BabbittRanches_Times2026

February2026 2023 February

BABBITT TIMES REVIEW

The Constitution of Babbitt Ranches highlights the characteristics and values by which the organization operates. Articles of The Constitution can be found correlating with the news stories in the Babbitt Times Review.

Babbitt Ranches Marks 140th Year With Major Clean Energy Milestone power evaluations. In 2010, the land company signed agreements with NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of wind and solar energy, and a world leader in battery storage, to explore locations on the ranch.

A decade of environmental studies followed. SRP selected the resource after a wind energy Request for Information was issued in 2020. The project proposed by NextEra Energy Resources proved to be viable and operational in the timeframe needed to help meet SRP’s growing customer demand by 2024.

The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center will co-exist with current land uses including conservation projects, ranching, scientific research and recreation.

“Our relatives believed in a land-use ethic from the beginning – a forged ethic that continues to be at the heart of the Babbitt family and the family-business owners’ decisions regarding Babbitt Ranches operations. We are thrilled to be combining forces with others who share a strong commitment to the land, the environment and the future as we work together to generate renewable energy 1,211 megawatts — about 1.2for generations to electricity come,” said gigawatts — of at Cordasco. capacity, enough to power nearly

Traditions continues on historic ranchlands as new opportunities unfold

C.J. Babbitt, one of the original Babbitt Brothers, is shown here with his son, John Babbitt, who managed the vast operation from 1935 to 1985.

Terrence "Terry" Cantorna of Pattern Energy signs a goat bar, symbolizing the beginning of the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community, a 40-year collaboration.

See related story, Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community Forms to Protect Golden Eagles, on p. 3.

Cowboys brand cattle at Aso Ranch Camp, tucked in among rolling hills, north of the San Francisco Peaks.

Construction Begins on Babbitt Ranch Energy Center North of Flagstaff

This month, February 2026, the New World. we feel when you truly spend solar farms and battery storage Clenera is breaking ground on a “Did it matter that Clenera time on the land, are aware of projects in the nation.

1,000-megawatt solar complex and is driven by similar values? its rhythms and character and Through the process, Mckee a 500-megawatt battery energy Absolutely,” said Babbitt Ranches understand that you are deeply cites relationships, shared storage facility on the CO Bar President and General Manager connected, that you belong, and values and the important work Ranch, north of the San Francisco Billy Cordasco. are accountable for its health.”

Clenera and its partners — Wind power collaboration creating a new renewable energy resource for Arizona’s future Peaks in Flagstaff. Together the “This project is a 40-year Babbitt Ranches, Salt River A Special Place in the project up the CO Bar commitment, from approvals Project and APShomes — areduring doing 161-megawatt (MW) wind toHeart make this happen,” said With makes a passion to move the sized residential of Cl enera Clenera Solar and and power purchase to next build30 a world-class solar Babbitt Ranches President state forward with renewable project, featuring 50 wind the years.

In addition, Clenera CEO Jared Mckee has Storagewhile Complex, agreements to and storage project in northern turbines across and Manager energy an General empty space on theBilly wall in his the energy center is expected Arizona’s largest the generation Arizona that make journey Cordasco.

“We appreciate the protecting 669 acres on the to bring about $9.5 the million in Article III of electricity and Boise, Idaho, office reserved for solar space, and storage worthwhile and necessary. valuable input from the Arizona CO Bar Ranch open creating additional tax revenue to the the CO Bar Clenera Solar and CowboyV development eventually “It has not been the easiest Article about 25 its miles Game andComplex Fish Department, jobs, boostingand one region.

Storage logo. “This of the largest such decommissioning. road,” he said.

“We are the first Essence the Arizona Department the Northern of Flagstaff, With the Phoenix A Land Ethic Itnorth wall is emblematic of whoofwe efforts ineconomy the nation. havetobeen in the state of Arizona to build is would expected Transportation, the Arizona Arizona metropolitan area growing Section 15. are,” he said. “I have logos here Section 3.

As Babbitt impossible to take on a solar and storage project of State Land and planning for begin delivering three times the national -Department, of every Clenera project, along Competitive Ranches celebrates such a massive and this size.”

The land ethic then Coconino County everyone clean energy by generations of with artwork fromand my two boys.” average, SRP officials say the Greatness 140 years into come, meaningful reflects the existence December.endeavor involved in the Western CO Arizonans must continue to build The CO Bar Cl enera Solar and utility Breaking Ground, ofBeanatecological operation,Energy this without theefforts full your best Bar Legacy Conservation NextEra “In our new generation resources that Storage Complex has been in the Making History conscience, milestone inLLC, clean support and trust we Community for the benefit of when yourand bestthis is Resources, to support help meet the increasing energy works for 10 years — as old as A celebratory groundbreaking in turn reflects needed.

Enjoy aa energyBabbitt also signals have with Clenera. the delivery of future generations.”

SRP, demand from while Mckee’s oldest child, he noted. ceremony for customers the landmark CO difficult of challenge. conviction individual a pioneering What makes this A subsidiary of NextEra renewable energy, Ranches and the also supporting SRP in its longIt has weathered the global Bar Clenera Solar and Storage responsibility for the venture for the land even more wonderful Energy Resources will build, we acknowledge Arizona State decarbonization goals. pandemic, inflation, supply chain term Complex is expected later this health of the land. company, forged and is that this company own and operate the project.

Land Department the terrific Babbitt Ranches, onethe of Health is the capacity of challenges, regulatory changes at year.

When completed, inspired by the same is committed to The have announced West’s the land for self-renewal. and wonderful the Babbitt state andRanch federalEnergy levels, and the project willlongest occupyrunning 2,400 acres values, principles and character the stewardship of the land. participation of so Center is expected to create that construction land companies, has been Conservation is our multiple renegotiated contracts on Babbitt Ranches, spanning have fueled Theyand share the same sense many businesses uptotocreate 250 one jobsofduring the isthat underway for Babbitt family exploring effort to understand the largest 10 squarerenewable miles andenergy producing enterprises nearly 400preserve years inthis capacity. of responsibility care that construction phase and and and government the Babbittfor Ranch viability in Northern Arizona Energy Center. The

entities involved in the process

generate enough power to support about 40,000 average-

since 2005, measuring wind speeds and conducting solar

Shipping Day is the Culmination of Efforts: Forging a Land-Use Ethic for the New Space Age Moon rolls across Babbitt Ranches as Artemis astronauts train The rover Babbitt Ranches Community Doing Its Best A Good Day On land occupied by Hereford cattle, pronghorn antelope and mule deer, a moon rover prototype cruised a topThursday, speed of A cold,atrainy On that day in 2025, 16 eight 20, miles per proved hour onto be Nov. 2025, semis rolled away from Spider Babbitt memorable Ranches near Black another culmination Web Camp’s shipping pens, Point Lava Flow last fall.

It of a year’s work behind the each loaded with 100 calves was here a mobile space scenes andaton the ground. bound for Iowa. The shipment camp of sorts each that astronauts Throughout year, the included 600 heifers averaging from NASA JAXAComentire Babbittand Ranches around 500 pounds each and (Japan’s space program) munity works toward that day 900 steers, weighing about 620 worked with when U.S. Geological in November hundreds of pounds per animal.

Survey Hereford scientists,steers alongand with healthy heifShipping Day conditions were engineers and technicians, to ers are rounded up at a central far from ideal as rain turned practice and geology andtodrive a location trucked buyers the Spider Web pens to mud, 12-wheeled rover across the in the Midwest. slowing the process and requirmoon-like terrain.

It was also “Focused, deliberate efforts ing extra patience, but it didn’t here Ranches, – fromthat theBabbitt office manager to affect the mood from those movNASA andmanager USGS to discussed the ranch the veteriing the cattle to those working a land-use to beinspecnarian to theethic livestock the scales to those driving the transported onto other worlds. tor to truck drivers, cowboys, trucks.

“We have landfrom state and conservationists “It was muddy and messy, but ethics here on the federal agencies to professional it was a good day,” Babbitt property “Thesaid Ranch consultants and the folks at Manager Clay Rodgers.

“Everythat we maintain RoundUp Internet Livestock ArticlebodyVfelt likeconversations it was a good and then we’re about land day.

