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Bozeman - #141694

$899,000

Location

Southwest Montana, in particular the Gallatin Valley, is considered to be one of the most scenic, progressive and desirable regions in the state of Montana. The area is considerably diverse, offering substantial recreational and cultural opportunities, a rich and colorful history, a dynamic multi-faceted economy, and a high quality lifestyle with a distinctive western flair.

Lying at the northern fringe of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Gallatin Valley is framed by spectacular mountain formations including the Bridger, Gallatin, Madison, Tobacco Root and Elkhorn Ranges, with summits of some peaks exceeding 10,000 feet in elevation. The farms and ranches of the Valley floor are bisected by numerous cottonwood-lined rivers, freestone streams, and springs creeks, the majority of which originate from the forested slopes of the surrounding mountains.

While the region has experienced a steady influx of urban migration during the last several years, a standing testament to the wildness can be found in the realization that abundant populations of elk, deer and moose are frequently seen in the foothills and the hayfields along the perimeter of the Gallatin Valley, and the grizzly bear can still be found in notable numbers, roaming the forests and peaks of the Gallatin and Madison Ranges.

Acreage

The Riverwood Ranch offers 12 +/- acres with West Gallatin River frontage. The Gallatin River runs through the western perimeter of the property, commanding both banks of a large channel of the river that forms a private island. Additionally, the property offers a couple hundred yards of private spring and river fed creek loaded with trout. A setting that is near impossible to duplicate.

Recreational Opportunities

Southwest Montana is truly blessed with more recreational opportunities than a person could possibly explore in a lifetime. The vast mountain ranges and 1 million acres of valley floor are the reason Gallatin County is a renowned recreational destination. Pursuits include golf, equestrian sports, hiking, mountain biking, downhill and cross country skiing, as well as just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surrounding snow capped mountain views.

Fishing:

The Riverwood Ranch offers a stretch of the West Gallatin River that is known by only a handful of serious, area fisherman. The large channel of the Gallatin running through the property offers a true long glide, riffle, and run section. Both banks along this channel are within the boundaries of the property for a near 1/8th of a mile, plus or minus. Public fishing access is located at least a mile from northern and southern boundaries of the property, so very few fisherman wander through its waters.

The property boasts a private, unnamed tributary that is an agriculturally improved channel of the Gallatin River. This several hundred feet of private river channel that is fed by numerous fresh water springs and flows year-round. The habitat within its banks offers a sanctuary for the hundreds of trout that find shelter in its waters. This private stream has only been fished by a handful of family and friends over the past 80 years of historical ownership. This stream allows no public access. With a much higher count of hatches than the main River, there are an incredible density of Rainbows, Brook trout, Cutthroat and Browns up to and over 20 inches.

Montana's trout streams are legendary, and the state arguably contains more premier fishing water than any other region in the continental Untied States. Within a short drive from the property are four of Montana's seven "Blue Ribbon" designated trout streams; the West Gallatin, Yellowstone, Madison, and Missouri Rivers. Another hour's drive will put the angler on the fabled streams such as the Stillwater, Boulder, Shields, Ruby, Big Hole, Beaverhead and the enormous diversity of the Yellowstone National Park waters. The internationally acclaimed spring creeks of the Paradise Valley, not to mention the fabulous spring creeks found in the Gallatin Valley. There are also fantastic Stillwater opportunities in the region. For the angler, there are a seemingly limitless array of possibilities to explore.

Hunting:

The Riverwood Ranch hosts several species of big game, smaller woodland creatures and birds. Numerous Whitetail deer, an occasional black bear, porcupine, otter, beaver, red fox can frequently be seen within the property boundaries. The private river bottom forest and lush meadows offer abundant forage and protection to the wildlife. Bald eagles, hawks, owls, wild turkey, geese, ducks, Blue Heron, Kingfisher and hundreds of song birds call the scenic woodland home.

