PureWest - Fishing

Featured Property - 60 E. Horse Creek by Jason Frey

Jason Frey — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:47:00 GMT

60 E. Horse Creek Road, Cameron, MT

The Property

Located on 6 acres that is directly adjacent to open space and ponds within SunWest Ranch, the property at 60 E. Horse Creek is quintessential Montana. The views from the parcel include the full complement of mountain ranges present in the greater area. The property is situated off of an interior subdivision road that services just three home sites throughout this portion of the community. The home is protected by mature trees and approaching the home you immediately gain the sensation of seclusion (in a good way) and privacy. The mature aspen and fir trees that shelter the perimeter of the home are substantial enough to give the property a sense of separation and independence from the ranch writ large, but not overwhelming to the point of obstructing views. The home is also situated in such a manner as to capture a variety of view sheds based upon where you are oriented within the property. The pond views are very inimitable, especially within SunWest; there are a series of ponds throughout the ranch, but none that are overwhelmingly appreciated from a specific property.

Master Bedroom and Bath

The Home

The exterior of the residence exhibits a variation of siding profiles that work well together, timbers in combination with vertical wood profile, and accented by natural stone anchor’s the home’s architectural sense of place, which is exceptionally appropriate for the parcel. The interior of the home continues the expectations set by the exterior. The skip sawn hardwood floors are an excellent finish, as are the timber details selected for the ceiling profiles. The master bedroom and bath are both as impressive as are the entry, guest bedrooms and living spaces. The outdoor living areas, especially the lower level patio and hot tub, are well situated, private and great for entertaining.

Dining Room and Fireplace

The Community

SunWest Ranch is located in the heart of the Madison River Valley approximately 25 miles south of Ennis, MT. The community is a collection of 55 parcels set amidst the exceptional natural beauty of the valley. The immediate vicinity of the ranch is comprised of open meadows, natural water courses and areas of high wildlife activity. The views from the property are exceptional and include the Madison Range, the Sun Ranch, a natural pond, mature trees (both coniferous and deciduous) and the Madison River Valley. The community is designed as a low density, detached, single family neighborhood within a shared ranch to accentuate and preserve the environmentally and aesthetically sensitive area within the boundaries of the property. SunWest Ranch residents have a modicum of amenities to draw use from including three miles of the Madison River that flows through the ranch, 1,600 acres of shared open space with horseback and hiking trails interspersed throughout, an on-site equestrian center with full time ranch management and exceptionally close proximity to recreational bodies of water and Yellowstone National Park.

Lower Patio with views of Pond

Hot tub with Madison Range Backdrop

For more information on this, or any other, fine Montana property, contact Jason Frey.

______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

A Christie’s Great Estates Affiliate

406-579-4582

Montana River Properties by Jason Frey

Jason Frey — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 12:01:00 GMT

Madison River near Cameron, MT

A common thread among my friends who are looking for property in this area of Montana revolves around the dream of having a property where they can walk out their back door and hear the calming rush of water. From small, private creeks to the power and recreational opportunities of rivers like the Madison and Yellowstone, the presence of water has always been a large driving factor in the decision to purchase investment or recreational properties.

In our little corner of the globe, we have been overwhelmingly endowed with access to phenomenal water courses. The fishing on the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone and Missouri are famed for a reason and smaller stretches of live water such the spring creeks in Paradise Valley, the East Gallatin, Smith, and Stillwater Rivers are as good or better in terms of fisheries with limited access making them highly sought after destinations.

If you are looking for property that has direct river frontage on these or other fabled Montana rivers, I invite you to call. A selection of the properties currently available with these amenities includes the following:

East Gallatin River near Bozeman, MT

512 Old Farm Road – situated on 20 acres within the community of Old River Farm, this home encompasses just under 5,400 square feet when the detached guest house is included. 512 Old Farm Road enjoys over .4 miles of the East Gallatin just out its back door. Mature cottonwood trees, abundant willow and almost 200 acres of irrigated alfalfa meadows draw wildlife to the area. Elk, whitetail deer, bald eagle and pheasants are all denizens of the immediate area.

