Ted Turner, the visionary behind CNN and a colossal figure in American land ownership, has always viewed the entire planet as his abode. While other moguls have since acquired larger tracts, Turner, now in his eighties, maintains a substantial portfolio of approximately two million acres. This includes 13 expansive ranches that support the nation's largest privately managed bison herd, numbering over 45,000, underscoring his deep-seated commitment to wildlife preservation.
His personal residences reflect this passion for the outdoors. Currently, Turner primarily resides on one of his Montana ranches, where he indulges in fishing and nature, despite a 2018 diagnosis of Lewy Body dementia. His former holdings illustrate a rich history of acquisition and occasional divestment: from South Carolina's Hope and Kinloch Plantations, and the undeveloped St. Phillips Island, all acquired in the late 1970s and early 80s, to his long-standing Florida property, Avalon, a vast quail hunting site named after the mythical island. Turner’s approach to land is characterized by a desire to preserve and enjoy, as evidenced by his statement, “I never like to buy anything except land. It’s the only thing that lasts.”
Turner's vast properties extend beyond personal retreats; many serve broader purposes. In the 1990s, he expanded his Montana portfolio with Bar None Ranch (later sold), Flying D, and Snowcrest Ranch, driven by a vision to conserve these landscapes for future generations. His monumental purchase of New Mexico’s 591,000-acre Vermejo Park Ranch in 1996 established it as one of the largest contiguous private landholdings in the U.S. This ranch, along with his Ladder and Armendaris Ranches in New Mexico, now offers guest accommodations, inviting others to experience their natural beauty. Additionally, his land acquisitions in Nebraska and the La Primavera and Collon Cura ranches in Argentina, acquired for fly-fishing, further demonstrate his expansive and diverse real estate strategy, culminating in his enduring ownership of the 8,800-acre Nonami Plantation in Georgia, a property he cherished for quail hunting long before its purchase.
The extensive landholdings of figures like Ted Turner are a powerful reminder of how individual actions can shape vast natural landscapes. His dedication to conservation, coupled with the foresight to share these unique environments, inspires a deeper appreciation for our planet's resources. Such endeavors encourage us to consider our own roles in stewardship and the potential for preserving natural beauty for the enrichment of all.