Rinker Rock Creek Ranch is a unique research, education and outreach facility that offers a hands-on approach to rangeland management and conservation. The working ranch doubles as a living laboratory where science-based practices for land managers are developed.
The University of Idaho delivers programming at Rinker Rock Creek Ranch to the central Idaho community on rangeland, plants, wildlife, stream restoration and cattle management.
Rinker Rock Creek Ranch is an outstanding backdrop for rangeland research opportunities. Science conducted here can provide important insight into range conservation, potentially help producers improve economic return, enhance wildlife habitat and sustainably meet the needs of a variety of users.
When combined with the surrounding public land, the ranch sits within a watershed that is almost entirely protected from development. As a result, the full function of the water cycle in the Big Wood River watershed is captured and researchers can draw conclusions from a comprehensive scale. Rinker Rock Creek Ranch has limited infrastructure, few roads and the natural habitats are in good condition. Wildlife of interest — including sage-grouse and pygmy rabbits — are present.
Ranch operations around the state can benefit from the science and restoration conducted here. Having both private and public lands to graze on is common in Idaho, so the setting is not far removed from what many ranchers are used to.
- Year Founded
- 2016
- Year Joined OBFS
- 2021
- Size of Field Station (hectares)
- 5001-10000
- FSML Web Address
- https://www.uidaho.edu/research/entities/rock-creek/about
- Private nonprofit organization?
- No
- Universities affiliated / Parent Organization
- University of Idaho
- Federal, state, or local governmental partners?
-
USDA and Other: Wood River Land Trust, The Nature Conservancy, BLM, Idaho State Dept. of Lands, Idaho Fish and Game
- Member of the Virtual Field
- No