Madison River Valley, Montana

60 East Horse Creek Road – this 6 acre property is located within the expanses of Sun West Ranch and shares 3 miles of Madison River frontage with its small, exclusive community. The home is 4,200 square feet predominantly on one level that overlooks the Madison River valley and a naturally occurring pond. Exceptionally private and surrounded by large stands of aspen, pine and fir, the home is less than 5 minutes from the ranch headquarters and equestrian center.

Yellowstone River frontage, Paradise Valley, Montana

9 Mill Creek – encompassing 20 prime acres with almost 600’ of Yellowstone River frontage, the home at 9 Mill Creek is just over 3,900 square feet and has commanding views of the Absaroka Mountain Range and Paradise Valley. The fishing access is unparalleled, the area is comprised of similar sized parcels to maintain a quiet, rural setting but the amenities of Livingston are just 15 minutes from your front door. This parcel is truly a jewel in the center of Paradise Valley.

East Gallatin River frontage

Red Twig Lane – within the community of Old River Farm, this unimproved 20 acre parcel also enjoys substantial East Gallatin River frontage with inimitable fishing access for properties of its kind. The “East” as it is called locally, flows almost entirely through privately held land making access very limited.

For information on these or other SW Montana river properties contact Jason Frey at (406) 579-4582.

______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

A Christie’s Great Estates Affiliate

2880 Technology Blvd. W. #189

Bozeman, Montana 59715

406-579-4582

Tourism in Bozeman and Big Sky Montana

Wade Dokken — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:43:00 GMT

Tourism is arguably the main economic driver for Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley as a whole, competing with Montana State University for largest overall economic impact. In terms of direct, quantifiable economic impact on the Gallatin Valley, tourism generates more than $600 million annually, the result of upwards of 1 million visitors coming through every year. Moreover, not only is this sector prominent, but it is continually growing. According to the City of Bozeman, in 2008 there were more than 10 million visitors to the state of Montana, putting a combined $3 billion into our economy. In terms of jobs, the sector employs nearly 50,000 people across the state, a number that is projected to continually grow as tourism itself continues to grow.

This huge influx of tourism is generally associated with the many amenities we enjoy here in Big Sky Country; they provide the necessary incentive for out-of-staters to come and put their hard-earned money into our local economy. These amenities are largely outdoor-related, ranging from the beautiful mountains that surround our valley which providing skiing and backpacking nearly year-round, to the rivers and lakes known for their excellent fishing and boating opportunities. However, the amenities also stem from the culture of our mountain town: small population, local restaurants, and a general laidback feel that you cannot find anywhere else.

This outdoor recreation aspect of our tourism sector can be divided into 3 general subcategories: outfitting, skiing, and Yellowstone National Park.

Outfitting: Outfitting is comprised of all of the services that provide tourists with the necessary gear, expertise, and ability to participate in various outdoor-related activities. It is comprised of 39% boating (which includes rafting, kayaking, canoeing, etc), 20% fishing, 14% horseback riding, 6% hunting, 6% hiking/backpacking, and the final 15% dealing with miscellaneous activities such as wildlife viewing, dog sledding, etc (University of Montana, Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research).

Wild West Rafting is a great example of a locally owned outfitting company. Although they are located in Gardiner, which technically falls outside the Gallatin County, the business they bring to the state of Montana is beneficial to all. The tourists who participate in their exciting rafting trips stay at lodgings at different areas throughout southwest Montana, and their website even features links to fishing and boating outfitters within Gallatin County, specifically in Livingston. When asked about the tourists that come through the business, the owner Mike Barlow said that he believes that the majority of them are “definitely” from out of state, mostly “Minnesota and Washington.” The business operates at an impressive “thirty-five to forty trips per week, on average,” during the summer months and, although there was a slowdown of “10-15%” last year during the worst of the recession, the industry has quickly bounced back. (Picture: www.wildwestrafting.com/gallery.htm)

Besides Wild West Rafting, southwestern Montana is full of different rafting outfitters. Other prominent rafting outfitters include Montana Whitewater, a family-oriented rafting company that features rafting on several rivers in conjunction with options to go horseback riding and fly fishing, Geyser Whitewater Expeditions, a multi-river outfitter with horseback riding and a climbing wall, and Flying Pig Adventure Company, an exclusively Yellowstone River oriented company that offers trips ranging from short distance half day trips to longer overnight trips for the more experienced rafters.

