2012 Conservation Deal of the Year: Devils River Ranches, Val Verde County, Texas

On the eastern edge of the Chihuahuan Desert, along the banks of the Devils River, is an area that was once known for the imminent danger this country posed to soldiers and civilians alike. During the frontier days of the Lone Star State, the Comanche made sport of attacking those trekking across the Big Bend from San Antonio to El Paso. Although the U.S. Army established Fort Hudson in 1857, these attacks continued well beyond the close of the Civil War.

Today, this territory is renowned for its pristine waters. The Devils River is the cleanest river in Texas. It also forms a crucial part of the Rio Grande drainage basin, and the Texas Nature Conservancy made it a goal to keep it this way.

“We’ve been working on the Devils River for 20 years,” says Jeff Francell, Director of Land Protection for the Texas Nature Conservancy. “We bought our first preserve in the early 1990s, and since that time we have protected as much of this area as possible from fragmentation and incompatible land use.”

The Baker Ranch and Prosser Ranch sat side by side, making up a total of some 40,000 acres, including six miles of Devils River frontage. The Texas Nature Conservancy acquired both in order to protect the river as well as Fern Cave, among the largest caves in Texas and home to one of the world’s largest Mexican free-tailed bat populations. Its challenge was to find buyers for both ranches who would be willing to join with the Conservancy in protecting this priceless treasure. Fortunately, a landowner who shared the organization’s conservation focus came along and swooped up both.

Jeff Boswell’s client was looking for a place where he could pursue his love for nature photography, and he had his heart set on West Texas. “At first we looked at a smaller place, but he fell in love with the Devils River, and he knew he wanted to protect it,” says Boswell, a Houston-based broker with Republic Ranches.

“One hurdle we faced was that most people thought a conservation easement was already in place,” says Kevin Meier of duPerier Texas Land Man, who represented the Texas Nature Conservancy on these properties for a year and a half.

“You had to explain to prospective buyers that the conservation easement was able to be written and negotiated to meet the criteria that The Nature Conservancy has to follow to meet their mission,” Meier adds.

Fortunately, that mission just happened to be one that Boswell’s client felt equally passionate about.

“We needed to make sure a conservation easement put buffers along the river’s edge barring development. We also needed to put no-development areas around the cave, springs, and river frontage,” Francell says.

The buyer agreed to protect the land conservatively, taking only two divisions per property, signing off on a limited number of new homesites, and creating no-development zones within 750 feet of protected areas.

“My client knows that he has a valuable asset on his hands, and protecting the Devils River will protect his asset,” Boswell says.

It was a classic win-win all the way around.

“It couldn’t have been a better buyer as far as conservation goes,” Meier says. “It was a match made in heaven.”

Based in Bozeman, Montana, Corinne Garcia freelances for Marie Claire and Country Living.

Download your digital version of the Spring 2013 edition of The Land Report.

Land Report April 2013 Newsletter

It’s amazing – the yarns that can be shared about certain tracts of real property. Our April Newsletter takes a closer at several standout stories, including one that I am quite confident is destined to end up before the Supreme Court in a year or two. Why? The two states involved have been disputing their boundary for only the last 195 years.

Also in our April Newsletter you’ll find the story of an Oregon Senator who is considering a shift in federal management of certain timberlands. Meanwhile the Texas Legislature is currently embroiled in how best to combat the drought that has plagued much of the Lone Star State.

Last but not least, an uptick in the housing market has brought renewed activity to North American forests. Learn more as one of America’s largest landowners gears up for increased lumber sales.

For up-to-the-minute reports on listings, auctions, sales, and breaking news pertaining to land and landowners, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Land Report Top Ten: March 2013

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by Walton Ranch in Wyoming, which is listed with Ranch Marketing Associates for $100 million.

1. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

2. Big Homer’s Pond: $92 million

Located in the town of West Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard, Big Homer’s Pond is comprised of 266 acres and includes ownership of all developable waterfront, exclusive rights for building on Big Homer’s Pond, and exclusive rights to private oceanfront lying to the east of Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Four Peaks Ranch: $75 million

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, just outside Aspen, Four Peaks Ranch (pictured above) presents a rare opportunity to own a quintessential mountain paradise. Totaling 876 acres, the 18,000 sq. ft. home on this property features unparalleled views of Mt. Sopris, Mt. Daly, Capital Peak and Snowmas. Joshua & Co. has the listing.

6. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

6. Sagg Pond Estate: $65 million
Located in one of the Hamptons’ most exclusive enclaves on the banks of the tranquil Sagg Pond, this 33-acre waterfront estate is bordered by dozens of acres of protected land, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions for generations to come. Debbie Loeffler of the Corcoran Group has the listing.

8. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

9. Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard: $59.5 million

Situated 1,400 feet above the coastal fog and four miles from the beach, Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard offers a rare, private wine country lifestyle. Featuring a fully operational vineyard and winery, this Malibu Estate is one of the most sought after properties on the market today. Listed with Kerry Mormann & Associates.

10. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 39 on the 2012 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

Click here to download a copy of the March 2013 newsletter.

Land Report March 2013 Newsletter

Spring is off to a strong start, and this month’s Newsletter has the data to prove it. I spoke with Scott Shuman at Hall and Hall Auctions about the $4 million sale of more than 2,000 acres just outside of Dallas on March 7. His words to me? “If anyone needs any proof that there’s a ton of money sitting on the sidelines looking for a solid investment opportunity, this sale proves it.” Turn to page 3 for more on the TRBP Ranch auction, which was offered by Hall and Hall Auctions in conjunction with Hortenstine Ranch Company.

There is a strong emphasis on federal policy in our March Newsletter. In addition to an update on last year’s record crop insurance payouts, which now total a staggering $15 billion, landowners may want to take a closer look at possible grants currently available from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

For up-to-the-minute reports on listings, auctions, sales, and breaking news pertaining to land and landowners, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

On the Block: Texas’ Lazy H&B Ranch

On Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 11:00 am central, Lazy H&B Ranch in southwest Texas will be sold at an onsite auction at the property’s location. The opening bid is $1,900,000.

Comprised of 4,447.13 acres, Lazy H&B Ranch is located in the northeastern portion of Val Verde County, which is approximately 32 miles north of Del Rio, Texas along highway 277. Offering native pastureland, rocky hills, bluffs and creeks, the entire property is fenced for game management. Additionally, there is approximately 1,000 to 1,200 AC, which is separately fenced and stocked with exotic wildlife, including Oryx, Axix, Black Buck and Audad.

The following improvements have been made to this property:

• 3,200 SF metal hunting lodge
• 2,400 SF metal barn with a covered hangar
• Small metal building/animal cleaning area
• Approximately 10 RV hook ups
• 33′ W x 2,000′ L asphalt runway
• Camp house w/ loft
• 4 Water wells

The auction will also include the sale of personal property items, including:

• Caterpillar 416B Backhoe
• John Deer 450G Crawler Dozer
• Kawasaki 2510 4×4 Mule ATV
• Cequest Horse Trailer

Inspection for this property is scheduled for Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at 11:00am central.

For more information about this property, contact Kelly Toney at (832) 220-1100 or visit Tranzon Auction.

K. Toney TX Auction License #11818

Land Report Top Ten: January 2013

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by Walton Ranch in Wyoming, which is listed with Ranch Marketing Associates for $100 million. New to the list is Four Peaks Ranch just outside of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and Rosenthal – The Malibu Estate & Vineyard in California.

1. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

2. Big Homer’s Pond: $92 million

Located in the town of West Tisbury on Martha’s Vineyard, Big Homer’s Pond (pictured above) is comprised of 266 acres and includes ownership of all developable waterfront, exclusive rights for building on Big Homer’s Pond, and exclusive rights to private oceanfront lying to the east of Long Point Wildlife Refuge. Wallace & Co. Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Four Peaks Ranch: $75 million

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, just outside Aspen, Four Peaks Ranch presents a rare opportunity to own a quintessential mountain paradise. Totaling 876 acres, the 18,000 sq. ft. home on this property features unparalleled views of Mt. Sopris, Mt. Daly, Capital Peak and Snowmas. Joshua & Co. has the listing.

6. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

6. Sagg Pond Estate: $65 million

Located in one of the Hamptons’ most exclusive enclaves on the banks of the tranquil Sagg Pond, this 33-acre waterfront estate is bordered by dozens of acres of protected land, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions for generations to come. Debbie Loeffler of the Corcoran Group has the listing.

8. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

9. Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard: $59.5 million

Situated 1,400 feet above the coastal fog and four miles from the beach, Rosenthal: The Malibu Estate & Vineyard offers a rare, private wine country lifestyle. Featuring a fully operational vineyard and winery, this Malibu Estate is one of the most sought after properties on the market today. Listed with Kerry Mormann & Associates.

10. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 39 on the 2012 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

Click here to download a copy of the January 2013 newsletter.

Land Report January 2013 Newsletter

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announces his plan to leave Washington and return home to Colorado. The Supreme Court agrees to hear a dispute between Texas and Oklahoma over water rights. And the State of Texas, on a completely different matter, asks the Nation’s highest court to intervene in yet another water fight, one that involves Texas and another neighbor, New Mexico.

So much for a slow start to 2013. Our January newsletter features these news items and as well as others, including Land Report 100er Louis Bacon’s timeless gift to establish the Sangre de Cristo Conservation Area in Southern Colorado.

For up-to-the minute reports on listings, auctions, sales, and breaking news pertaining to land and landowners, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Land Report Top Ten: August 2012

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $132.5 million Broken O Ranch in Montana, which is listed with Bates Sanders Swan Land Company. New to the list is a 33-acre Sagg Pond Estate in Sagaponack South (pictured above).

1. Broken O Ranch (Montana): $132.5 million

At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.

2. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

5. Sagg Pond Estate: $65 million
Located in one of the Hamptons’ most exclusive enclaves on the banks of the tranquil Sagg Pond, this 33-acre waterfront estate is bordered by dozens of acres of protected land, ensuring privacy and pristine conditions for generations to come. Debbie Loeffler of the Corcoran Group has the listing.

7. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

8. Swain’s Neck: $59 million

Spread out on almost 70 acres, Swain’s Neck is an exclusive waterfront estate on Nantucket Island. Featuring spectacular, unobstructed 180-degree views of Polpis Harbor, this property includes a sprawling main residence which embraces the magnificent views, a charming guest cottage, a private studio/office, a boathouse, a gatehouse with apartment, several fenced-in pastures, a sport court and meticulously manicured grounds and gardens. Listed with Gary Winn with Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty.

9. Hana Ranch: $55 million

This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

10. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

Photo Credit: Corcoran

Click here to download a copy of the August 2012 newsletter.

Land Report June 2012 Newsletter

A lot to discuss in our June newsletter, in particular, the late-breaking news about the pending sale of the Hawaiian island of Lanai by David Murdock to Oracle CEO Larry Ellison. To give you an idea of the importance of this transaction, none other than Hawaii’s Governor, Neil Abercrombie, broke the news to the general public. No word on the final sale price. According to published reports, however, Murdock had been asking between $500 and $600 million for the 141-square-mile island.

For up to the minute reports on listings, auctions, sales, and breaking news pertaining to land and landowners, be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. The Land Report is also on Pinterest.

