The following “Dutch Joe Ranch Vision Statement,” dated January 1, 2010 depicts concepts those buyers of Ranch Parcels at the Estates at Dutch Joe Ranch and the Mogollon Mountain Ranch may develop or modify for use on their acquired Ranch Parcel.
Dutch Joe Headquarters Ranch
"Vision Statement"
An Interview with Richard E. "Reb" Bunger
January 1, 2010 |
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A serenely peaceful, self-sufficient family sanctuary
dedicated to sustainability, alternate energy development and
western-style ranch family values |
In the late 19th century, not long after the dust of the Civil War had settled and nearly five decades before the First World War, another battle raged. Quiet, but no less deadly, the war began not over politics, but survival. Centered on two families who braved the remote and untamed Wild West to build a new life and legacy, the Pleasant Valley War turned the picturesque valleys of Arizona into a battlefield where men and women, hired assassins and animals were daily casualties. On the surface, the war seemed focused on land and water and grazing rights, but at the heart of the conflict lay an idea far more basic: family. Each family fought to protect themselves - their way of life, their loved ones - for future generations. Over a century later, the land still speaks of their legacy. To avoid their mistake and embrace both land and life one ranch now epitomizes that lesson, sharing its tale of history, with an enhancement of the environment and, most importantly, the love of family. |
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| Four-beam log fence entirely constructed from approximately 30,000 recycled trees too small for market value. |
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The perimeter and pasture fencing is a rustic touch with old-fashioned character and a true masterpiece that changes with the seasons. |
| More than desert dotted with cactus, Arizona features a striking, almost playful character reflected in its wildlife, topography and the vast ranchland. Similarly, The Dutch Joe Ranch features a unique profile that cleverly combines the historical with modern environmental and sustainable emphasis. Completely bordered by a four-beam fence entirely constructed from recycled trees too small for market value, the perimeter fencing is a rustic touch with old-fashioned character and a true masterpiece that changes with the seasons—a rust-colored beauty in the summer and a silent snow-draped sentinel in the winter. Set atop the majestic Mogollon Rim that cuts its way through Arizona’s diverse and picturesque landscape, this 42,000-acre legacy ranch which is a combination of privately owned and U.S. forest-grazing permits, defines history in the making and a testament to the history of the classic family ranch—with a unique twist. |
Basically, the Ranch is, and has always been,
an operating cattle and horse ranch.
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“Every ranch is unique,” said Richard E. Bunger, founder and owner of The Dutch Joe Ranch and REB Properties, LLC. “But The Dutch Joe Ranch is something altogether different. The research, the approach, the planning, the development, the talent, the innovation—it’s a dedication to detail and a passion for creating something different, something entirely off grid and totally ‘sustainable’ in all its energy requirements, and in food production and food storage.”
Richard E. bunger’s inspiration comes from his great-grandfather who settled in Arizona at the turn of the century and moved his brothers and their families into the high-timber area of east-central Arizona. The family, with many others, participated in moving over 600,000 head of cattle onto the land during that time. Bunger (who has numerous personal patents and was the founder of a very successful international NASDAQ-listed public company) has a passion for livestock, timber and land in his blood. Educated in product development, timber, agriculture, and business, Bunger was inspired to use his accumulated knowledge and experience to better the environment and to use his development skills to demonstrate workable and practical sustainability concepts while at the same time creating a stable base to further family unity and family values. Creatively working with the U.S. Forest and Arizona Game and Fish Department, and having a past working relationship with legendary John Wayne, bunger has used his skills and experience to enhance and share his dream with other individuals and families interested in actively participating in the Western ranching heritage with an emphasis on environmental issues and practical sustainability, family unity and family values. |
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The Dutch Joe Ranch was created to protect my most valuable asset: my extended family.
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“Sustainability is a tricky term. People talk about ‘green’ living, but I expand the meaning of sustainability to mean protecting my most valuable asset: my extended family,” said Bunger. “The Dutch Joe was created for them and for other like-minded individuals, families and their descendants –a place to come and feel at peace with nature. Every Ranch innovation in foresting, mining, food production, energy development, and environmental enhancement ensures their safety and provides everything they need in their own backyard. Said in another way: their sustainability.”
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Dutch Joe Ranch enjoys total independence from utility companies by
producing
electrical power via a network of solar panels and some wind power with backup generators.
Cell phone and Internet services are available through a
Ranch-owned private tower, and commercial digital cellular repeaters. Internet and television are available via satellite systems. |
| Unlike most ranches, The Dutch Joe lies completely off the grid and provides total independence of power via a network of solar panels and some wind power with backup generators. Other alternative energy systems are being considered. Cell phone and Internet services are available through a private tower, and a satellite system provides Internet and television. |
| In addition, the ranch can provide residents with beef from the extensive cattle herd, vegetables, eggs and plentiful fish from the numerous stocked lakes. Egg production and vegetable production is under development. The lake system, created with local materials secured from the Ranch mining program, includes five current lakes, and is distinctly designed and landscaped to take advantage of the diverse terrain and carefully planned to maximize both fish habitat and boating and fisherman’s access. The extensive fish and lake management programs also have created the finest fishing in the state. The Rainbow Trout, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, crappie and Purebred Blue Gill are managed through a carefully balanced food supplement diet. A fish hatchery is planned for the future. Says Bunger, “Our fishing policy is being developed with objectives to create multiple markets for our fish. We intend that a large portion of our net income will be going to the Ranch Environmental Fund.” |
The extensive fish and lake management programs are reputed to be the finest fishing in the state.