The next largest contributor to outfitting is fishing, and rightly so. Montana, especially the Gallatin County area, is world-renowned for its blue ribbon trout streams (specifically Bighorn, the Madison, and the Yellowstone). These streams have something to offer for all types of anglers at any experience level, from casual spin fishing to hardcore fly-fishing. An excellent option for someone not familiar with the better spots on these rivers is to pay for a guided trip, offered by most of the numerous fishing outfitters that permeate Gallatin County. On the FOAM website alone (FOAM stands for Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana, an organization that only lists the most qualified and licensed fishing outfitters in the area), there are over 100 different results for outfitters in our region! Two of my personal favorites are The Rivers Edge (the largest outfitter in the area) and Sweetwater Fishing Company for anyone looking for a good guide or some high-quality gear.

Skiing: Skiing is the main contributor to winter tourism in the Gallatin Valley, especially in the Bozeman area. Because we are surrounded by three world-class ski resorts (Bridger Bowl, Big Sky Resort, and Moonlight Basin), the opportunities for skiing are endless. The unpredictable weather we are so accustomed to allows skiing practically year-round. If you live here, you will soon know people who dedicate themselves to back country skiing in May, June, and even July.

In terms of economic impact, vacationers who come to ski generally have a higher average household income than those who come for other reasons. Furthermore, because skiing vacationers typically stay an average of two nights longer, it can be said that skiing-based tourism brings about the greatest economic benefit to our valley (Prospera Business Network). (Picture: www.beliotphoto.blogspot.com)

Ski Lift Tickets	Big Sky Resort	Bridger Bowl
2009-10	~300,000	199,061
2008-09	~290,000	188,621
2007-08	310,000	196,569
2006-07	308,000	135,555
2005-06	323,000	183,812
2004-05	290,000	158,000
2003-04	294,000	168,266
2002-03	294,000	145,000
2001-02	317,778	170,000
2000-01	320,000	158,275

As this table clearly shows, the number of lift tickets sold in past years as compared to more current years has generally remained constant, implying that the industry is a stable one and will continue to bring similar returns to the Gallatin Valley for many years to come. (Table: http://www.bozeman.net/bozeman/planning/ Economic%20Development%20Plan/City %20of%20Bozeman%20Economic%20Development%20Plan_final.pdf, with 08-09 and 09-10 data received from the resorts themselves).

Yellowstone: One of the main draws during the summer, Yellowstone provides a constant stream of tourists to the Gallatin Valley and its surrounding areas. People come from all over the country to see the wildlife that one can only find in the Park, as well as watch Old Faithful erupt. The park employs nearly 4,000 people during peak operation months, but the major result of national park based tourism is the income generated from hotel rooms and cabin rentals in the area. Most tourists visiting the park need a place to stay (sometimes for a couple of weeks at a time), and Yellowstone itself oversees nine hotels and lodges, with a total of 2,238 hotel rooms and cabins available (according to the City of Bozeman). Watchable wildlife, the concept of tourism primarily related to the ability to see our great Montana native mammal populations, is on the rise. Grizzlies, wolves, elk, bison, and the very occasional mountain lion evokes a passion that is growing rapidly. According to Bearman’s Yellowstone website, the local fauna consists of “7 species of native ungulates (grass eaters), 2 species of bears (black and grizzly), approximately 50 species of other mammals, 315 recorded species of birds (148 nesting species), 18 species of fish (6 non-native), 6 species of reptiles, 4 species of amphibians, 3 threatened species: bald eagle, grizzly bear, lynx, and 2 endangered species: whooping crane, gray wolf.” (It is important to note that the gray wolf has since been removed from the endangered species list.) (Picture: www.dailygalaxy.com)