Marketing – all play intoAtheLand joy, Ethic Sure enough,stewardship it rained quite a going to carry pride and satisfaction felt by the bit, but we were pretty that forward as Section 2. that we’vethankhad Babbitt Ranches Community at ful.

The cattle looked good, the we explore future Day,” the end of Shipping saidethic changes the with NASA and A land buyer was here and he looked destinations USGS have been role of Homo sapiens President andinGeneral Manager really happy with them.”and from conqueror of the our solar system,” wonderful Billy Cordasco. land-community to plain said NASA inspirational,” said member and citizen of Mission Manager Billy Cordasco it. It implies respect for Barbara Janoiko on behalf of the his fellow members, with Desert Babbitt Ranches and also respect for the RATS (Research Community. community as such.

And Technology “Together, we Studies). are promoting

a quarter-million homes each

Clēnera year starting inSolar 2027. Once operational, the complex will Farm to Produce offset more than 2 billion pounds Energy on Babbitt of carbon emissions annually.

Paired with megawattRanches4,000 Next Year hours of battery storage, the site willCalling be ableClēnera’s to deliver1,500 electricity megawatt solar when the sun isn’tfarm, shining, scheduled to be the operating on helping stabilize grid during the CO Bar Ranch in 2024, peak demand periods, extreme the company’s “crown jewel,” weather events and overnight Project hours. Lead Tom Fitzgerald joined from Thatrepresentatives combination of largeBabbitt Ranches, Arizona scale generation and long- state agencies, Coconino County, duration storage is what sets the Arizona Public Service project apart from earlierand solar three other renewable energy developments, Mckee said.

“It developers the Babbitt strengthens in Arizona’s energy Brothers Room in reliability, Conference reduces dependence downtown Flagstaff on Junea on fossil fuels and supports 2, 2022.

Theyelectrical were there more resilient grid to as celebrate participate in populationand growth and energy the Western CO to Bar Legacy demand continue rise.”

Conservation Community.

See related story on p. 3.

A Shared Vision as Land Stewards

Mckee and Clenera Director of Development Tom Fitzgerald met with Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco at the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center along the Navajo Generating Station transmission lines on the CO Bar, north of the San Francisco Peaks, on Monday, Nov. 17, 2025.

Babbitt Ranches Cordasco reflected on the in Values Featured journey that brought them 1952 News together on the land Article on this day.

“When Northern Arizona At age 86, C.J. Babbitt University’s engineering offered the solution to the department showed up about world’s turmoils in two words: 25 years ago wanting explore “faith” and “love,” as to reported wind and solar resources on Arizona Daily Sun reporter by Babbitt Steele.

Ranches, this was Ronnie brand territory us,” he The new original newsforarticle, said,the noting that the Babbitt with headline “Faith, Love family was excited andFor inspired Prescribed As Cure Sick by this fresh way of the World,” remains in seeing its fragile landscape. state carefully filed in Northern “Then,University’s Clenera showed Arizona Cline up,” he continues.

Library in Special “These Collections. guys were right in line with the It states that the company valuesthrough and principles that are grew the intelligence, importanthard to Babbitt Ranches. integrity, work and ambiSolar energy sounded tion of the brothers. like an opportunity — not only for of C.J. Babbitt, president generating renewable energy, but Babbitt Brothers Trading Comfor showing the next generation pany at the time, was quoted thatsaying Babbitt Ranches is more as “Man is leaning too than cattle andmaterial horses and much toward things, conservation in and itself. Itin and is forgetting his of purpose is about being part of something life, the welfare of his soul. Relibigger ourselves — going gion is than not just something you fromonlifewith to energy to light.” put your Sunday suit.

Clenera is guided by core be Religious principles should values: caring, committed and carried out every day in family courageous, said Mckee. and in relationships, in business “At Clenera, are propelled contacts withwe other people.” byThe doing work that article mademakes note ofa his meaningful difference the modest apartment andinoffice. world.

It isofa the privilege to citizens work He spoke duty of with such an integrity-driven, to the government and his hope family-owned business that modern life wouldas lead to Babbitt Ranches. start, more leisure time.From “Mr.the Babwe built a connection through bitt hopes Americans will put ourgood shared and ways of to usevalues their new-found doingHe business.

We are very time. feels adult education proud of that.” courses can be very valuable, arecultural the nexus and“Partnerships that pursuit of that givesuch you results,” Fitzgerald hobbies as art, music said.reading “Clenera and Babbitt and should be Ranches have been executing encouraged.” that embracing fact Hevision, also recalled histhe years on the cattle ranges. continued“Itondoes page 6 a man good to get out under

… continued on page 6

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NASA Thanks Babbitt Ranches In a letter from Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, Article III dated Jan. 30, 2023, NASA sent an official thank-you Cowboy note “for the use of the Babbitt Ranches to conduct our Essence Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) testing this past October. The Black Point Lava Flow area Section 1. enabled us to conduct long-range testing of a pressurized Industriousness rover mockup to investigate rover concept of operations is no substitute and capabilities for future ArtemisThere exploration missions on for work. the surface of the Moon and onto Mars.” Worthwhile comeManager from The letter, signed by Desert RATSresults Mission hard work and Barbara Janoiko, who was at the site, states, “We leveraged careful planning. the lessons we learned in 2021 to continue conducting Extravehicular Activities (EVAs, or spacewalks) at night with low-angle lighting representing lighting conditions on the Lunar south pole with support from a mission control room at the Johnson Space Center, which is an important step towards more flight-like operational scenario testing on Earth to prepare for Artemis missions.”

Janoiko concludes, “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Babbitt Ranches and conducting future testing in the Flagstaff area to further the goals of human exploration of the Moon and eventually Mars!”

From the open to Spider Web Camp, rounding up cattle on Shipping Day the idea thatrangeland a land-use ethic land, like Babbitt Ranches, or at Babbitt Ranches continues to be done on horseback, a tradition dating back 140 years.

can be extended to form our on the moon or other worlds,” ideals in Tin space.

It’s Camp, about he said. “We to always Unlike House Shipping Day, want it’s a good day,” being aware, be respectful that goes where Shippingresponsible Day occursand Rodgers said. and “Everybody did accountable for our actions.” ground itself, it it most years, Spider Web presents beyond their jobthe right and that makes Local USGSchallenges. geologist “It includes some logistical easy.” the critters and the Jim Skinner is one here,” of theRodgkey biota. That’s something we takes a little longer forces developing a will be working Tradition on over the ers said.behind “You can’t weigh cattle A 140-Year statement that honors the next year.” and load trucks at the same Continues use ofand land wherever A draft statement suggests time, there’s not ashumans much Shipping Day at Babbitt travel.to“It’s a way haveYou a personal and professional room move cattletofast.

Ranches is done on horseback, everyone understand that we commitment “to help maintain have to wait.” rounding up cattle from across areEven taking of was the land, the integrity of the land as we so, care the job comthe vast open lands of northwhether we are and on private take this next step off of our pleted efficiently profesern Arizona and continuing a sionally because of the skill …dates continued tradition that backontopage the6 and experience of the Babbitt ranch’s founding in 1886. RodgRanches team, from the office to ers said that connection to the the ranches, said Rodgers. Cowpast is part of what makes the boysmost, started earlyeffort and in wrapped At the heart of the Babbitt Ranches Community, that which truly matters is our being awarework of our socharacter, rewarding.principles, up around midafternoon, send-of people “Keeping values and ethics. We strive to understand who we truly are deep inside and determine what kind and organization we want the tradition going ing all 16 trucks waytobybe at our to be. It is through discipline and integrity that we are consistently demonstrating whatonit their means best.

In this can means a lot to meway, andwe every3 p.m. set the example and behave as a model and mentor for our youth so that they can determine what kind of people they can become, whathow body else,” he said.

“That’s “Anytime you finish your we were raised. There’s a lot kind of people they want to be.

you just can’t do on ATVs, no matter how much people want to change things. Most of us were raised on ranches, and Shipping Day is something people really like being part of.”

Historic high cattle prices

were a bonus for the year. “We shipped heifers, bringing about $4.01 a pound and steers as high as $4.40,” said Rodgers.

“Last year, we were closer to $2.90. It was a big jump.”

