A NW conservation group has purchased a 4.5-square-mile ranch in Idaho with the purpose of protecting bighorn sheep there.

Portland-based Western Rivers Conservancy purchased the Ten Mile Creek Ranch near Lewiston last week.

The property, which was owned by Rick Rupp of Port Townsend, includes a 5,000-square-foot primary residence, a 2,000-square-foot caretaker’s home and about 4 miles of waterfront property along the Snake River. But the bulk of the land is undeveloped.

Western Rivers Conservancy leaders are still formulating plans for the land but say their interest in making the acquisition was to protect habitat for bighorn sheep.

The property was listed for about 8 million in 2014.