Year	Visitors	%change
09	3,295,192	7%
08	3,066,580	-3.4%
07	3,151,343	9%
06	2,870,293	1%
05	2,835,649	-1%
04	2,868,316	-5%
03	3,019,376	1%
02	2,983,051	8%
01	2,752,346	-3%
00	2,838,233	-

The table, taken from the City of Bozeman’s Economic Development Plan of 2009, shows Yellowstone Park’s annual visitors. (The website wishes to note, “The decline in visitors from 2007 to 2008 mirrors a trend at other national parks and the overall decline in tourism related to the downturn in the economy.”)

Additionally, homeowners who have a vacation home here in Montana drive non-resident travel. This demographic is comprised of an average age of 52 and an average household income of over $100,000. They generally stay for an average of ten nights, and it has been reported that 50% of these vacation homeowners are former Montanans who have moved to Washington or California (City of Bozeman Economic Development Plan 2009).

Tourism to the area is not solely the product of the outdoors however. Bozeman itself is known for a rich culture not found in other towns of Montana. According to Downtown Bozeman’s website, this culture is centered around downtown Bozeman, comprised of more than 100 shops and restaurants, several of which are local or at least locally owned. The culture is further enhanced by the many events put on by the Downtown Bozeman Association (DBA), some of which include Music on Main, the Christmas Stroll, Bite of Bozeman, Sweet Pea, and Crazy Days.

In an effort to preserve and improve upon this unique culture we have, the City of Bozeman has passed the Downtown Bozeman Improvement Plan in February. This plan, outlined by a 46 page PDF, encompasses a vast array of improvements and additions to the downtown area. The Vision Statement, outlined in the plan, strives to ensure that, “Bozeman’s unique identity, characterized by its natural surroundings, its historic and cultural resources, and its downtown, which is the heart and center of the community, is preserved and enhanced.” Some of the major ideas are as follows:

500 new residential units
- 200 will be condominiums of 30 – 40 units each, 300 will be apartments of 80 – 150 units each (There is no specific timeframe for this yet.)

This artist’s rendering shows possible Main Stree infill development.

This artist’s rendering shows possible mixed use development along Mendenhall.

Possible renovations of current housing
Greening up the streets, which involves adding trees to the sides, utilizing alleys more than they currently are, and adding plazas and courtyards at various locations throughout town
Opening up the Bozeman Creek by cleaning up the areas around it, adding benches and viewing areas along its banks, and possibly constructing a Bozeman Creek Park
Reducing truck traffic by diverting them around downtown via I-90
Inviting cyclists to Main Street with bike lanes and “Share the Road” arrows
Putting in a few new crosswalks to make crossing easier and safer (for example, in front of the library
Connect Babcock to the library
Convert Mendenhall and Babcock to two-way streets
- This will be done utilizing studies done by several other cities who have undertaken similar endeavors.

Encourage the renovation and preservation of facades and historic buildings through grant programs and financing options
Widen the sidewalks of streets like Mendenhall and Babcock in an effort to make them more pedestrian friendly and therefore increase foot traffic through Downtown
Relax current parking requirements in addition to enhancing current parking structures and lots
Improve infrastructure in Downtown by building a conference center and a boutique hotel
Revise some of the current building and parking codes

It is important to note that all of the above ideas are just that: ideas. They do not in any way, shape, or form guarantee that such projects come to fruition. They are just suggestions and ideas so please do not take them to be promises of future action.

Another driving factor of tourism in Gallatin County is the continual development of Big Sky property south of Bozeman. This area, renowned for its high quality skiing resorts, is also populated with many Montana luxury homes that serve as a substantial draw for many retiring families wishing to move into a more relaxed and secluded setting. (Real estate and development will be dealt with much more in depth in forthcoming blogs.)

As a result of these many amenities, we enjoy tourism that comes from all over the country. According to the University of Montana’s Institute for Tourism and Recreation Research, the states that contribute the most tourists range from the close by (Colorado, Washington and North Dakota) to the farther away (California and Minnesota).