At the heart of the Babbitt Ranches Community, that which truly matters most, is our effort in being aware of our character, principles, values and ethics. We strive to understand who we truly are deep inside and determine what kind of people and organization we want to be. It is through discipline and integrity that we are consistently demonstrating what it means to be at our best. In this way, we can set the example and behave as a model and mentor for our youth so that they can determine what kind of people they can become, what kind of people they want to be.

Fifteen hundred heifers and steers were gathered, weighed and loaded into trucks bound for Iowa.

Through Babbitt Ranches, Ranches, aa family familybusiness businessand andpioneering pioneering Throughour ourefforts effortsofoflearning learning and and understanding, understanding, Babbitt land promotesscience scienceand andparticipates participates landcompany, company,raises raiseslivestock, livestock,manages manages natural natural resources, resources, promotes ininthe share and and do do the the very verybest bestwe weknow knowhow. how. thebroader broadercommunity community in in order order to join, share

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February 2026

Babbitt Ranches Community Prayer We thank you Lord, for this place in which we live; for the love and friendships that unite us and for the peace accorded to us this day: for the hope with which we expect tomorrow— for the health, food and the bright skies that make our lives happy—for our friends everywhere.

Let peace abound in our families. Purge out of our hearts the hidden grudge. Give us the grace and strength to practice self-control. Give us the will to accept and to forgive each other. Give us brave, joyous and peaceful minds. Bless us in all our honest and sincere endeavors.

If it may be, give us the courage to face that which is to come—that we may be brave in risk, constant in difficulty— temperate in anger—and in all changes of fortune; loyal, true and loving one another.

A Yellow Rose The presentation of a single yellow rose is a tradition of Babbitt Ranches. This tradition allows us to reflect and to embrace our passed loved ones and to share this embrace with their families. Our thoughts are with those lives lived well, who will forever stay in our hearts.

A Yellow Rose Its gentle beauty reminds us of the love our family and friends have for us… Its soft yellow hue symbolizes the hope and joy that comes with tomorrow’s sunrise… Its loveliness lives on in our hearts and reminds us of those who have wonderfully graced our lives and who will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.

David A. Lee • (1949 – 2024) David A. Lee died at his Flagstaff home on Nov. 5, 2024, embraced by his wife, Rayma Sharber Lee, after battling lung disease. He loved photography and playing guitar. Mr. Lee was born in Knoxville, Tennessee and grew up along Snowbird Creek in North Carolina. He worked as a psychometrist and guidance counselor and managed the Interstate Texaco in Flagstaff.

Julie Bryant • (1968 – 2025) Julie Ann Bryant, 57, passed away Friday, Oct. 24, 2025, in Olton, Texas. Mrs. Bryant was born Oct. 23, 1968, in McNary, to Robert and Margie Elvey. She and her husband Jimmy Bryant moved to Olton in 2020. Known for her kind heart and joyful spirit, she loved photography, tending her garden and caring for animals. She proudly carried the title “World’s Greatest Grandma.”

Carhartt Embraces Babbitt Ranches Community and Cowboy Essence

peaceful moment before the storm. And then it was stunning to see the landscape explode into action as ranch family members rounded up and moved the Babbitt Ranches President and cattle. Seeing it all come together General Manager Billy Cordasco in a systematic way was just described the meaning of Cowboy incredible.”

Essence. “It’s a way of being, a “We had a lot of work to get lived expectation that every day, no done that day,” reflected Ranch matter the weather, the work or the Manager Clay Rodgers. “The circumstance, we show up at our Carhartt folks and the production best. It’s steadiness when things crew were really nice people.” get hard and quiet humility when Still images as well as video things go well. And it isn’t limited to assets and interviews from the cowboys. It belongs to anyone who production shoot are expected works with heart.” to be used in a multimedia A small army of campaign, beginning in late videographers, summer.

Article IV photographers, editors, “Babbitt Ranches was such Digital editors sort and edit images in a mobile booth, set up Cowboy artists and content at Spider Web Camp. a pleasure to work with,” creators set up camp like Essence said Harthun. “They were so The Carhartt brand is known authentic work,” a Western movie set at accommodating and excited to Character for rugged jackets, overalls and said Working Spider Web, complete let us into their world and show Qualities jeans that can withstand hard Class Film with trailers and caterers. us what their day-to-day looks work, harsh conditions and Co. co-founder Stylists made use of the Section 6. like. And their Cowboy Essence the test of time. So, when the and Executive rustic setting, hanging the Reliability – well, nothing I’ve come across functional outerwear company Producer Drake newest line of sweatshirts has matched the feeling we got The consistency and began its search for real people Harthun. “Our and tees from wooden that day on Spider Web Camp. It trustworthiness that in tough environments to role is to tell wagons and fences. was, by far, one of the best days create respect. showcase the latest clothing line, the story as Digital editors in portable we’ve had on a ranch in the last production scouts landed on authentically booths sorted through 10 years that we’ve been working Babbitt Ranches. as possible. photos as they came in. with the Carhartt brand.”

On Monday, Nov. 17, 2025, Location scout James ‘Q’ “There were so many beautiful “Cowboy Essence is how you Babbitt Ranches cowboys and Martin suggested Babbitt moments. We absolutely captured carry yourself. Carhartt builds cowgirls were deep into a cattle Ranches. We started everything we were looking for and what carries with you,” said drive, moving about 1,500 researching the company and were blown away by the imagery,” Cordasco. “And that’s the shared heifers and steers to Spider Web learned that the culture and the said Harthun. ethic that connects Babbitt Camp in preparation for Shipping history around Babbitt Ranches The quiet of the crisp fall Ranches, Carhartt and the men Day. Cattle drives are common, fit the Carhartt brand. It was a morning as cowboys and cowgirls and women who live with this but on this one, the well-dressed good match.” were saddling up was especially kind of heart every day.” wranglers were outfitted in Much like the 140-year-old memorable, he said. “It was the Carhartt’s 2026 fall collection. family business of Babbitt The durable fabric didn’t Ranches, the family-owned disappoint as high-action Carhartt company, founded in cowboying was captured by state- 1889, honors the shared values of-the-art cameras and powerful of hard work: dependability, lenses focused on details and honesty and trust. “We believe movement in the cold, dusty high our actions must always speak country. louder than our words, because “We never use hired talent for we are worn by the hardestBabbitt Ranches wranglers outfitted in Carhartt jackets ride in style on a busy day, Carhartt promotional shoots. We working people of them all,” moving 1,500 heifers and steers across the high desert north of Flagstaff to the always feature real people doing states the company’s website.

Babbitt Ranches outpost of Spider Web Camp.

Celebrity Cowboy Cook Kent Rollins Serves Breakfast During Spring Works Babbitt Ranches cowboys fuel up on grits, gravy, bacon and wisdom from the chuckwagon

Helen Joan Scott • (1940 – 2025) Helen Joan Scott passed away Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025, at the age of 85. Mrs. Scott was born in Dodge City, Kansas, Sept.

11, 1940, to Charlie Ralph and Ada (Ihloff) Mack, the youngest of three daughters. She and her husband Richard Dean Scott married in Mesa and moved to Flagstaff, where she served as an executive secretary for the Arizona Babbitt family.

Pat Button • (1940 – 2025) Pat Button of Sun Lakes passed away peacefully at her home last fall, surrounded by family and her husband, Robert, of 62 years. Her beloved twin sister passed away earlier in the year. She is survived by her five brothers, five children, 11 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. She enjoyed tennis, swimming, playing cards, walking her dogs and volunteering at Hidden Treasures.

Jim Lytle • (1949 – 2025) Veterinarian Jim Lytle was born April 7, 1949, in Prescott. As a youngster, he was an Eagle Scout, involved in sports and outdoor activities and spent summers on the family ranch near Tombstone. At Colorado State University, he met his wife, Chris Painter. Doc Lytle was the longtime veterinarian for Babbitt Ranches. He died Oct. 28, 2025, in Flagstaff, following a brief illness.

The Community of Babbitt Ranches fondly remembers beloved family and friends.

Guided by Values from Sea to Sagebrush From a perilous Atlantic crossing from England to the rugged journey across the wildlands of the American West, the Babbitt Ranches Community can trace nearly 400 years of adventure and discovery. Through hills and valleys, fortunes and losses, one thread has remained unbroken: the values, principles and character qualities that guided the family through every challenge, condition and season. Join host Billy Cordasco on Discovery with Babbitt Ranches for stories and leadership lessons from the past that continue to inspire the future at www.BabbittRanches.com/podcast.

Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco (left) and Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers (right) welcome YouTube sensation Kent Rollins to Aso Ranch Camp.

cowboy wisdom, Western history, The winds whipped through life lessons from the range, leaderAso Ranch Camp north of the ship advice and rules to live by San Francisco Peaks at more that he is happy to share through than 40 miles an hour during the internet and in person, includSprings Works as cowboys were ing camp kitchen etiquette. “We driving in cattle from the surrounding hills for branding. It was will not have foul language in the kind of wind that would steal camp. We will not talk politics.”

This fiercely patriotic and hats and threaten anything not faith-driven cowboy is nailed down. a straight shooter with Cowboy Cook Kent Rollins took Article III a gift for storytelling and a penchant for a moment on this Cowboy on this busy Monmanners. “I don’t Essence tolerate rudeness. My day morning, mother said, ‘I gave May 12, 2025, to Section 12. step away from you manners for free.

Ranch Spirit If you don’t use them, his stove and A genuine consideration drive the long they’re costly.’” for others fosters an As is his tradition, stakes of the fly – eagerness to sacrifice he asks the cowboys the canvas coverpersonal interests and ing over the camp to gather outside the glory for the betterment camp kitchen, remove kitchen – deeper of others. It is not into the ground. their hats and join about I but We. him for a moment to “We feed cowbless the food. Today’s boys and we’re gonna make sure gratitude was about the bacon, corn grits and gravy simmering they get fed well no matter the conditions in which we’re nearby in cast iron frying pans.

Time-honored rules, he says, cooking.” remain the Code of the West Those familiar with the YouTube sensation know he’s as today. “You don’t ride too close to authentically folksy and sincere as the kitchen – you don’t dust the they come. He grew up ranching cook,” he said, adding that the camp cook or “Cookie” held an in Oklahoma, spent time guidimportant position, always second ing and feeding hunters in New Mexico and has been cooking for in command.

“He was the cook. He was ranches all over the country from his famous Studebaker chuckthe doctor. He was the dentist. wagon since 1993. “You can’t get Cookie’s job was to make sure them boys was fed. This old full on fancy,” reads the back of chuckwagon was more than just his trailer. a kitchen sittin’ out there in the Rollins has no shortage of

prairie. This was home away from home for tired, weary and hungry cowboys.”

The lighted lantern hanging from the camp kitchen was a beacon for cowboys arriving after sundown. “They knew where they could come – if they’d been out on an old cold night shivering – to get out there by Cookie’s’ fire.”

Camp rules, including pitching in to help and being considerate and respectful of others, don’t apply just around camp, he explained. “They are the code of conduct that go around with you the rest of your life. That is what we call the ‘Code of the West.’”

“We sure enjoyed his camp etiquette and fun stories,” said Babbitt Ranches General Manager Billy Cordasco. “Kent has a lot of fans in northern

Arizona including cowboys, hunters and campers who tune in to his YouTube channel for Dutch oven cooking tips and ideas. It was a special and meaningful visit.”

“When Kent reached out to us, we knew Spring Works would be the perfect time for the cowboys to be treated to a wonderful hot meal out on the range,” said Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers.

“We all enjoyed his cooking and he sure knows how to fill up cowboys who are working hard and need a lot of energy for the day.”

Rollins talks about “riding for the brand,” as still important today. “When you’re working for somebody and you’re branding cattle, you have to put that brand on there right. You want to make a mark. You want to make sure that it’s correct because you’re representing that person. You’re riding for that brand.”

So, whatever you’re riding for, he explains, “Do it with pride and do it with honor. You have your name and your word. My mother would always tell me, ‘Be sure and not tarnish either one.’ And when you talk about deals that were made, the only contract we had back then was a handshake.

You knew when you got a hold of it, it was full of pride and it was full of honesty.”

Kent Rollins and his production crew recorded their visit to Aso Ranch Camp last spring. It is expected to be featured on his YouTube channel this year.

Kent Rollins is famous for his cast iron and Dutch oven cooking. His latest cookbook, “Comfort Food the Cowboy Way,” created with his wife, Shannon, includes a healthy dose of his cowboy philosophy along with trail favorites like Chicken Potpie, Pork Posole, Cheesy Sausage Balls and French Toast Casserole.

Coconino Plateau Forecast Babbitt Ranches is a Community within a Community integrated with broadly diverse groups of individuals with varying thoughts, interests, skills and history. With yourself, with family and friends, with the community and with the environment, one way or another and in the end, relationships are all there is. Thus, it’s simply not just about things and doing things, but about the meaning of things.

With a genuine consideration for others, LifeScapes provides a venue through which Babbitt Ranches participates with the community.

The long-range forecast for the Coconino Plateau of Northern Arizona is projected to favor drier conditions, say the experts at the National Weather Service.

“Even though we picked up some good rainfall last fall, this winter has been on the dry side, especially when it comes to snowfall,” said NWS

Meteorologist in Charge Brian Klimowski, Ph.D. “Most of the Coconino Plateau is running close to or above average for total moisture since October, but snowpack is lagging well behind where we’d normally be.”

February 2026 brought more active conditions, but the broader outlook for

late winter and spring currently shows less precipitation than normal. “That could mean increasing drought stress again if those trends hold,” he said.

“There’s still a lot of uncertainty, and these patterns can shift, but at this point we’re expecting summer conditions, including the monsoon season, to be near normal.”

February 2026

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Arizona Nordic Village Courts Wedding Couples With the goal of topping wedding professionals. its record-setting “About 2,000 50 weddings in people attended, 2025, Arizona gave us really Article IV which Nordic Village good exposure,” said Cowboy began the new General Manager Essence year taking its Sydney Nieminen rustic, woodsy, Character of the Jan. 10-11, nature vibe to 2026, event at the Qualities Phoenix for the Phoenix Convention Arizona Wedding Center. “Couples were Section 2.

Show, the largest certainly intrigued by Sincerity bridal expo in the the outdoor venue in The genuine earnestness Southwest that the Coconino National that binds friendship. connects couples Forest. They liked to more than 200 the DIY flexibility

that Nordic Village offers for said the stunning meadow a personalized wedding in the ceremony “made my wedding pines.” perfect,” noting that friends and Amid aspen stumps, glowing family could not stop talking lanterns and bouquets of roses about the location. and wildflowers, Nieminen Arizona Nordic Village’s shared photo books with bridal popularity as a wedding venue parties to illustrate possibilities surged during the COVID-19 and inspire creativity. A wallpandemic. Events range from three-hour elopement packages sized banner featuring a bride to multiday celebrations that and groom in the meadow helped set the tone for a utilize the bridal suite in the forested destination wedding. lodge, four cabins, seven yurts Online reviews from recent and eight RV campsites. weddings rave about the setting, The Arizona Nordic Village wedding season runs from May calling it beautiful, peaceful, Bridal expo display welcomes wedding parties to Arizona Nordic Village where they scenic and unique. One bride through October. can connect with nature and know that they ‘Belong.’

‘Belong’ Captures Spirit of Babbitt Ranches As Babbitt Ranches continues to define its unique style of leadership, its way of being and participating with nature’s rhythms, cycles and seasons, the word “Belong.” continues to arise as landowners, wildlife managers, clean energy developers, recreationists and scientists articulate the way they connect with the land and embrace their own personal sense of stewardship.

Belong. is an important component of the Babbitt Ranches Community. It is the integrator that allows all elements to work together. And it has become a solidifying description of how those who live, work and visit feel when they are immersed in the natural beauty and essence of the Coconino Plateau.

Belong. has become

particularly evident in discussions around Arizona Nordic Village. It does not sit alongside strategy, operations, stewardship or partnership. It connects them.

Arizona Nordic Village operates at the intersection of enterprise, public land, community use and long-term stewardship. In that context, Belong. becomes the hinge that aligns how

decisions are made, how experiences are designed and how relationships are maintained across a 40-year horizon.

It ensures that intelligence, planning and investment do not remain abstract, but translate into a shared sense of responsibility, trust and continuity for everyone who steps onto the land.

