STORY AND PHOTO BY KAREN BOSICK

The owner of the Warm Springs Ranch property has offered to cut his asking price by a million dollars if the community comes up with an additional $2 million in pledges and donations by Dec. 31, 2021.

Bob Brennan says he will drop the cost to purchase the Warm Springs Preserve property from $9 million to $8 million if community members can meet his challenge.

Some 330 donors have given $4.5 million to meet the developer’s request that the City of Ketchum raise $4.5 million of the $9 million asking price by the end of the year. The donations include a million-dollar gift from a member of the campaign committee.

In addition to raising money for property acquisition, the city wants to raise an additional million dollars for irrigation and restoration improvements.

“I am delighted by the participation of our community,” said Mayor Neil Bradshaw. “There are still fundraising goals to be met, but I believe this milestone is a testament to the widespread community support to save this magical piece of land. Let’s maintain the momentum!” 

Brennan has asked for the entire purchase amount by April 28, 2022. If the funds are raised to purchase the property, the Warm Springs Preserve will be kept as open space in perpetuity for the community.

The preserve would offer off-leash dog access, creek and habitat restoration, new water-conscious irrigation system, walking trails, Nordic ski and snowshoe trails, public restrooms and a spot for informal gatherings and activities. Development, organized sports, commercial events and private events, such as weddings, would be prohibited.

If the community does not come up with the money, the property could see significant development.

To learn more, visit www.warmspringspreserve.org

Questions? Email warmspringspreserve@gmail.com