So, as should be glaringly obvious by now, tourism is crucial to our economic base here in the valley, and its resulting impact on Bozeman and the Gallatin Valley is exclusively positive. From the thrill-thirsty rafters and skiers to the serenity-seeking anglers and museum goers, our beautiful valley has something to offer for everyone.

Featured Property - 9 Mill Creek, Paradise Valley, MT by Jason Frey

Jason Frey — Thu, 06 May 2010 22:03:00 GMT

9 Mill Creek Road, Paradise Valley, Montana

There are few places in this world as aptly named as Paradise Valley, Montana. The dramatic peaks of the Absaroka Mountain range frame the backdrop of the famed Yellowstone River valley as it meanders its way out of our nation’s first national park. The surrounding land has been contoured by millennia of nature’s influence and it not only is home to dramatic peaks and lush valleys, but to open grasslands, high alpine forests and life abundant spring creeks. Located in the heart of this valley is the property at 9 Mill Creek Road, encompassing 20 acres of prime Yellowstone river frontage with staggering views of the mountains.

The home comprises over 3,900 square feet of which over 3,100 are finished living space. As you enter into the home you are greeted by a quaint kitchen with windows that drink in mountain landscape and river views. Entering the northerly wing of the home reveals two bedrooms and two bathrooms that are situated in such a way as to be a wonderful retreat for children and grandchildren or for the enterprising owner an opportunity for a small bed and breakfast for eager Yellowstone River fisherman. Re-entering the core of the residence finds you transitioning from kitchen to dining room. The dining area also takes advantage of nature’s landscape and the views are commanding. Hardwood floors transition into the great room anchored by a massive two-sided stone fireplace and accentuated by an architecturally unique staircase. Vaulted ceilings with exposed beam work and wood finishing allow natural light to flood the room and bathe in it from peak to floor.

The master bedroom is spacious and airy with ample natural light and views of the valley. The master bath is also spacious and features a separate shower and tub as well as his and hers sinks in the amply appointed vanity. As you enter the yard to the west, a large architecturally consistent barn is located just across the driveway, and hosts dual purposes as a significant storage venue for tools and toys and additional living space. The lower level of this structure has ample room for boats, all-terrain-vehicles and motorcycles as well as maintenance equipment or secondary vehicles. The upper portion is a spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment perfect for the weekend guest or on-site caretaker or property manager.

9 Mill Creek Road is truly a jewel in the crown of Paradise Valley and not to be missed by the sophisticated buyer looking for a property with a significant upside for immediate return on investment or the large, private river access enjoyed from this parcel.

For more information on 9 Mill Creek Road, or other Paradise Valley properties, contact Jason Frey.

______________________

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

A Christie’s Great Estates Affiliate

Bozeman, Montana

406-579-4582

Featuerd Property - Red Twig Lane by Jason Frey

Jason Frey — Sat, 24 Apr 2010 12:45:00 GMT

Red Twig Lane is located on Tract 6 of Old River Farm. The unique qualities of this parcel, within an area already known for is peaceful setting, include approximately .3 miles of the meandering East Gallatin River, mature cottonwood trees and panoramic vistas of the Bridger Mountains. The river is less that a minutes’ walk from the building envelope and the sounds of water caressing the rocky bottom of the river can be heard from many areas on the property. The river is fringed with mature trees and large stands of willow line its banks and the community trails.

The River

Often referred to as the "locals’ river", the East Gallatin is an appealing option when fishing in the Bozeman area. Beginning near Bozeman and meandering almost exclusively through private land, the East as it is referred to in the local vernacular, is truly a remarkable and intimate stream that boasts some of the largest trout in the valley. Access to the river can be exceedingly difficult because of the majority of private and well patrolled land that the river winds through. The East is almost exclusively a wade fishery with only perhaps a very limited window of opportunity to "float" the river. The river holds rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout.