In practical terms, Belong. links intelligence to story,

structure to meaning, enterprise to community and today’s decisions to tomorrow’s inheritance, all at once. At Arizona Nordic Village, this means business strategy supports community trust, visitor experience reinforces care for the forest, partnership with the Forest Service is strengthened through shared stewardship outcomes and longterm asset value is protected by cultivating respect rather than

enforcing compliance alone.

Belong. allows Arizona Nordic Village to function as a demonstration site for how an enterprise can be economically viable, culturally grounded and publicly responsible, all at the same time. Belong. makes Babbitt Ranches operations relatable, logical and durable in real-world application. Belong. begins on A Path With Heart.

B e l o n g. T h e q u i e t r e c o g n i t i o n o f s h a r e d s t o r y, l a n d a n d l i f e .

Members of the Babbitt Ranches Community pose for a group photo. “Everyone out here does a really good job to make the Colt Sale such an enjoyable community event,” said Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers, standing in the third row, far left.

Babbitt Ranches' Hashknife Colts Support Champions, Build Ranches On a breezy, blue-sky July morning, 18-year-old Taylor Goin, quietly moved about the serene pastures of Spider Web Camp.

With her right arm in a sling from a recent horse-riding incident, she

carefully studied the mares and their new colts with the eyes of an experienced equestrian.

A cowgirl, born and raised in Valley View, Texas, Taylor was valedictorian of the 2025 Valley

View High School graduating class and headed to Texas A & M to become a large animal veterinarian. She also is a fourtime world champion in mounted shooting.

Taylor Goin plans to welcome this sorrel filly, shown here with the mare, as a working cow horse.

family was successful again. “I would like to make the sorrel filly, number 23, a range cow horse,” said Taylor. “We decided after a long time of working with horses, fillies and mares have more heart than geldings do.”

The Goins first heard about Babbitt Ranches and the horse program from cowboy Will Vest, a family friend from Texas who has been working for Babbitt Ranches for more than a decade. “And then we started seeing some of the horses,” said Taylor. “We could see that they were really nice—big-boned, tough and hardy. They have big lungs and can go all day. That’s not very prevalent in Texas.”

“I felt good about the way the horses showed up,” said Rodgers.

“Everyone out here does a really good job to make the Colt Sale such an enjoyable community event.”

Babbitt Ranches has bred horses since the late 1940s to support cattle operations; however, the modern public colt sale has been conducted annually since the early 1990s.

The mares and their babies are beautiful animals, and we all enjoy seeing them, but the Colt Sale has never been about selling horses,” said President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “What is truly meaningful is the time we get to spend together – the gathering of long-time friends, new friends and family members – that honors life events in the warmth of this wonderful community out here in the vast beauty of northern Arizona.”

Taylor’s goal on Saturday, July set a record at the Colt Sale.

12, 2025, at the Annual Hashknife The blue roan was sold to Colt Sale, was to successfully bid Jordan Diehl of Ohio. He and on a filly that she his cousins, Caleb would raise, train and Marcus, and ride. “Number bought three 18 is the one I Babbitt Ranches Article III have my eye on,” colts that day, one Cowboy she said, before the last year and one Essence auction began. the year before for Section 2.

Taylor was not their ranch in Ohio, Enthusiasm alone, she learned. where they raise When number 18, horses largely for Enjoyment for what a stunning blue rodeo competition. you are doing motivates roan bay filly, ran “The Babbitt those with whom you into the arena with horses have a lot come into contact. her mama, buyers better bone,” said took notice. Ranch Diehl in 2024.

Manager Clay Rodgers Meanwhile, Taylor remained described her lineage and noted stoic. The family jumped back that the filly was part of the late into action with horse number Ranch Manager Vic Howell’s 20 and successfully bid on the personal line of horses. Auctioneer brown filly. “The first one we Reed Flake described the mare bid on was a really nice filly. She as “a transformer—she rides like was my dad’s pick. But I felt a sports car but can be a tank better about the second one. She when you need it.” was my pick and she is going That’s when Taylor’s dad, Jeff, to become a mounted shooting Hundreds gather at Spider Web Camp each entered the bidding competition horse and a team roping horse.” July to see mares and foals and be part of on his daughter’s behalf. But when A few colts later, the Goin the Babbitt Ranches Community.

Flake said, “I have 18, do I hear 18-5?” The Goin family waved him on. The final bid, $19,000,

Babbitt Ranches is Key to Historic Solution for Uranium Cleanup in Northern Arizona After more than a decade of conversations with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Babbitt Ranches continues to play an integral role in developing a solution for cleaning up any suspected radioactive contaminants at the site of Abandoned Uranium Mines (AUMs) in northeastern Arizona. The solution includes not only an area that is now part of the ranch property, but also includes AUM sites on the Navajo Nation and potentially elsewhere in the region.

Work to remove, consolidate and safely contain residual ore from the AUMs in an EPAapproved location on the western edge of the Babbitt Ranches property, commonly known as Section 9, is projected to begin

this year. Section 9 is a remote parcel of property near the Little Colorado River, about 10 miles southeast of Cameron.

Cleanup of the property is referred to as the Milestone Hawaii Project in EPA reports.

A mining company, Milestone Hawaii, owned and operated the property more than 60 years ago when uranium mining was widespread in the area. A preliminary 2012 EPA assessment of Section 9 states, “The Site was mined for uranium at several intervals from 1957 until 1962. Low-grade uranium waste rock is present at the Site.”

“Despite never having conducted mining operations on the site, Babbitt Ranches, as the current landowner, took on the responsibility for the cleanup.

Babbitts had sold the property in 1960; however, the buyer subsequently defaulted on the note that the company carried back and Babbitt Ranches resumed ownership,” said attorney Earl Hagström, who has been representing Babbitt Ranches through the process.

“As a steward of the land, Babbitt Ranches stepped up and told the EPA, ‘We’re going to take care of this.’ The land company’s cooperative approach throughout the decade-long process has earned high praise from the EPA,” he added.

For more than a dozen years, the EPA has been tasked with cleaning up 523 AUMs on or near the Navajo Nation. Hagström said the EPA, working with Babbitt

Ranches, has proposed an area-wide solution to remove and consolidate the material in a secure location being created on the western edge of Section 9, away from the Little Colorado River. The overall project, including the location, is referred to as the Secure Earth Initiative.

“Babbitt Ranches, in conjunction with the EPA, has not only proposed a viable solution for AUMs on its property, but also a way to clean up and reduce risk in the region from uranium mining,” said Hagström. “This is indeed a rare position. Not only finding the solution, but being the solution is the Babbitt way.

Once again, Babbitt Ranches is leading by example and demonstrating what ‘doing the right thing’ looks like.”

Babbitt Ranches is a Family Business, as such, the work of business and the complexity of relationships have had a significant impact on each other. Through the years, Babbitt ventures have included cattle, sheep, trading posts, grocery stores, department stores, lumber companies, a livery stable, an automobile dealership, mining operations, farms, an ice plant, a funeral parlor and many others. As the 21st century organizational community carries on the spirit of adventure, exploration and love for the land, the CO Bar, Cataract and Espee Ranches remain bustling with activities that bridge the business ventures from the pioneer age to the space age with a commitment to quality and long-term decision making. Cowboys ride, rope and brand while researchers study climate, explore renewable energy and simulate conditions of the moon.

730,000 acres of grazing land 275,000 acres deeded Mostly Hereford cattle American Quarter Horses; carrying the historic Hashknife brand

February 2026

140 Y Community

February 2026

Years of and Business

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February 2026

Wyoming and Arizona Babbitts Trace Parallel Paths West

Rayma Sharber Lee shares her journey into another branch of the Ed Bobet family tree Two brothers ventured west in the 1880s in search of adventure and opportunity, building family legacies that began with a ranch and a dream and continue today, as generations remain bound to the land and the family. Sound familiar?

Such is the story of the Wyoming Babbitts. These frontiersmen and women may have crossed paths with their Arizona cousins a few times since their ancestor Edward Bobet arrived in what is now Massachusetts, nearly 400 years ago. For Arizona Babbitts, the Wyoming tribe’s story began to reveal itself when family historian Troy Babbitt visited Flagstaff last spring.

