The Land Bulletin

Breaking Down the Right to Wade Debate

Stream and water access has long been a complex issue across the West, particularly in Colorado, and this year, it’s once again at the forefront of conversation. In this episode, we’re joined by former Colorado Governor Bill Ritter and former Colorado Parks and Wildlife Director Dan Prenzlow to break down the legal framework behind the right-to-float and right-to-wade debate currently on the table. We walk through the history of the issue, recent developments, and the potential impacts on landowners, recreation, and wildlife habitat. Tune in for a deeper look at what’s at stake for landowners, anglers, and anyone interested in the future of access across the West. Topics [0:00] Intro: Why stream access is back in the spotlight [6:02] The Taylor River conflict and the push for “right to float.” [12:52] How stream access ties directly to ranch value [15:47] Habitat impacts: increased pressure on rivers [19:48] What advocates are actually trying to change [25:43] Could new laws actually threaten floating rights? [31:58] Legal uncertainty and the risk of long-term litigation [34:33] Groups leading education and advocacy efforts [37:24] Closing Thoughts: Why this issue crosses political lines Links CWCA.org  [https://www.cwca.org/] Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:  Mirr Ranch Group 901 Acoma Street Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (303) 623-4545 https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

St. Benedict's Monastery: A Story of Faith, Land, and Legacy

In this very special episode, we’re looking at one of our brokerage’s most unique and meaningful transactions: the sale of St. Benedict’s Monastery in Snowmass, CO. Covering over 3,700 acres, this property was about more than just land. It represented a community, spirituality, and decades of stewardship at the hands of the Cistercian monks. Selling it was no small feat. Have you ever needed the pope to approve a ranch sale? In this episode, Haley and Ken unpack the complexities of selling a monastery and what it took to find a buyer who could carry its legacy forward. Topics [0:00] Intro: History of St. Benedict’s Monastery  [5:41] Preparing the property and early challenges [9:15] Why this wasn’t a typical ranch sale [14:36] Identifying the right buyer [20:01] Navigating complexity in the deal [26:53] The people behind the transaction [29:16] The monks’ connection to the land [30:13] Final thoughts: Stewardship and legacy Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:  Mirr Ranch Group 901 Acoma Street Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (303) 623-4545 https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Prairie Restoration in the American West

The shortgrass prairie might not seem as glamorous as our nation’s mountains and forests, but it’s one of the most important ecosystems in the West. This week, Nora Bales joins us to break down what shortgrass prairie actually is, why it’s suffered such debilitating losses, and most importantly - why we should care. We cover what restoration looks like today. From droughts to invasive species, practices like “trait-based” restoration are showing some promising results for the future of our prairies. Tune in to hear what’s working, what’s not, and why research has provided us with a sprout of hope for the resilience of our western landscapes.  Topics [0:00] Introduction: Shortgrass Prairie with Nora Bales [3:10] What Is Shortgrass Prairie and Why Does it Matter? [6:58] Current State of Shortgrass [10:24] Ranching and Restoration [16:18] Biggest Challenges [20:46] Practical Tools for Landowners [24:58] From Research to Real-World [29:15] The Future of Restoration Work [32:20] Why Collaboration Matters Links Dryland Ecology Lab [https://drylandecology.com/] Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:  Mirr Ranch Group 901 Acoma Street Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (303) 623-4545 https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Ranch Buying 101: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

Buying a house and buying a ranch are two entirely different ball games, and this week Mirr Ranch Group founder Ken Mirr joins us to break down why. In this episode, we walk through a practical, big-picture guide to preparing for your first or next ranch purchase. From envisioning your ideal property to setting realistic expectations around budget, location, and lifestyle, we cover the first steps that help shape a successful search. Whether you’re actively looking or just starting to explore, this episode lays the groundwork for what’s ahead. We get into due diligence, water rights, title issues, operational considerations, and the team you’ll want in place to navigate it all. Topics [0:00] Intro and Welcome Back, Ken! [2:18] The First Question to Ask Yourself Before Buying [4:47] Must-haves vs. Nice-to-haves [7:01] What to Expect at a Showing [11:29] Spotting Red Flags Early On [16:37] Easements, Restrictions, and Access Issues [20:50] Beyond a Broker: How to Build Your Team [25:24] Practical Realities of Ranch Ownership [30:53] Grants and Opportunities [33:07] The Responsibility of Stewardship [39:44] Final Thoughts and Advice for Buyers Links 6 Things to Know When Buying a Ranch with a Public Land Lease [https://www.mirrranchgroup.com/6-things-to-know-when-buying-a-ranch-with-a-public-land-lease/] 4 Essential Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Ranch [https://www.mirrranchgroup.com/4-essential-questions-ask-buying-ranch/] What is a Ranch? [https://www.mirrranchgroup.com/what-is-a-ranch/] Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:  Mirr Ranch Group 901 Acoma Street Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (303) 623-4545 https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/

Back 40: Exploring the Kamas Valley, UT

We’re back and exploring Utah’s Kamas Valley - an area just outside Park City but a world apart in pace and lifestyle. Mirr broker and resident Utah-expert Chris Corroon joins Haley to break down what makes this high mountain valley so enticing to ranchers and outdoorsmen alike. With access to the Uinta Mountains and fishing on the Weber and Provo Rivers, the Kamas Valley is quietly gaining buyers' interest for its year-round recreation and ranching appeal. Chris takes us through local market trends, conservation tied to the Great Salt Lake watershed, and why this area stands out for both lifestyle and land ownership.  Topics [0:00] Intro: Welcome to the Kamas Valley with Chris Corroon! [1:40] Getting to know the Kamas Valley [3:36] Living in the Kamas Valley [5:00] Recreation in the Kamas Valley [8:03] Ranching in the Valley [10:37] Who Would Thrive Here? [11:41] Mirr Properties in the Area [14:08] Kamas Valley Hidden Gems [17:11] See You in the Valley! Links Visit Utah [https://www.visitutah.com/] T7 Ranch [https://www.mirrranchgroup.com/ranches/t-7-ranch/] Need professional help finding, buying or selling a legacy ranch, contact us:  Mirr Ranch Group 901 Acoma Street Denver, CO 80204 Phone: (303) 623-4545 https://www.MirrRanchGroup.com/