Some of Montana's best big game, waterfowl and upland bird hunting are found in Gallatin County, just minutes from your front door. The mountains surrounding the Gallatin Valley are home to all the recognized big game species in Montana, including the elusive Big Horn sheep and Rocky Mountain goat. Waterfowl and upland birding is nothing short of superb as well, with several species of ducks available, greater and lesser Canada and Snow geese, three species of grouse, Hungarian partridge, and pheasant.

Forest Service Access:

Gallatin National Forest Service access is with 10 miles to the South of the property. Hundreds of miles of trail systems wind their way through the Gallatin and Madison mountain ranges, eventually bringing one within the boundaries and trail systems of Yellowstone National Park. The National Forest offers unlimited recreational opportunities including horse back riding, hiking, back country ATV trails, camping, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and cross country skiing.

Access

The Riverwood Ranch is found on a quiet rural county road, (Upper Rainbow Road) and is accessed off of US Highway 191, also known as Gallatin Road. Gallatin Road is the main route from the Gallatin Valley to West Yellowstone, the West entrance of Yellowstone National Park.

Driving distance to surrounding communities:
• Four Corners: 2 +/- miles
• Bozeman: 10 +/- miles
• Gallatin Gateway: 5 +/- miles
• Big Sky: 30 +/- miles
• Bridger Bowl: 30 +/- miles
• Belgrade/Airport: 13 +/- miles
• West Yellowstone: 80 +/- miles

Community

Bozeman, the largest community in the area with a population of some 31,000 is located approximately 10 miles West of the property and is regarded as the central hub of the Gallatin Valley. Bozeman serves as the county seat of Gallatin County, and home to Montana State University with over 12, 000 students enrolled. MSU offers baccalaureate degrees in 51 fields, master's degrees in 40 fields and doctoral degrees in 17 fields. Bozeman provides all major shopping an service related opportunities as well as a great many small specialty shops and fine dining establishments, and is also the location of the nationally acclaimed Museum of the Rockies with its Taylor Planetarium and renowned dinosaur exhibits. The Bozeman Deaconess Hospital is one of the finest medical facilities in Montana.

The small town of Gallatin Gateway, the Gateway to Yellowstone Park, is located approximately 6 miles to the South of the property. Big Sky Ski and Summer Resort is quick 30 minute drive from the property. The budding community, known as Four Corners, is located just 2 +/- miles north of the property and offers several shopping and service related business including hardware, grocery, fuel and even medical care. With-in walking distance is a full service health club, spa and natural hot spring, the historic Bozeman Hot Springs. The Four Corners area offers reputation educational opportunities that include a K-8 public school and a K-12 Montessori school. Bozeman offers public high school, as well as, several private educational opportunities.

Gallatin Field, located near Belgrade, provides jet service to the area with numerous arrivals and departures daily, facilitated by four major air carriers. Two outstanding, private air service terminals are also available.

Description of the land

The Riverwood Ranch offers a 12 +/- acre. river bottom woodland with West Gallatin River frontage. The Gallatin River runs through the western perimeter of the property, commanding both banks of a large river channel forming a private island. Additionally, the property offers several hundred feet of a private river and spring fed creek loaded with trout. The park-like setting is a literal forest of a variety of trees to include mature Cottonwoods and a large grove of Quaking Aspen. A trail meanders through the meadows and forest allowing clear access to riverside picnic spots and fishing holes.

Prior to settlement of the Pioneers from the East in the 1860's, the Native Americans called, "the Valley of the Flowers", home. A historical Bannack Indian trail was used through this property. Its historic stone marker can be found along the River Road, just West of the subject property, where the trail forged the River. Indian teepee rings can still be found in the forested river bottom of the adjacent lands. Native American artifacts have been found as well, and include Indian arrow heads.

Topography:

The home site sits on approximately two acres of level terrace above the river bottom meadows. The creek side meadow and river bottom are relatively level to the Gallatin River Channel, crossing the channel to a river island. The river bottom lands have some low swales, which are probably old overflow channels off the River. Due to high ground water in the area, there is potential to dig ponds, which would naturally fill with ground water.