Troy noticed the family name on the downtown Babbitt Building and wondered if there were still any Babbitts in Flagstaff. He asked a clerk in Babbitt’s Backcountry Outfitters and learned about the Babbitt Ranches office upstairs. There he found Caleb Cordasco, who introduced him to his dad, Billy.

“We learned about a family reunion that was being planned and Troy invited us to attend,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco.

Although Billy couldn’t make the trip, Rayma Sharber Lee – an Arizona David Babbitt descendent – could.

“We thought the reunion was

going to be in Cincinnati and I was really excited about it.

My daughter, Jessica, lives in Boston. She loves journalism and history and since moving to Boston has been digging deep into the family’s Massachusetts roots. I was thinking what a fun trip this would be for us to attend a Cincinnati family reunion.”

As it turned out, the reunion was not to be in Ohio, but rather, in Colorado. “I was disappointed that it wasn’t in Cincinnati but then as I was thinking about the Wyoming reunion I began wondering: Who are these Wyoming Babbitts? What was their story?

How did they end up in Wyoming? Do they have any historic documents or letters from our shared ancestors? Were they related to the Isaac Babbitt, who in 1839, invented a new metal alloy known as Babbitt Metal?

Were they related to Edwin D. Babbitt, who wrote ‘Principals of Light and Color’ in 1878?”

The answers to these questions and more were revealed when she joined the July reunion in Loveland, Colorado. “They had a great turnout – more than 100 people spanning three generations!” said Rayma. “Turns out many of the first and second generation in attendance had read the ‘Brothers Five’ book.

They were really interested in

the Arizona family story and were delighted to have me show up, which was so cool and so unexpected.”

She says her favorite part of the trip was hanging out with them and listening to Troy talk to his family about what he was learning through his research on Ancestery.com. “They were just completely immersed in their family and culture and were interested to talk to me to hear more about what I knew about our shared family history.”

She also learned that she is Troy’s seventh cousin, once removed. Brothers Isaac and Elkanah III, born in Taunton in the early 1700s, were Edward Bobet’s great grandsons. “And this is where the split in our family lines occurred that eventually landed descendants in Wyoming and Arizona,” said Rayma. “I’m descended from Elkanah III. Troy is related to Isaac.”

As Rayma explained, Elkanah III moved to Cooperstown, New York, and his son Elkanah IV later lived in Lanesborough, Massachusetts, near the New York border. His great-grandson, William David Babbitt, moved from Lanesborough to Cincinnati in 1848.

The Isaac Babbitt branch moved first to New York and New Jersey, then ventured as far west as Iowa by 1840. From there, two brothers, Harve M.

More than 100 Wyoming Babbitts, who gathered for a family reunion in Loveland, Colorado, welcomed Arizona cousin Rayma Sharber Lee. Many sported their new Babbitt Ranches hats, a gift from Arizona.

and Thomas Raymond Babbitt, seized an opportunity to homestead near LaGrange, Wyoming, about 30-miles northeast of Cheyenne. They ranched, farmed, founded a post office and became community leaders.

In September 2025, Rayma shared her experience with Babbitt Ranches shareholders at Arizona Nordic Village. “David Babbitt was in Wyoming in 1884, scouting for a place where he and his brothers could start a cattle ranch,” she said. “Babbitt Ranch at La Grange was founded in 1882, and Tom Babbitt lived in Cheyenne from 1886 until 1891. Seeing how closely their paths passed and how their history paralleled ours in the Great Western movement was fascinating.”

An unexpected discovery during Rayma’s trip was learning how similar the Wyoming Babbitts are to the Arizona Babbitts.

“It seems like we share many of Massachusetts. There, she the same values, including the met Bill Babbitt, who still lives importance of family and comon the land once owned by munity, industriousness and Edward. Bill’s branch of the an appreciation for Babbitt family has education and sciremained in the ence,” she said. “It Article VIII Taunton-Berkeley made me wonder area for generaEquity Model tions. how much of these traits falls into the “I ended Fundamentals nature vs. nurture the summer’s Family Business is a busiquestion.” adventure thinkness in which business and relationships have a She reported ing about how significant impact on each these connections that the younger other. There is a deep Wyoming relatives remind us that it sensitivity and underwere very impressed truly is a small standing of the fact that by the Arizona world and we’re decisions are often a compromise between Babbitts’ Colorado all more connected family and business.

Plateau Biological than we realize,” Assessment and the said Rayma. “It commitment to the was a memorable environment, sustainability and connection for both sides of stewardship. the family and all of them are Meanwhile, Rayma’s daughlooking forward to coming to ter, Jessica, located Edward Flagstaff – several are hoping Bobet’s original farm and to come to the 2026 Colt Sale homesite in Berkeley, in July!”

shared the victories and trials of the 20th century, as the family and business was tested by long years of drought, shifts in the markets and major events from wars Westward Heart: to depressions.

The Journeys of David W. “I appreciate being part of a Babbitt and Sons family that treats our history like Billy Lippincott shared the story it's sacred, that takes time to docuof the mid-1800s and another ment and revisit our story, and great crossing. “Imagine the creak that it is also equally focused on of wagon wheels, the rhythm of our collective future,” said Lizzy. hooves, the grit of dust cling“I also appreciate how our family ing to clothes and skin. Before history is so deeply rooted in the them stretched a horizon with no land, and that connection is recogend—rolling grass, rivers to ford, nized, celebrated and protected. mountains to climb and the vast unknown of the American West.”

Tying lessons of this story forward, Billy said, “Just as David W. Babbitt and his sons looked beyond the wilderness and imagined a home where none yet stood, we too are called to look ahead with imagination—seeing possibilities before they are obvious and shaping the future with courage and care.” just a voyage across the Atlantic.

It was a crossing of heart and will—a declaration that life is not meant to be clung to but lived.”

Susan Babbitt facilitates the sharing of the Arizona Babbitt family story, handing off chapters to David Babbitt's great grandchildren, such as Will Lee pictured here.

Next Generation Shares Stories Gathered in a yurt at Arizona Nordic Village on a crisp fall morning, generations of the Babbitt Ranches Community settled in to share stories that connect and remind them that they are part of the same fabric—woven through time—that continues to unfold.

“Our story began far from here, on the shores of a distant ocean,” said Susan Babbitt. “It has carried across centuries, plains and mountains. Each step marked by courage, trust and imagination.”

Helping to carry the story from the 17th century to today at the Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, Shareholders Meeting were David Babbitt’s great grandchildren.

Billy Lippincott

Across the Sea: Ed Bobet’s Leap of Faith “Picture the year 1639,” began Ryan McGinty, a fifth generation Arizona Babbitt. “The air at the dock is heavy with salt, the gulls circling overhead, the swell of the tide against the wooden pilings.

Families gather with bundles of belongings, hearts pulled between the comfort of what is known and Ryan McGinty the mystery of what lies ahead.

Among them stands Ed Bobet England and heading to the [the early spelling of Babbitt].”

New World. “That story Ryan says he was close with captured the faith, courage his late grandmother, Margaret and initiative he demonstrated Charles, who often shared stories as he set out on an inspired, about the family and yet uncertain, the ranches. “She path,” he said. was an inspiring “It was very figure in my life Article IV moving to reflect and embodied the on his journey Cowboy character, values and and the efforts of Essence selflessness that our generations that family is known for. followed to build Character I’m grateful to carry an organization Qualities forward that legacy grounded Section 11. and to continue in integrity, striving to integrate conscientiousness Gratitude those same principles and service.”

The art of being into our lives.”

As the story grateful for all things.

Ryan recounted unfolded, Ryan the historic journey said, “That of Ed Bobet leaving crossing was not

Babbitt Ranches Marks 140th Year With Major Clean Energy Milestone continued from page 1 that we are stewards of the land.

We know we are going to be operating the project throughout its life. That’s what’s important.”

Exploring Solward Insight The three also discussed how large-scale solar projects create space for innovation, research and science.

“We call this Solward Insight,” Cordasco said. “Solar panels can create microclimates by offering shade and refuge for small animals, perhaps changing the soil beneath them and the way water runs off the panels.”

A solar farm on the landscape can open doors in unexpected ways, he continued. “Smart planting can provide habitat for pollinators. Care in fencing can facilitate the movement of key wildlife species. We now are able to create pronghorn corridors.

