Posted on 11/02/2006 6:30:55 PM PST by george76
Owning a slice of paradise isn't what it used to be.
Generations of ranchers on the rural fringes of Yellowstone National Park passed their land to offspring or sold it to like-minded people.
"only 26 percent of buyers were "traditional ranchers"...
The largest category, at 39 percent, were "amenity buyers," ...
The new buyers often arrive with a different set of values from those who have family ties stretching back generations...
Contrary to what some might think, developers bought only 6 percent... The study area, though, didn't include fast-developing areas in Gallatin County, Mont., and Jackson Hole.
In many cases, the valley ranches have become weekend and vacation getaways for the wealthy... others who have a few "hobby" cattle and ...seclusion.
a romantic ideal of rural lifestyle ...
Amenities like airports, shopping and good restaurants add to the allure, but proximity to a place like Yellowstone can put it over the top.
"People are paying more for those places because there's not very many of them around a huge protected area," he said.
"It's like buying on a beach."
The change in ownership also has implications for wildlife.
In some cases, the new owners are more apt to allow elk, wolves and others to linger on their property, which can be good for animals seeking safe habitat but problematic for nearby ranchers still trying to keep their cattle operation running...
Some aren't inclined to keep the area open for hunting, an unpopular choice among many sportsmen and creating complications for wildlife managers.
"It makes hunting as a management tool difficult to implement sometimes," said Don Childress, wildlife administrator for Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks.
One of the biggest questions is how the change in ownership patterns will shape the long-term future of the land.
(Excerpt) Read more at casperstartribune.net ...
.
creating complications for wildlife managers...
losing control of the land uses
We used to be alot more "liberal" with who we let hunt on our properties, but unfortunately we have had so many bad experiences w/ hunters these past few years, that we had to close them off. It's too bad, but some of these "sportsmen" are screwing it up for everyone.
Sorry to hear that hunters were causing you problems.
A few screwing it up...
Unfortunately with hunters, guns, & booze...it only takes a few (or one). We still let friends & family hunt and fish on our properties ....but they are never allowed to tell anyone :o) (just kidding..kinda).
PS - I forgot, thanks for posting the article :o).
Not all hobby farmers are liberals. While growing up, I always loved my grandparents' farm... especially the pool and tennis court. I doubt they've ever voted for a Democrat, either.
Ping.
Thanks for the ping George, very interesting.
Thanks.
I have lots of compassion for folks who work hard to put food on our tables.
These folks are NUTS.
There are serious reports that Yellowstone -- built over the caldera of a VOLCANO now manifesting pre-eruption activity -- is primed to go off in a way that will make Mount St. Helens look like a ladyfinger on the Fourth of July.
On second thought, perhaps gathering all these MORONS there could deepen the U.S. gene pool by several hundred feet.
never mind...
LOL
"These folks are NUTS. "
Hey, let's not forget it's their land and they can do as they damn please with it.
They are not required to manage it for the benefit of hunters, ranchers, bird watchers or anybody else -- least of all for government busybodies.
If you object, stump up the cash to buy the land and then do with it as you see fit. That's the American way.
-ccm
I really don't forsee this as a long term problem and might be a real blessing. According to the program on TV last night all of Yellowstone is a huge volcano that will erupt killing everyone within 500 or 600 miles. The more folks like Ted Turner and his like buy land near Yellowstone, the greater the blessing.
Apparently some of the good soil across Illinois , etc. same from this volcano over the millions of years ?
It apparently erupts every 600,000 years and we are now due !
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.