About Us
The Knott Ranch began as a sheep ranch in 1936, when Courtney Ives purchased what is now known as our Home Place. Before the development of the Steamboat Ski Resort our sheep grazed on Mt. Werner each summer, then known as Storm Mountain. Since that time we have expanded and diversified our operations including enterprises such as cow/calf, yearling cattle, bred heifers, sheep, and recreation activities like hunting and fishing.
The Knott Ranch prioritizes comprehensive natural resource management for the benefit of the wildlife, livestock, ecology, and local community. Nearly 2000 acres of the ranch have been protected through a conservation easement held with the Colorado Cattlemenas Agricultural Land Trust. The fifth generation is now growing up with a connection to this land and the ranching way of life.
Fourth generation rancher Tyler Knott not only runs the business side of the ranch, but is also responsible for the daily operations. With a B.S. in Rangeland Ecology & Watershed Management from University of Wyoming, this cowboy is a true environmentalist. His wife, Megan, joins him with Masters in both Environmental Management and Forestry from Duke Universityas Nicholas School of the Environment. She has been with the Colorado Cattlemanas Agricultural Land Trust since 2008 and currently serves as their Director of Stewardship. They both value community service having served on the boards of Routt County Cattlemanas Association, Routt County Farm Bureau, Routt County Weed Board, The Community Agricultural Alliance, and the Routt County 4-H Foundation.
Tyler and Megan make their home on the ranch with their two children, Ella and Collin. aIn 2036, we want to see this property become a Centennial Ranch. We want to raise the fifth generation on this ranch and give them the opportunity to connect a sense of self with a sense of place,a says Tyler. Ella and Collin particularly love the sheep flock. Not as large and intimidating as cattle, the kids can help with all aspects of flock management, from lambing to herding. They are learning about responsibility with chores, empathy with love, and are getting an education in nature most children can only dream about.