We are wide open to the

possibilities of what we can learn and create, and Clenera has been there participating every step of the way to make this the best project it can be.”

The project also is expected to generate millions of dollars in tax revenue for the county and state to support education and road infrastructure.

“More and more of our technology is made in the United States and operated by a highly skilled American workforce,” Fitzgerald said.“Solar farms like the CO Bar Clenera Solar and Storage Complex reduce our dependence on foreign oil and gas and disperse energy generation across the nation.

This increases grid security, resilience and reliability,” he added.

Solar, Wind and Powering Arizona’s Grid Jobs, Economic Impact, Reliable Power During the construction phase, hundreds of skilled laborers will be hired to build the solar farm.

Both SRP and APS are buying electricity from the CO Bar Clenera Solar and Storage Complex under separate power purchase agreements with Clenera.

SRP is buying the bulk

Elizabeth “Lizzy” Christy

1886: Arriving in Flagstaff The New Chapter: Brian Woods, who was raised Regenward and in Flagstaff, delivered the story OmniDynamics about the five Cincinnati, Ohio, Babbitt brothers who followed their dream to the Arizona Territory.

In 1886, when the Babbitts arrived in Flagstaff, they eventually had herds of cattle and sheep.

But before that, they had a spirit of relationship. They worked side by side with neighbors, merchants and other ranchers. They built trust. They built community. They built responsibility. They traded goods, shared water and learned the rhythms of the land together.”

From that shared history, Brian reflected on the conflict in the country today. “It is nice to see that Babbitt Ranches still holds those values in place: being a good neighbor, doing the right thing for the community and everyone around you. As we live in such a strange society and world today, it’s nice to see people connected to their original roots.”

Holding Through Change Elizabeth “Lizzy” Christy of the solar generation, while APS has a separate contract that includes solar generation and battery storage.

The existing Navajo Generating Station transmission lines provide the electrical backbone that allows electricity from the CO Bar Clenera Solar and Storage Complex to move from rural northern Arizona to population centers.

This is the same transmission corridor delivering power from the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center wind farm. NextEra Energy

Will Lee spoke about the current chapter, calling it an honor and a privilege to be sharing time with his relatives. “What I think is the coolest part, not just the history of our family and heritage of the ranches, but the integrity and the morals and values we carry with us, the fact that we have a constitution as a family and that respect for the land is a primary value.”

He brought the story to present-day Babbitt Ranches, noting that the land remains what it has always been – wide grasslands, volcanic peaks and open range – yet, with something new.

“It is still cattle, grass and sky, but now it is also a place where stewardship meets innovation, where tradition joins hands with imagination. Here, clean energy projects rise from the same soil where cattle graze. Golden eagles wheel overhead, their flights guiding how we plan and care.

Resources developed the 161 MW wind project with 50 turbines on Babbitt Ranches, which began turning in mid-2024 under longterm agreements with SRP. APS plays a key role in the CO Bar Clenera Solar and Storage Complex by integrating the electricity generated into the regional grid.

A First-Generation Mindset in the Clean Energy Era “Through 140 years on the land and tracing back to our first ancestor on the continent, the

Pronghorn cross the open country, reminding us that the land must remain connected, alive and free.”

The Northern Arizona University environmental science graduate noted that the values and principles that carried the Babbitt Ranches Community through time are the same ones that shape the Babbitt Ranches Community decisions today.

“Courage. Imagination.

Integrity. Trust. Each one still lights the path as we weigh questions of solar development, wildlife stewardship and community partnerships,” said Will.

“All of us crave to know that we are part of something bigger than our own lives, something meaningful, something that matters,” noted Babbitt Ranches General Manager Billy Cordasco.

“That longing is answered in our story.”

Guided by Values: From Sea to Sagebrush The Babbitt Ranches Community can trace nearly 400 years of adventure — from a perilous Atlantic crossing from England to the rugged journey across the wildlands of the American West. Through hills and valleys, fortunes and losses, one thread has remained unbroken: the values, principles and character qualities that guided the family through every challenge, condition and season. Join Discovery with Babbitt Ranches for stories and leadership lessons from the past that continue to inspire the future.

Brian Woods

Babbitts have always been excited about welcoming fresh opportunities and exploring new frontiers,” Cordasco said.

“That First-Generation Mindset is as alive and well today as it was in 1886, when the five Cincinnati Babbitt brothers arrived in Flagstaff, helped build towns and participated in our young nation’s growth,” he said. “This time, the new frontier is about a future with clean energy for Arizona, our nation and the planet.”

Character, Nature and Community have been bred into Babbitt Ranches for more than a century. The values that have made the people of Babbitt Ranches who they are and the characteristics that have shaped the organization into a lasting legacy are captured and articulated in The Constitution of Babbitt Ranches. It defines the organization’s Multiple Bottom Line, Conversation Council Creed, Cowboy Essence, Cowboy Essence Character Qualities, A Land Ethic, Sustainable Community Principles, Human Dimension and Science, Equity Model Fundamentals, Priceless Values and Constitution Commitment. These guide Babbitt Ranches’ organizational, ecological, economic and community decisions.

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Leading with Solward Insight, OmniDynamic Stewardship Demonstrating how become more layered and technology, wildlife and communities, at times, have land stewardship become less receptive. can coexist and “Rather than seeing result in positive this as a barrier, Article VIII we see it as a call outcomes for land, people Equity Model to participate with and animals, awareness, Fundamentals more representatives more care and deeper Section 3. from Babbitt relationship,” said Ranches, Cordasco, suggesting Consider the range of Clenera, the a different approach to future business values.

Arizona Game clean energy, “A Path and Fish With Heart, rooted in Department and belonging to the land,” Quantum Energy discussed not just building on it. the CO Bar Solar project as “That’s the core of Solward an example of Solward Insight Insight,” he explained, “Sol” and OmniDynamic participatory for solar and “ward” for toward stewardship at a scientific and stewardship. “Solward Insight is industry conference last fall in our commitment as a landowner Scottsdale. to stay present and responsible “CO Bar Solar sits on land through the full life of a clean our family has walked for energy project: planning, generations,” said Babbitt construction, operations and Ranches President and General one day, decommissioning. It Manager Billy Cordasco at means we don’t just host a the biennial Solar, Wildlife & project; we stay in relationship Ecosystems Research Meeting with it. We see the solar farm (SWERM), Wednesday, Nov. not as an interruption of the 19, 2025. “We gather at landscape, but as part of its a remarkable moment – a ongoing story. It doesn’t replace moment when the need for stewardship.” clean, resilient and affordable He also introduced another power has never been greater new term to the SWERM and when tools like solar stand audience. “OmniDynamics is ready to meet that demand.” how our commitment moves However, the pathway to in real time. It recognizes that bringing solar projects to the land is always in motion, life has become increasingly through seasons, cycles and complex, he said. Development patterns. OmniDynamics allows timelines are longer than ever us to stay attuned to subtle as approval processes have shifts in migration patterns, the

rise and fall of grasses across seasons and the way water, wind and wildlife move through a place, so decisions can be made in days, not years.”

OmniDynamics: From Concept to Practice

Clenera Director of Development Tom Fitzgerald spoke about details of the CO Bar Clenera Solar and Storage Complex, specifically environmental design considerations.

Recognizing that Babbitt Ranches and the Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) have long studied pronghorn antelope and tracked their migration patterns on the CO Bar, he said wildlife-friendly fencing was one of Clenera’s key concerns. He mentioned how the team had become familiar with antelope behavior and

Billy Cordasco Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager

the history of the “goat bar,” developed on Babbitt Ranches and used extensively across the region to help pronghorn crawl under fences.

“We learned to think like the pronghorn and to ‘be the goat bar’ as we planned for wildlifefriendly fencing,” he said.

Other important design elements included removing non-native trees and promoting native ground cover, while creating a plan to prevent the spread of noxious weeds.

Grazing, recreation and cultural sites also influenced the project design.

AZGFD Region 2 Supervisor Larry Phoenix shared research about wildlife movement corridors. “Our pre-solar construction radio telemetry collar data since 2018 shows 138 collared pronghorn and 87 collared mule deer using the

Tom Fitzgerald Clenera Director of Development

area,” he said. “GPS movement data helped guide planning efforts for the CO Bar Solar project.”

