REGULARLY ON THE PROPERTY Trail Creek Ranch − Page III
Some of Montana’s best hunting opportunities are also found in this portion of the state. The mountains and plains comprising the region harbor most of the recognized big game species in Montana, including Elk, Whitetail and Mule Deer, Antelope, Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Moose and Rocky Mountain Goats. This property lies in elk/deer district 454. It would be realistic to annually harvest elk and deer on the property, and antelope are regularly seen. Waterfowl and upland wingshooting is also superb in this area with the possibility of decoying ducks and geese in the morning, then hunting for Hungarian partridge, pheasant and grouse in the afternoon of the same day. Both Ruffed and Blue grouse can also be found in the pockets of aspen and fir on the property.
A VIEW TO THE NORTHWEST WITH THE LITTLE BELT MOUNTAINS IN BACKDROP
Downhill skiing opportunities include Showdown Ski Resort, 28 miles north of White Sulphur Springs, and Bridger Bowl, 16 miles northeast of Bozeman. For the crosscountry skier there is the Silvercrest Cross Country Area on King’s Hill, and the Bohart Ranch, which is located adjacent to Bridger Bowl. Also available in the immediate vicinity are seven public campgrounds, and over 500,000 acres of National Forest land to recreate on. Much of the backcountry portions of the Lewis and Clark National Forest in this area can be accessed by vehicle via an extensive system of roads and trails. THE PROPERTY The Trail Creek Ranch comprises approximately 961 contiguous deeded acres and shares two miles of common boundary with the Lewis and Clark National Forest. Historically, the property has been utilized as a weekend getaway and hunting camp, and for summer grazing. Elevation on the property ranges from 5,700’ – 5,800’ and average annual precipitation for the area is estimated at 16-18”. The topography is rolling/sloping and much of the ranch is comprised of a mix of thick grass pasture, and scattered sage, with several lush pockets of aspen, fir and pine trees. Trail Creek Ranch − Page IV
Approximately 400 acres of the property, primarily in the southwest corner, are somewhat drier, with sandier soil, short grass pasture, sage and few trees. There is a transmission line that runs diagonally across this corner of the ranch, however impact to the viewshed is negligible. The water on the property is excellent, consisting of four small year-round spring-fed creeks running north to south, in addition to the east fork of Trail Creek. The viability of trout ponds on the property is substantial. Views from the property are quite dramatic, with mountains in all directions. Aside from Forest Service land to the east and north, neighbors on the south and west are both large ranches – the latter being Bair Ranches, which is a very substantial operation. Improvements include two small cabins and a “spring house”. One cabin is an original hand-hewn homestead building, and the other is of newer construction, complete with wood stove and loft. All the buildings are located next to one of the spring creeks on the edge of an aspen grove. This creek also runs through the spring house, creating the option of cool storage for perishable foods. There was no livestock on the property in 2010 and there will also be no grazing in 2011. Portions of the perimeter fence were either repaired or replaced in 2007.
ASPEN AND FIR TREES ALONG TRAIL CREEK ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE RANCH
Once leaving Spring Creek Road, access to the property is via forest road #2019 for about two and one-half miles. The lower couple of miles of Spring Creek road is paved and county maintained; beyond that, the road is Forest Service, gravel-surfaced and not maintained year-round. In most winters, vehicle travel is possible to an area known as Cooks Flat, which is roughly 4.5 miles from the property by road. A new Forest Service travel plan for the Lewis & Clark National Forest area was adopted in 2010. Under the new rules, all forms of vehicle travel on FS Road #2019 are permitted from May 16 – November 30, with tracked (snowmachine) access only from December 1 – May 15.
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ONE OF SEVERAL EXCELLENT SPRINGS ON THE PROPERTY
BEAVER PONDS AND ASPEN ON TRAIL CREEK Trail Creek Ranch − Page VI
EXCELLENT BEDDING HABITAT FOR DEER, ELK AND MOOSE
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TAXES, WATER & MINERAL RIGHTS 2010 property taxes were approximately $500.00. The seller will convey/transfer all appurtenant water and mineral rights, if any, at closing, however the seller makes no representations or warranties concerning current status or validity of any of these rights. Independent investigation of both these items is recommended to any prospective purchaser.
A VIEW TO THE EAST - THE DISTANT TIMBERED RIDGES ARE FOREST SERVICE LANDS
PRICE $1,000,000
The Trail Creek Ranch represents a rare and unique opportunity. Mountain acreages with National Forest boundary, water amenities and wildlife are becoming very difficult to find for purchase anywhere in Montana, much less in the highly desirable southwest portion of the Treasure State. This is a beautiful piece of ground that is located in a wonderful, recreational-oriented, and sparsely populated region. With gorgeous views, excellent water, varied wildlife, privacy and seclusion, and within a convenient drive to town, this property will not disappoint.
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Contact Exclusive Agent For Seller
JEFFREY M. SHOUSE – BROKER P.O. BOX 11709, BOZEMAN, MONTANA 59719 OFFICE – 406-580-2609 MOBILE – 406-580-5078 FAX – 406-585-2492 E-MAIL:
[email protected] An appointment must be made with WESTERN RANCH PROPERTIES before viewing this property. A representative of WESTERN RANCH PROPERTIES must accompany all showings. This offering is subject to error, omissions, prior sale, change, or withdrawal without notice, and approval of the purchase by the owner. All information regarding acreages, land classifications, maps, potential profits, carrying capacities, production yields, etc., is intended to be used as a general guideline and is not guaranteed by Western Ranch Properties, Agent, or Seller. We urge independent verification of each and every item submitted, to the satisfaction of any prospective purchaser. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING OUR INVENTORY OF FISHING, HUNTING AND OTHER RECREATIONAL PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT MONTANAVISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: www.westernranchproperties.com Copyright 2011 J.M. SHOUSE & ASSOCIATES/WESTERN RANCH PROPERTIES Trail Creek Ranch – Page X