Sierra Foothills Ranch

Purchased in two separate transactions in 1998, this 5000-acre ecological gem abuts Highway 180, which joins the King's Canyon and Sequoia National Parks with the City of Fresno and the Central Valley. The Highway has Just been expanded to 4 lanes, all but ensuring continued massive growth heading into the foothills. With greater development pressure imminent, reserving the ranch's size and solitude is paramount. Key aspects of the ranch are its size, altitude and common border with the National Forest. Ranging from 1600 to 4000 feet above sea level, the hilly terrain of the ranch provides vital mid winter habitat for many species from the "High Sierras". During cold snaps and snowstorms, many types of animals seek shelter on the ranch's mild, sunny slopes. Further, two watersheds provide about 4 miles of key riparian habitat. The ranch shares almost 2.50 miles of common border with the National Forest, and is only 2 miles away from the Sequoia National Monument. Thus it makes a perfect extension of natural habitat for the area's wildlife.

A partial list of inhabitants include: Black Bear, Mountain Lion, Bobcat, Coyote, Deer, Red Tailed Hawk, Bald and Golden Eagles, Various Owls, Turkey, and Wild Pigs. Further, the creek bottoms of Bear Creek (Seasonal) and White Deer Creek (Often year-round), are home to many types of songbirds and amphibians.

The climate norms are as follows: Avg. January High: 58 F, Avg. January Low: 38 F, Avg. July High: 96 F, Avg. July Low 58 F. Annual rainfall averages about 23-25 inches, almost exclusively coming in the winter months of Nov-April. The summer is bone dry and hot, as is the norm for the region.

Pattee Canyon Pacel

Protected since the mid 90's, this mountainside acreage sits atop Pattee Canyon, overlooking the lights of Missoula, Montana as well as the Bitterroot Mountains beyond. About 8 miles from the edge of this fast growing mountain town, the land is highly sought after by developers. The terrain is quite varied, with some steeper slopes, some gently sloping meadows, and a dramatic draw. Prior to our acquisition, the land had undergone various episodes of logging over the past 50 years, and is currently working its way back to health. The young lodgepole pine forest that is now 10-25 years old, is constantly being thinned and improved, allowing the largest and most perfect tree specimens to mature. This process will take an additional 25 years, at which time, the forest will effectively be able to care for itself. Slowly, over time, the native Ponderosa Pines, which used to inhabit the slopes, will start to take over again. Estimated time of true forest maturation? Maybe 200-250 years! In the meantime, the hilltop and the adjacent draw are home to a family of elk, spending time year-round, in safety, on the property. Eagles and other predatory birds are commonly sighted, as are other native species. Further, the adjacent lands to the north and east are all owned by the lumber companies or are State Lands, so the parcel is indeed part of the larger ecosystem.