Ducks Unlimited recently acquired an Idaho ranch that is generating a lot of excitement because of its unique features. Most of the ranch consists of agricultural land, including more than 400 acres of wetland pasture, nearly 300 acres of irrigated farmland, and 35 acres of open-water ponds. But unlike any other farm or ranch in the area, this 825-acre property also contains a 5,000-square-foot lodge and RV Park complete with a trap, skeet, and sporting clays course. The acquisition of this property will provide a number of opportunities for DU to fulfill its conservation mission in the Great Basin. As a bonus, the ranch's recreational facilities can also be used for state and regional fundraising events and help improve public hunting access in the area.

The property, formerly known as Western Wings, Birds, and Clays, was acquired from the Robison Family for $1.5 million and paid for with funds from an anonymous private foundation and DU's Revolving Land Account (RLA). The Robison family generously donated the value of the lodge and RV Park to DU through a bargain sale transaction. This is the first RLA-funded acquisition in DU's Western Region. DU uses RLA funds to strategically acquire properties that have both high conservation value and potential for future resale. Acquired properties are restored and protected, then typically sold to a government agency or private conservation buyer. Proceeds from the sale are then directed back to the RLA for future priority acquisitions.

The Robison Ranch is located near the town of Roberts and part of Market Lake, a marsh that historically spanned 16,000 acres and supported large concentrations of waterfowl. The ranch is located near the center of the historical lake bed and contains a diversity of habitats that support ducks, geese, swans, and other wildlife such as moose, elk, and deer. In the future, DU will conduct habitat restoration and enhancement work on the property to benefit waterfowl and other wildlife.