Named for the secluded circular valley it encompasses, Cove Ranch is one of the Wood River Valley’s reputation properties comprising 4,636± deeded acres along with approximately 8,500 acres of adjoining federal and state grazing lands. The ranch is conveniently located 25 miles south of the resort community of Ketchum/Sun Valley, midway between the commercial airport serving the Wood River region and The Nature Conservancy’s well-known trout fishing preserve on Silver Creek.Steep, open hillsides of the Pioneer Mountains flank the property and provide a dramatic backdrop to the ranch’s productive agricultural fields and pastures. The ranch produces alfalfa and grass hay on approximately 1,300 acres using an integrated sprinkler irrigation system consisting of three pivots and multiple wheel-lines. The ranch’s surface and ground water rights are among the best in the Wood River Valley and position an owner to take advantage of a developing regional water market. Under current management, the ranch also supports a 200-head seasonal grazing operation that utilizes the property’s deeded rangelands and an adjoining Bureau of Land Management grazing allotment and State of Idaho grazing lease.The main ranch compound is located within the interior of the property and home to a set of functioning residential dwellings and agricultural improvements. Included in the main compound are four homes surrounded by mature aspen and fir trees, including a 2,463± sq. ft. owner’s residence built in the mid-1960s and remodeled in the 1970s, with two bedrooms and two baths. There is a second, smaller building area east of the main compound with two homes, one of which has an attached, heated kennel facility built by the previous owner who was involved with raising and training show-quality pointing dogs. Other than the owner’s residence, the homes on the ranch are either used by ranch employees or rented to private tenants on an ongoing basis. Ranch structures include a workshop/machine repair building with vehicle storage, corrals with squeeze chute, hay barn, cattle scales, loafing sheds, and livestock pens. The ranch is serviced by buried power and telephone lines.Given its size and undeveloped setting, Cove Ranch is recognized as one of the most important wildlife properties in the Wood River Valley. Irrigated fields give way to native grasslands, sagebrush hillsides, rocky ridgelines, brushy draws, and numerous spring sites. These areas provide prime habitat for elk, mule deer, pronghorn, sage grouse, chukar partridge, and dove throughout the seasons. Blaine County officials approved a development plan for the property in 2010. With these entitlements in place, an owner who is interested in preserving the property’s wildlife habitat and open space values could expect to maximize financial benefits through the potential gift or sale of a conservation easement.
