Texas' record-breaking Smokehouse Creek wildfire has destroyed Turkey Truck Ranch, an 80,000-acre property in the Texas Panhandle that is on the market for $180 million.
The ranch was among the first to catch fire as strong winds and dry weather fueled fires that swept through the West Texas plains. The fire has since burned more than 1 million acres and is now the largest in state history.
Early estimates are that Turkey Track is expected to lose about 80% of grassland, plains and streambed vegetation, as damage to fences and other structures and livestock deaths and injuries continue to be taken into account. There were no deaths at the facility near the town of Borger.
Dallas-based Icon Global Group, on behalf of the management of the Turkey Truck Ranch Family Group, said: “Our hearts and thoughts go out to all those who lost their homes and personal property and were injured. We offer our prayers,” the statement said. “The loss of livestock, crops, wildlife, and ranch fencing and other infrastructure on our property, as well as other ranches and homes throughout the region, is unprecedented in our history. We believe there is.”
Flower Mound and Dallas firefighters helped prevent the fire from destroying a historic mansion on the property, along with several suburban homes and buildings.
“While the overall impact of the fires has been devastating, on a record and historic scale, with much of the prairie rangelands, riverbeds and vegetation burned, Mother Nature heals and always rebuilds. As time goes by, these parts of the land will recover, vigorously regenerate, and bounce back.''After a fire, whether it is a natural phenomenon, an irresponsible event, or a controlled burn, nothing can be done about it. ,” said Bernie Uechtritz of Icon Global, which is selling the property.
No irreplaceable aspect of the turkey truck was lost in the fire, Uechtritz said.
“Turkey Truck Ranch's important and important place in history was not lost. Its legacy was not burnt down. Its incredibly unique water resources, wells, dams, springs, streams, and surface… Water, underground reservoirs remain,” he said. “Land and acreage did not shrink. Livestock and wildlife will return and thrive again. The land, its families, and its managers will recover.”
The property was recently listed for $180 million, a price that includes not only a vast ranch with 42 miles of frontage along the Canada River, but also a 25% interest in its mineral wealth. Icon Global, which sold the 510,500-acre W.T. Wagoner Ranch near Vernon to billionaire sports team owner Stan Kroenke in 2016, began selling land for the first time in 2021.
Part of Turkey Track's historic heritage includes the site of the Battle of the Adobe Wall in the 1860s and 1870s. Six acres of battle sites are preserved on site.
Uechtritz said interest in the ranch remains strong.
“Land managers and generations of ranchers understand not only the challenges of their chosen lifestyle, but also the inherent impacts and risks of fire, flooding, and the many setbacks and challenges associated with land ownership.” he said. “Everyone has a long-term view.”
Correction: The Battle of the Adobe Wall was fought on land in the 1860s and 1870s. A previous version of this story incorrectly stated who fought.
