Property:
The Maurer Ranch, in eastern Oregon, consists of approximately 44,000 acres, at Clarno. Of these 44,000 acres, just over 26,000 acres are deeded, with an additional 11,000 acres of BLM and 7,000 acres of USFS leased lands. This property has been in the same family for over 90 years. The business operation has been in cattle, sheep, grain, hay, and recreation. With over 8 miles of deeded river frontage on the lower John Day River, fishing for bass, trout, and steelhead is exceptional.
Within the deeded acreage are 9 large pastures. Each of the pastures is fenced and has good stock water. The stock water is provided from springs that have been developed throughout the ranch.
The balance of the ranch is native range land. The topography on the range land provides good shelter from the elements. The ground cover is a mixture of native grasses, shrubs, and juniper trees.
Location:
The ranch is about 70 miles southeast of The Dalles, Oregon, which is 75 miles east of Portland, Oregon. There is a paved state highway all the way to the ranch, which is located within the counties of Gilliam, Sherman, Wasco, and Wheeler.
Total Acres:
44,000+/- acres deeded and leased.
Deeded Acreage:
Total acres deeded 26,200+/- acres
Irrigated acres 311.8 acres
Rangeland 21,865.2 acres
Homesites 20 acres
BLM Acres Leased:
As part of the Maurer ranching operation, the family leases additional contiguous BLM lands consisting of 11,000+/- acres. This includes about three additional miles of John Day River frontage.
Forest Service Grazing Lease:
Historically, the ranch utilizes/grazes on 7,000+/- acres known as the Ochoco Crystal Springs Allotment. The permit allows for 188 pair, 3 pastures, May 17th – September 17th.
Identification of Subject Property:
The legal description is lengthy and is available upon request.
Annual Rainfall:
6”-12”
Access:
There is a paved state highway to the ranch headquarters.
Elevations:
At the river – 1,200’
The upper range – 4,000’
Typically 160 frost-free days per year
Irrigation:
There are 311 acres with water rights certificates from the John Day River. Of the 311 acres, 270 acres are meadow lands located along the John Day River. The meadows along the John Day River have irrigated crop land that is suitable for producing a wide variety of crops including hay crops for winter feed and aftermath grazing. The irrigated lands along the river have been sprinkler irrigated and wheelines are present. However, the wheelines have not been used for a number of years. The owners have not maximized the irrigation opportunity and it is in need of improvement. There are five water diversion points, known as “points of diversion” (POD) for irrigation water from the John Day River, all with working pumps.
Other Water:
There are good springs in the canyons and draws of the ranch that prove adequate for cattle and wildlife.
Fencing:
The property’s exterior boundary fences appear to be in adequate condition. There are also interior fenced pastures. Some of that fencing needs additional maintenance. Parts of the west boundaries are not fenced except by natural high rock geographic boundaries.
Grazing:
The ranch is run as a cow/calf operation, making use of deeded and federal grazing allotments. The reported carrying capacity is 1,000 pair, with winter feed being purchased. The ranch does remain open to graze during many winters. However, if feeding is required, the cattle will require 1-1.5 TNS of hay per head. The ranch does fall within an “open range” area.
Pastures:
At this time there are 9 separate pastures within the ranch.
Ranch Carrying Capacity:
Including both BLM, USFS permits, and the deeded acres, the owners indicate the ranch should carry around 650-700 pair year-round and more with optimal spring rains.
Improvements:
The primary residence is located in Wasco County along Hwy. 218. It provides 2,317 square feet of living space and 780 square feet of unfinished basement. The home contains 3 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, and forced air oil heat. The garage is detached, 3-car, and 912 square feet.
The second home and remaining outbuildings are located in Wheeler County on the River Ranch, 5 miles east of the primary residence. Manufactured in 1999, this home provides 1,232 square feet, 3 bedrooms, and 2 bathrooms.
Barn #1 – 3,360 square feet
Barn #2 – 2,080 square feet
Shed – 990 square feet
Cabin – 648 square feet
Domestic Water For:
Primary residence – spring fed
2nd home – well, new pump
Mineral Rights:
The owner does not warrant that there are any mineral rights available. However, any mineral or geothermal rights owned by the seller are included as part of the property being offered for sale.