Maureen Murtha

FoxMoon Haven is a vision for the future of a cattle ranch located in SW South Dakota. The ranch itself is approximately 10,000 acres of extremely rich soils, open pasture, pine woods, forest meadows, riparian valleys, and amazing biodiversity. Additionally, there are numerous established homesites (some with abandoned, gutted homesteads) wells, and power poles. The ranch is functional, with a traditional cow-calf operation and a few cowboys working on horseback. There is an abundance of pheasant, turkey, elk, and deer. Next door to the ranch is a large herd of "domesticated" bison, and a smattering of residential wild horses make their appearence on occasion.

We have hosted a slew of visitors, some excellent short and (very) long-term WWOOF'ers, international guests, and even overnighters via airbnb! That's just the short of it, though, and ultimately the transition from traditional to progressive that this ranch is looking to make will facilitate a small community (even if just temporary or seasonal residents), food forests (which have already been initiated), small livestock (plenty of infrastructure and experience for this), campers/travellers looking for an interesting off-road adventure, wild foraging, horse enthusiasts, and anyone looking to help build something in a spot that is remote, beautiful, and fully-stocked with natural resources. There are currently some slim accommodations, but by next year we hope to have mobile housing available (RVs), and potentially facilitate any Tiny Housers looking for an interesting place to engage with and live for a time.

Here's the website: FoxMoon Haven.

If any of this sparks your interest, don't hesitate to contact us! All contact information is available via the website. Our interests and ideas cast a wide net -- but don't be alarmed! The task at hand is very much about getting self-sufficient food and energy systems whilst creating something inviting and healthy for everyone involved!

Hey,

Can definitely relate, nearly in the same boat. Currently sitting on 10,000 acres of prime South Dakota ranchland (under-grazed and under-stocked throughout its history, a very small portion of rowcrop farming, amazing rainfall and impeccable soils.) Unfortunately, its ownership situation is mostly traditional, elderly, and not exactly progressive-minded. So, pretty similar! By a very unlikely stroke of serendipity, however, the son of one of the owners is a permaculture enthusiast and hell-bent on turning the ranch into a space for creative, collective, re-wilding and self-sufficient activities (ideally to form a permanent or semi-permanent community of sorts.) He's currently working with local coop extension, and using some HMI (Holistic Management)/ranch legacy planning strategies to present the economic boon that a more ecologically sound model and/or grazing practices would most definitely yield. Ultimately he'll present these with a comprehensive business model to try and entice a gradual, healthy shift.

I would also agree with the above posters -- Salatin's message is aimed more directly at those with a more excitable back-to-the-lander, libertarian, or urban foodie/food justice activist attitude, rather than a seasoned ag guy.

The ideals around what other opportunities might be born out of this transition are posted on this website: http://www.foxmoonhaven.com.

If you're ever in the Black Hills region, you should stop by for a visit! He hosts WWOOF'ers and airbnb guests, haha, it's pretty cool.