The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Network Selects Meriwether Ranch for The Ultimate Sportsman's Lodge

The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Network Selects Meriwether Ranch for The Ultimate Sportsman's Lodge

MELROSE, Mont., June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- After a nationwide search for the premier outdoor recreational development, producers for the DIY (Do It Yourself) Network have chosen Montana's Meriwether Ranch as the site of a new series called the "Ultimate Sportsman's Lodge." DIY is visible to over 50 Million viewers nationwide in the USA and around the world.

The pristine Meriwether Ranch, located on the legendary Big Hole River outside of Melrose, Montana, halfway between Butte and Dillon, is home to deer, fox, moose, elk, otters, beaver, osprey, bald eagles, ducks, grouse, geese, Sandhill cranes and pronghorn antelope. The Big Hole River is known for its Blue Ribbon rainbow trout, as well as an abundance of brook, cutthroat, and brown trout. It also has the only native run of arctic grayling in the lower 48.

"We combed the country looking for the right blend of stunning venue and unmatched outdoor opportunities," says Chris Dorsey, president of Denver-based Orion Multimedia, the production company that will bring the series to life, "and when we took one look at Meriwether we knew we had found the perfect place. The property offers the best of Montana and having it straddle the world famous trout waters of the Big Hole River just made it irresistible."

The Ultimate Sportsman's Lodge is being designed by Bozeman's Locati Architects. One of the West's premier architectural firms, Locati has created numerous showpiece homes and lodges featured in national and regional architectural periodicals. Adding color to the series will be well-known comedian Jeff Foxworthy who will host regular segments within each episode.

Meriwether Ranch is the dream project of outdoor enthusiasts and conservationists Dave and Emilie Ellingson (Lincoln, NE). Nestled between the 3.23 million acres of the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest and the Big Hole Valley, Meriwether Ranch offers 724 deeded acres and approximately 180,000 acres of permitted land. Fewer than ten percent of the deeded acres will be impacted by the development of new home sites and other buildings. The remaining acres will be protected from further development by the establishment of a conservation easement.

"Since Emilie and I are committed to this land, and regard it as our Ultimate Dream, we can't help but be excited to share it with others who share our enthusiasm," said Dave Ellingson. "When we created the Ranch, our goal was to allow other outdoor enthusiasts to own the experience by purchasing homes or land to build their custom dream homes right on the river. DIY is going to give so many viewers -- both here and around the world -- the opportunity to see for themselves what we have known all along. It's a little bit of heaven, right here on Earth. "

DIY's 'Ultimate Sportsman's Lodge' will begin airing in July of 2009 and is slated to continue airing throughout 2010. DIY Network is part of the Scripps family of networks that includes HGTV, Food, Fine Living, and Great American Country, and is one of America's fastest growing networks.

For more information visit http://www.meriwetherranch.com/.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Meriwether Ranch

CONTACT: Media, Georgi Bohrod, +1-619-255-1661, for Meriwether Ranch; or
Emilie Ellingson of Meriwether Ranch, +1-402-420-3230

Web Site: http://www.meriwetherranch.com/

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Profile: International Entertainment