Land Report Top Ten: May 2012

From the Pacific to the Northeast, here are America’s priciest properties, led by $132.5 million Broken O Ranch in Montana, which is listed with Bates Sanders Swan Land Company. New to the list is Dillingham Ranch in Hawaii and Swain’s Neck (pictured above) on Nantucket Island.

1. Broken O Ranch (Montana): $132.5 million

At 123,000 acres, this ranch has been in the making for the past 20 years. With its expansive cattle and farming operation, this ranch currently carries 3,500 mother cows plus 800 replacement heifers and 200 range bulls. The Broken O Ranch also contains Montana’s largest block of irrigated land, approximately 13,000 acres, and has historically averaged 25,000 tons of alfalfa hay and 700,000 bushels of small grain crops annually. Mike Swan of Bates Sanders Swan Land Company has the listing.

2. Walton Ranch: $100 million

This 1,848-acre working cattle ranch was pieced together by the Walton family beginning in 1958. The family placed the ranch under conservation easement in 1983. Billy Long and Ron Morris of Ranch Marketing Associates have the listing.

3. Broken O Ranch (Texas): $81 million

Located in Boerne, Texas, the historic Broken O Ranch is one of Texas’ finest ranches on the market today. Featuring breathtaking views that only the Texas Hill Country has to offer, this ranch is also home to an array of wildlife. Trip duPerier with duPerier Texas Land Man, LLC has the listing.

4. Ranch Dos Pueblos: $79 million

This oceanfront parcel is on the market for the first time in three decades. Spanning 2,175 acres just west of Santa Barbara, it’s one of the largest remaining ranches along the breathtaking Gaviota Coast. Kerry Mormann & Associates has the listing.

5. Dillingham Ranch: $65 million

Located in Mokuleia, on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii, this historic 2,700 acre estate offers all of the charms and essence of Hawaii, from white sandy beaches to mountain terrain and acres of open green space scattered with coconut trees, monkey pods, and rare plant species indigenous to Hawaii. Zackary Wright with Christie’s International Real Estate has the listing.

6. Big Creek Ranch: $59.9 million

Only eight miles from Steamboat Springs, 5,034-acre Big Creek Ranch offers rainbow and brook trout fishing along five miles of Big Creek as well as a half-mile of the Elk River. National forest borders 85 percent of the property, offering easy access to an additional 150,000 acres of pristine wilderness, including world-class trout fishing and hunting for elk and mule deer. A mix of forest and meadows provides ideal wildlife habitat and summer pasturage. Listed by Ron Morris and Billy Long of Ranch Marketing Associates.

7. Swain’s Neck: $59 million

Spread out on almost 70 acres, Swain’s Neck is an exclusive waterfront estate on Nantucket Island. Featuring spectacular, unobstructed 180-degree views of Polpis Harbor, this property includes a sprawling main residence which embraces the magnificent views, a charming guest cottage, a private studio/office, a boathouse, a gatehouse with apartment, several fenced-in pastures, a sport court and meticulously manicured grounds and gardens. Listed with Gary Winn with Maury People Sotheby’s International Realty.

8. Hana Ranch: $55 million

This 4,500-acre working ranch on eastern Maui surrounds the town of Hana. The property boasts two miles of Pacific oceanfront and rises over 2,200 feet up the slopes of Haleakala. Dan Omer of Island Sotheby’s International Realty has the listing.

9. Rockpile Ranch: $54.5 million

For only the third time in over a century, this 55,374-acre cattle ranch in the Davis Mountains of Far West Texas is on the market. Since 1992, the Rockpile has been owned by McCoy Remme Ranches (No. 41 on the 2011 Land Report 100). James King of King Land and Water is the listing agent.

10. Aspen Valley Ranch: $52 million

Billed as the largest ranch near Aspen in the Roaring Fork Valley, this ranch boasts senior water rights as well as over 800 acres and is located just 10 minutes from the Aspen airport. Joshua Saslove of Joshua & Co. has the listing.

Click here to download a copy of the May 2012 newsletter.

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