The Methow watershed in north central Washington spans an area larger than Rhode Island. The terrain of the scenic valley ranges from the snowy peaks of the North Cascade Mountains to dry Columbia River plateau. Most visitors and residents stay close to the valley floor where the sense of being surrounded by expansive open hillsides is heightened by the year-round sight of the snow capped peaks of the Pasaytan Wilderness. Though the area is a very popular destination for recreational users and new residents, local folks are working to assure that some landscapes don’t change.

Moccasin Lake Ranch sprawls over 2200 acres and includes several small mountains and its own lake. Three years ago, the Pigott and Beatty families decided to protect more than half of their property from development, forever. A conservation easement held by the Methow Conservancy assures that all of their land above 2100 feet will remain as it is now – wide open meadows fringed in ponderosa and lodgepole pines. The 1400-acre Moccasin Lake Ranch easement is the most visible of the Methow Conservancy’s conservation easements; it comprises much of the skyline visible from Highway 20 south of Winthrop.

Jim Pigott explains, “There won’t be development or any building on the hillsides. We can continue doing what we have been doing agriculturally – putting in new fencing, water troughs and barns. Those are all more of the same, so that’s okay, but not buildings – residential or otherwise.” Cross fencing upland pastures assures that the cattle use all the grasses that are available and don’t just "high grade," leaving a lot of uneaten forage. 

The lowlands of Moccasin Lake Ranch are leased for alfalfa production. On the lower cultivated ground, the ranch is moving away from the use of pesticides. “We are on the way to becoming an organic grower,” says Jim. “It takes about five years of no pesticides and we are about three years into it.”

Although Moccasin Lake is still a working cattle ranch, much has been done to assure that the land provides for more species than cattle, including an abundance of birds and wildlife. Unique upland aspen groves are being irrigated and fenced to protect them from cattle. The groves provide cover for a variety of wildlife and forage for a thriving deer population. To conserve water, over three miles of irrigation pipe have been buried and two ponds have been lined. 

The perimeter of Moccasin Lake is fenced to limit cattle access to two small locations. Jim explains, “It’s a green, lush area that provides a lot of habitat for birds and small animals as well as natural food for trout.” The ranch runs a rainbow trout fishing program that is open to the public on a fee basis in the spring and fall. Jim says, “It’s all catch and release, barbless-hook fly fishing and a guide is always in attendance to keep the fishing in control.” To provide a quality experience, the ranch allows no more than six people out on the lake at one time, and only permits fishing two or three days each week.

Since 1997, Moccasin Lake Ranch has been home for Methow Valley Riding Unlimited, an equestrian organization that specializes in working with riders of all ages who need special assistance. Jim explains, "We built a riding ring primarily to use for therapeutic riding lessons, but we also use it for general horsemanship activities including private lessons in dressage and vaulting.” Developing an appropriate riding arena required serious engineering. It was important to get the arena absolutely level so that it could accommodate riders of various skill levels, some of whom arrive at the ranch in wheelchairs. A wheelchair ramp provides riders the opportunity to bridle and curry their own horses. “That activity in itself has therapeutic value,” says Jim. “We are pleased to be in a position to give all of these riders access to specially trained horses and staff."

Jim's office at the ranch contains evidence of the undomesticated animals that also make this land their home. He is quick to point out, "Every one of the animals on display here have a nuisance story – it wasn't just a matter of going out and shooting them for target practice." The bobcat that looks down from the rafters was caught in the chicken coop after a hearty dinner; the cougar standing next to a coyote helped himself to a neighbor's dog. Such nuisance animals are either trapped and removed or occasionally become exhibits at the ranch office.

Jim and his family have also worked to enhance the historical value of their land. There is a homestead cabin built around 1908 in a remote part of the ranch that they are rebuilding for preservation. This has proved to be no small job as the cabin had to be lifted off its original stone footings so that a proper foundation could be installed.

“Preservation, conservation and production all blend together on Moccasin Lake Ranch,” says Jim. On the ranch’s uplands, the cattle are widely dispersed across brown brushy hills, where grass grows as high as their bellies. Not every rancher has a professional wildlife biologist on retainer, but Jim and his family have more diverse goals for this land than just raising beef cattle. Their work and commitment ensures that on Moccasin Lake Ranch there will be room for other species and recreational activities to prosper well into the future.

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Moccasin Lake Ranch
Winthrop, WA