 Rock Bottom Ranch HistoryThe 113-acre Rock Bottom Ranch Wildlife Preserve is located along the banks of the Roaring Fork River. A conservation easement on the property ensures that it will always offer unobstructed river access and ideal winter range for resident herds of elk and mule deer. The ranch is also the nesting ground for herons, hawks, and owls, and it provides habitat to myriad wildlife including bear, coyote, bobcat, weasel, porcupine, and badger. The ranch contains 79 acres of riparian and wetland habitat. In addition, another 28 acres of wet meadows and sub-irrigated pastures have been restored to valuable wetland habitat. Along with providing grasses to wintering ungulate herds, these meadows provide nesting grounds for Wilson's Snipes, as well as Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds. Rock Bottom Ranch employs minimal management practices that enhance the biodiversity and ecological health of the land. |