The creation and maintenance of habitat is the critical component to healthy and diverse wildlife, waterfowl and upland bird populations and to a thriving fishery. It is also a key aesthetic component both for the owner of a Ranch and for those who enjoy the view corridor of open space that a ranch property creates on the land. The creation, enhancement and maintenance of healthy habitat requires planning, foresight and a firm grasp of the end goal. Habitat maintenance, improvement and enhancement can take many forms. Ranches of the West is very active on behalf of scores of owners in devising long and short term habitat and resource improvement programs and implementing such plans. We currently manage significant Ranch and Wildland ranches in the Rocky Mountain West, and many streambank miles of premier fisheries and riparian areas for clients in Montana, Wyoming and British Columbia. A few examples of healthy habitat methodology are listed briefly below. Clicking on the icons will bring you to a more detailed description of the theory and mechanics behind each type of resource/habitat improvement. u Riparian Area/Stream Bank Habitat. It is true trout live in wild and beautiful places, but those of us who are avid fishermen know that there are far more trout, generally of a far larger variety, in those wild and beautiful places which provide stream structure variation, constant temperatures, relatively constant flow regimes, cobble rather than sediment bottoms, stable stream banks, shade and cover. Riparian protection fencing, the use of upstream barbs, cottonwood root ball armor and, in extenuating circumstances, riprap armor coupled with stream bank plantings and strict control of grazing, all play critical rolls in creating prime fish habitat. u Upland Bird and Water Fowl Habitat. Water, food, cover and protection are the watch words when it comes to fostering critters that fly. Standing grain, flooded or un-flooded, creations of ponds, wetlands and marshes, cover grown (without burning or cutting) along ditch banks, fences and on the edge of irrigated fields, and control of predators of both live birds and bird eggs are all important ingredients toward building healthy bird populations, both migratory and resident. u Big Game Habitat. Many factors play in the ebb and flow of big game populations, male to female ratios, antler growth, trophy harvest and a variety of species. Some of the key assets of good wildlife management are, however, well planned rotational cattle pasturage, upland range improvements with hardy drought resistant grasses boasting high forage content, creation of upland watering areas through spring development, tanks, pipe lines or ponds, pro-active gender/size harvest regulations, creation of safe zones and non-disturbance of are for spring calving or fawning, and the provision of year around seasonal forage sources.

Consultants to and for Recreation and Agricultural Enterprises

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If you have any questions or comments, please contact us at fishinon@aol.com
Main Office: 406-842-7101
Fax: 406-842-7104
Main Office: 406-842-7101
Fax: 406-842-7104
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