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Dutch Joe Ranch forestry personnel have
performed extensive forest restoration and remediation on Ranch properties. |
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This
4-wheel drive rig is equipped with two large water cannons and 1” 100’ long
reel-type high-pressure hoses which are mounted on both sides.
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Over the years, hundreds of thousands of acres of dense forest surrounding the Ranch had seen their share of neglect, allowing large amounts of brush and smaller trees to dominate in an unhealthy, fire-prone fashion. Dutch Joe Ranch forestry personnel have performed extensive forest restoration on Ranch properties, and REB Properties has provided funds to the U.S. Forest Service to perform forest restoration in thousands of acres of nearby U.S. National forests. Restoration includes thinning the trees, removing dried brush and overall enhancing the health of the forest, as well as reducing the frequency of wildfires that not only endanger the plants and wildlife, but also Ranch residents. “Dutch Joe Ranch is reputed to be the most fire-defensible property in the Apache-Sitgreaves Forest. It’s another method of sustainability,” said Bunger. “Having healthy lake and forest environments protects the land and the people, just another way for me to ensure that my family and all those who call the Dutch Joe home stay protected. More than anything, I want the Ranch to entertain and teach the younger generations the values of respecting the environment and each other.” |
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| We can teach our residents to drive a one or four horse-drawn wagon or even a six horse-drawn restored original Butterfield stagecoach. |
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The Ranch encourages and is developing a program to train residents in the safe, responsible and environmentally conscious use of ATVs and mountain bikes. |
| In light of that philosophy, The Dutch Joe Ranch offers numerous training and activity programs for those just taking their first steps into the outdoors and veterans who have worked the land for years. “The ranch is more than just for working; I want everyone to experience the land, and have a little fun in the process. We can teach our resident to drive a one-to four-horse-drawn wagon or even a six-horse-drawn stagecoach. The Ranch encourages and is developing a program to train residents in the responsible and environmentally conscious use of ATVs and mountain bikes. All of these activities are intended to train and qualify our residents and employees in activities that are useful and necessary for the operation of the Ranch. Everyone, at any age, deserves to get their hands dirty and play cowboy,” said Bunger. “With the right opportunities, you might even decide to play for life.” |
Looking at the Ranch’s 74,880 multi-purpose barn and training facility, one instantly gets a sense of the size and scale of the Ranch’s amenities. |
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Residents and their guests can also enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to Dutch Joe’s sister ranch, the Mogollon Mountain Ranch |
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The Ranch owns a large collection of vintage vehicles,
which
include a variety of horse-drawn buggies, wagons and stage coaches. |
| Starting at the multi-purpose barn and training facility, one instantly gets a sense of the size and scale of the ranch’s amenities. At 74,880 covered square feet, the barn offers adequate space and the perfect venue for horse training, rodeo events, family gatherings and large-scale events. The activities spill into the outdoors and onto the custom ATV course and shooting range. In addition to the customized 9-person ATVs, the ranch owns a variety of horse-drawn buggies, wagons and six-wheelers, perfect for a leisurely tour. Residents and guests can also enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to the nearby Pius Ranch, a nine-mile journey that winds through a breathtaking landscape of dense forests, mountain views and endless verdant valleys that color the Arizona landscape in striking hues. |
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| Becoming a Ranchowner is about more than just becoming an owner.. |
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Water pumped from Tower Lake creates an artificial waterfall with four pondlets. |
The Dutch Joe Ranch does more than just sit amidst the beauty; it has become a part of it, fueling the richness of the land and seducing all who visit to stay for a lifetime. Yet, becoming an owner is about more than just owning 1-or 40-acre Ranchstead, it is a dedication to practical consideration and sustainability – in all its broad meanings-for individuals, for families and every following generation. |
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Kids getting into canoes on Big Dutch Joe Lake. |
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Safety vests are worn for all boating activities. |
| “I didn’t create the Dutch Joe as a temporary investment. My family and I plan to live here and fully participate in all aspects of the Ranch’s development. Individuals and families who work with us are in for the long term, I want to welcome anyone who has a passion for the environment and sustainability and who desires to build a place where their family can feel protected and provided for in these uncertain times, a place their grandchildren can experience, anyone who wants to work hard in the present to invest in the future.” |
Architect's rendering of the future development project: Dutch Joe Ranch Lodge |
| In fact, the future is already starting to show incredible promise. In addition to the Phase I amenities and features already in place, the planned developments and opportunities are as confidential as they are exciting. Even as the current plans thrive, Richard Bunger plans to lead his engineering and architectural teams to new projects that will even further enhance The Dutch Joe. “Make no mistake, potential lies everywhere,” said Bunger. “Every day is a new discovery.” |
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Ranch Founder and CEO, Richard E. "Reb" Bunger.
Even as the current plans thrive, Richard Bunger plans to lead his teams to new projects that will even further enhance the Dutch Joe. “Potential lies everywhere. Every day is a new discovery and opportunity for further environmental and sustainable developments abound–with individual rights and family always in mind.” |
| Suspended directly overhead amidst the clear Arizona sky, the sun casts the first afternoon rays upon the forest as Richard Bunger strolls to the edge of the Ranch. Resting a foot on the bottom rail, Richard rests upon the bark-roughened fence and silently views the land beyond. The lush valley appears as always, but today, something catches his eye. Hopping the fence, he hikes through the tall grass and falls to a knee. Pushing back the brush and tree limbs, he reveals a solitary tombstone. Aged by years of neglect and the unforgiving elements, the discolored stone is etched with a solemn message: Will Erixson - Kil - July 1883. Once, lives were lost here. Once, families were torn. Once, the land suffered. Today, the Earth still speaks, the legacy still lives and family thrives at The Dutch Joe Ranch. |
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