The composition of the river is such that it creates unending areas that can hold fish. Deep undercut banks and long pools at almost every outside corner with transitional areas of short riffles between them is the main structural characteristic. Consistent hatches on the East Gallatin are similar to those on the main channel of the Gallatin. Spring and fall Baetis; Pale Morning Duns are present in June and July; caddis hatches are also present in June, July, and August. The caddis are prevalent just about every afternoon and evening; Yellow Sallies appear in June and July with Tricos following in August. Terrestrial “hatches” of hoppers, ants, beetles and other insect in July through early October bring added top water action and the nymph fishing is consistently productive when fish are not rising.

The Community

Old River Farms is a semi-private community located on Bozeman’s coveted north side. The community consists of eleven 20 acre parcels with sweeping panoramic views of the Bridger Mountains. Each twenty acre parcel has a pre-determined building envelope situated to accentuate the proximity to the natural amenities present. The remaining acreage, outside of that envelope, is dedicated to agricultural production. The residents of Old River Farm share the production of the property with a local farmer, their portion of the proceeds go to pay the Home Owners Association dues. The farm land has, and currently is, irrigated alfalfa which draws a generous amount of wildlife to the community. White-tailed deer, pheasants, turkeys, black bear and elk are all denizens of the immediate and surrounding areas. Access throughout the community is paved.

Offered at $1,500,000

For more information on Red Twig Lane, or any other Bozeman, MT properties, please contact Jason Frey.

Jason Frey

Agent

PureWest, Inc.

A Christie’s Great Estates Affiliate

Bozeman, Montana 59715

406-579-4582

Trout Unlimited Chapters host Yellowstone River Clean-Up by Jason Frey

Jason Frey — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:19:00 GMT

Joe Brooks Madison-Gallatin TU Yellowstone River Clean-Up

The Chapter

Joe Brooks Trout Unlimited, based in Livingston, is the oldest active local TU chapter in the state of Montana. Formed in 1968, they currently have 197 members and a 10 member Board of Directors dedicated to conserve, protect and restore the Yellowstone River and its tributaries. JBTU has received both state and national attention for their work on behalf of the Yellowstone River and one of the most successful annual events they host is the one day clean-up of the river.

Pre-event Instructions to Volunteers

The Event

The river clean up emerged after a group of local fishing guides and conservationists realized that the pristine Yellowstone River that they called home was no longer so pristine in some places. Spring flooding, recreational users, illegal dumping and legacy businesses along the banks of the fabled river had taken their toll over the years. As members of both Joe Brooks Trout Unlimited and the local Livingston community, these guides and conservationists knew the integral part that the Yellowstone played in not only the local environment but also the local economy.

2010 marks the 6^th year of the Yellowstone River Clean Up and it was the best year of the event to date in terms of volunteer turnout and pounds of garbage, metal and rubber collected from the river channel. This past Saturday, April 10^th, Joe Brooks Chapter, along with the Madison-Gallatin Chapter from Bozeman who co-hosted the event, had the support of 152 volunteers including 30 students from the Livingston school system that walked the banks of the Yellowstone and Fleshman Creek. In addition, there were 34 boats in the water to help carry collected garbage. The volunteers pulled 12,460 pounds of trash from the water course throughout the day. Volunteers stretched from the Carbella public boat access, a few miles north of Yellowstone National Park, all the way to Grey Bear near Big Timber, covering 75 miles of river. Properties along and around the Yellowstone benefit from this event as well, keeping the river channel free of debris adds recreational value to many properties with Yellowstone River frontage.

Teaching Conservation to the Next Generation

Other Projects

Joe Brooks chapter also works cooperatively with the Madison-Gallatin Chapter on their hosted clean-up of the lower Madison River. The lower Madison becomes a popular destination for recreational float traffic in the months of July and August when both air and water temperatures rise. The Madison, unfortunately, is also the site of illegal dumping and both of these chapters have combined forces to help keep all of the area rivers healthy and productive.

Jason Frey

PureWest, Inc.

A Christie’s Great Estates Affiliate

406-579-4582