Livestock Consideration:

The acreage encompassing the Riverwood Ranch has been historically used as sheep pasture. Currently, there is no perimeter fencing. Once fenced for livestock, the lush vegetation is very suitable for horses or a small herd of hobby animals. However, one would need to take into consideration the value of the local wildlife and the competition that one would create with the introduction of additional animals.

Elevation, Precipitation, and Climate

The average Elevation at the Riverwood Ranch is approximately 4,500 feet above sea level.

Natural Water Resources

The potential for further wildlife habitat enhancement is excellent, including ponding, wetlands, and upland bird cover development, food plots and fisheries development. There are several local and national conservation easement organizations that currently protect the lands along the Gallatin River. The property has substantial Conservation Easement potential.

Improvements

The Riverwood Ranch offers a cute, little cottage that can be used as a recreational get away or weekly fishing/vacation rental. Additionally, there is room to build on the adjacent one acre above the private stream. One will need consult with Gallatin County regarding building site and sanitary restrictions on the property.

Main Residence:

Built in 1950, the Riverwood Ranch Fisherman's Cottage is a well maintained vintage home with nice views of the surrounding mountains and great access to the Gallatin River and private tributary. The home is modest in design and offers two bedrooms and one bath. The home has been leased to the same tenant for almost a decade. This tenant has a stellar history of caring for the property and has expressed interest in retaining the lease on the home.

The home offers 1,044 +/- square feet of living space on one level.
• Main Level: 1,044 =/- sf
• Lower Level: crawl space
• Garage: 400 +/- sf carport

Fencing

The Riverwood Ranch has a quaint fence around the yard of the cottage. Currently, the remaining acreage is partially fenced along the adjoining northern property boundary.

Wells

Domestic water is provided by a private well.

Water Enhancements

There is tremendous potential for stream bed and fisheries enhancement.

Roads

Upon leaving the paved Gallatin Road (Highway 191 South), the County Road (Upper Rainbow Road) is gravel.

Outbuildings

The Riverwood Ranch offers a 10’ x 30’ pole frame storage shed to house equipment used for maintaining the landscape.

Landscaping

The Riverwood Ranch has mature landscaping and nice lawn surrounding the cottage.

Water Rights

A water right is the right to use water, both surface and subsurface. In Montana, water rights are the rights to the use of water and not ownership of the water itself. Water rights many not automatically transfer with the land. In this case, any appurtenant rights held by the owner, will transfer.

All water in Montana is property of the State of Montana for the use of the people of Montana. The actual ownership of water rights in Montana may not be known as many water rights are still the subject of a statewide adjudication process. The transfer of water rights is recorded with the states Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) and the transfer of any right may or may not warrant that right until the adjudication process has been completed.

Mineral Rights

All currently held by owner, if any, will transfer

Easements

The power company retains an access easement to maintain power service to the property.

Utilities and Services

The property is serviced by electrical and telephone utilities. Sewer is provided by a private septic system. If one chooses to build a new home on the property, the currently system will need to be expanded. There is engineering for this system on file. Natural gas is available in the neighborhood, but not currently stubbed in to the property.

Taxes

Taxes are a total of $1,570.89 for two separately deeded parcels included in the sale.

Showings

All showings by appointment only. Listing agent to accompany all property tours. Some notice is appreciated.

Price

$899,000

Brokers Comments

This irreplaceable Gallatin Valley property is second to none along the banks of the Gallatin River. The property is distinctly rural, with fantastic wildlife potential, beautiful views, privacy and all within minutes of an airport, fine restaurants, shopping and a other fine services. Properties like the historic, family owned riverfront ranch, such as this one, are becoming exceedingly difficult to find. For the buyer seeking an paralleled fishery and wildlife habitat, this property merits very special regard.

Contact Listing Agent for Exact Legal Description