Moen Ranch Project

Project Narrative

On December 3, 2004, the project sponsor, The Nature Conservancy (TNC), purchased the Moen Ranch in the Pahsimeroi River watershed. The Moen Ranch consists of two parcels the main Pahsimeroi Valley parcel (1,040 acres) which is contiguous with an existing TNC easement in the Pahsimeroi watershed, The Last Chance Ranch and the Little Hat Creek parcel (760 acres). The Little Hat Creek parcel is the base property for a grazing allotment encompassing approximately 45,000 acres. This project is phase one of four separate phases. Based on the final report and funding documentation, phases two through four occur concurrently or after this projects start and end dates. This project’s actions per the final report only reflect the purchase of the Moen Ranch and Hat Creek properties. Phase two involves the sale of the purchased acres. One hundred and ninety- eight acres were sold to IDFG. IDFG will manage this parcel to benefit fish and wildlife. Phase three, the remaining agricultural lands will be sold to a private buyer that has a proven record of promoting fish and wildlife conservation by utilizing compatible ranch techniques. A restrictive conservation easement will ensure the long-term protection of this property and it contribution to the overall Pahsimeroi watershed health by promoting conservation of the river’s water quality and quantity. Phase four, TNC will continue to work with Idaho Department of Water Resources, Upper Salmon Basin Watershed Project, Custer Soil and Water Conservation District and the future landowners, and neighboring water users to identify a strategy for improving water management strategies for irrigation diversions out of Big Spring Creek and the Pahsimeroi River.