AZGFD collared 25 pronghorn and 18 mule deer last October to track and evaluate their movement during and after construction. “Because of our continued collaboration and pronghorn movement studies with Babbitt Ranches, we are on the cutting edge of learning how pronghorn react to solar projects.”

OmniDynamics at Grid Scale Quantum Energy Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Andrew DeMille spoke about the unseen public health, biodiversity and economic benefits of CO Bar Solar. He shared Quantum’s TotalView Energy Platform, predictive analytics on grid-level

Andre DeMille Quantum Energy Chief Operating Officer

power generation, avoided emissions to air, soil and water, and impacts on public health, the ecosystem and the economy.

The TotalView analysis predicts 55,000 cumulative years of human life will be saved across the 30-year life of CO Bar Solar and its generation of clean energy, along with 126 species.

Positive economic impacts will total an estimated $15 billion, he said.

“Charting A Path With Heart includes participatory stewardship, continuous attention, transparent learning and shared values,” concluded Cordasco. “CO Bar Solar shows how care, presence and purpose align through time and on the ground in a project that learns with the land.”

Larry Phoenix AZGFD Region 2 Supervisor

Babbitt Ranches Meets Forest Service Chief, Promotes ‘Land of Many Values’

Northern Arizona contractors Perkins Timber Harvesting of Williams and Bob Lee and Sons Tree Service based in Payson are completing the work through a threeyear contract overseen by the National Forest Foundation. The work is being conducted strategically to not disturb events like weddings and to maintain forest views and shade for snowy trails.

Restoring the Forest Around Arizona Nordic Village Without Disrupting the Experience

This carefully timed, custom-designed thinning project protects forest health, recreational use, forest views, wildlife movement and community needs Depending on the time of the year, visitors to Arizona Nordic Village might be gliding across snow-covered trails, hiking through tall ponderosa pines, attending a wedding or simply pausing to listen to the wind move through the forest.

Just beyond those trails, a strategic forest restoration effort is underway — carefully planned so that the work meant to protect the forest does not detract from the very experience that draws people there.

The Derffer Forest Restoration Project spans more than 3,000 acres on the Coconino National Forest near Flagstaff, at the base of the San Francisco Peaks. The area is a key concern to foresters because a wildfire burning here could threaten the San Francisco Peaks, the City of Flagstaff and two major watersheds — the Upper Rio de Flag on the Peaks and the Verde, above Phoenix.

Thus, the project focuses on thinning overstocked forest areas to reduce wildfire risk, improve forest health, support the movement of wildlife like turkey and deer, and protect communities and water resources from post-fire flooding.

“There are so many partners to thank for their contributions to the incredible work that’s being done in the Rio de Flag watershed: Coconino County, the National Forest Foundation, The Nature Conservancy, the City of Flagstaff, Campbell Global and the loggers themselves,” said Forest Supervisor for the Coconino National Forest Aaron Mayville. “I’m also grateful to the homeowners and business owners in the area – like Babbitt Ranches and the Nordic Center – who have shown such interest and support for this important work.”

The work is led by the National protecting views and the wildland from the project, is a critical Forest Foundation (NFF) in experience, and coordinating water source for the Salt River partnership with the U.S. Forest work schedules around peak Project and the greater Phoenix Service, Coconino County and seasons and events, such as metropolitan area.

Salt River Project, weddings. No work Northern Arizona contractors with support from was conducted Perkins Timber Harvesting of local businesses during the Nordic Williams and Bob Lee and Sons Article III Village’s busiest and contractors.

Tree Service based in Payson are “NFF is the months; heavier completing the work through a Cowboy congressionally activity took place three-year contract overseen by Essence designated during shoulder the NFF. Some of the removed nonprofit seasons or periods material is being transported to Section 4. organization for the when the facility was sawmills, some is being made Cooperation Forest Service that already closed. available as firewood. Federal Listen if you want to be identifies priority The goal, funding through the Hazardous heard. Be interested in projects that partners say, is Fuels Transportation Assistance finding the best way, not otherwise would to create forest Grant is being used to remove in having your own way. not be done,” said conditions that leftover slash to further lower the NFF Southwest are more resilient fire risk.

Region Director to wildfire while Funding for the project includes Sasha Stortz. “We bring together preserving the visual and contributions from the Coconino multiple resources and our team recreational character of the area. County Flood Control District, oversees the project hand-in-hand “Thinning at Derffer is helping Salt River Project and the U.S. with the Forest Service.” restore healthier forest conditions Forest Service. Historic Brewing Company, with businesses in What makes the Derffer project — reducing wildfire risk while Flagstaff and Williams, also is stand out is how it intersects protecting nearby communities with Arizona Nordic Village, a like Flagstaff and vital watersheds supporting the effort through year-round recreation destination from potentially catastrophic post- sales of its Feller Bunch IPA. For partners involved, owned and operated by Babbitt fire flooding,” said Stortz. the project reflects a shared Ranches, known for cross-country The project is one critical skiing, snowshoeing, biking, piece of a much larger landscape- understanding that forest health, recreation, the guest experience, hiking and special events. scale strategy to protect the wildlife movement and community “This is a really unique place,” Upper Rio de Flag Watershed, safety are deeply connected, said said Arizona Nordic Village which has a history of post-fire Nieminen. “It’s amazing to work Manager Sydney Nieminen. “The flooding capable of devastating with partners who understand forest experience is why people neighborhoods, roads and both the needs of the forest and come here. This is where guests infrastructure. The Verde the people who love it.” say they feel connected to the Watershed, which also benefits land, where they belong. From the beginning, the Forest Service and the National Forest Foundation understood that, and they have been wonderful partners, working with us on the ground to make sure the work protects both the forest, our operations and the guest experience.”

To minimize disruption, restoration crews adjusted traditional thinning prescriptions, protecting ski and recreation trails, leaving trees for shade to slow the evaporation of snow, A federal grant is funding the removal of some slash from the site.

In September 2025, Forest Service Chief Tom Schultz visited northern Arizona and met with representatives from the Coconino National Forest and permittees, including Babbitt Ranches, to share views on working lands.

Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco noted the privilege the Babbitt Ranches Community has had working alongside the Forest Service since the late 1980s, through grazing permits on the Coconino and Kaibab national forests, and recreation on the Coconino at Arizona Nordic Village.

“That’s nearly 40 years of relationship and I’ve found it to be not only productive but deeply meaningful, built on participation and trust. For us, it’s not only about grazing permits or projects, but also about how we see the land as a whole, how we belong with it and how we carry forward values that last across landscapes, communities and generations.”

An especially meaningful effort working with the Forest Service and others, he said, has been promoting pronghorn movement across the open range, noting wildlife-friendly

fences, keeping grasslands open, protecting migration corridors and advancing water and pipeline improvements that benefit wildlife, livestock and people.

“These efforts haven’t been just on one ownership.

They’ve reflected the efforts of the National Forest, along with state and private lands, working together across hundreds of thousands of acres into one connected effort. That reflects the best of what we stand for together: not separate pieces, but a shared landscape where we notice the flows of life and act with them as one.”

The Forest Service philosophy is often described as “Land of Many Uses,” to include timber harvesting, range management, cultural resource protection and recreation.

Cordasco offered an updated and broader slogan.

“Today, maybe the call is to see it as the ‘Land of Many Values.’ Together, landowners, communities and the Forest Service can inspire a modern version of stewardship that honors values and dynamic processes, inviting participation, nurturing belonging and carrying forward a path that unites landscapes, communities and generations.”

Wide and Varied Science is promoted, supported and acknowledged by Babbitt Ranches across the Coconino Plateau. The goal remains to affect a land ethic so that private and public land managers have science-based knowledge and technologies to support the sound stewardship and conservation of their lands and natural and cultural resources. Focus areas include: Community and Relationships • Sustainability • Land Use Ethic • Cross-Disciplinary Programs • A Blend of Natural and Social Sciences • Science and a Sense of Art • Information Dissemination • Regional Planning.

Conservation Projects support efforts to reintroduce the nearly extinct black-footed ferret; establish a golden eagle conservation area; and develop habitat for pronghorn antelope and other wildlife species.

Conservation Easements preserve open spaces for the enjoyment and participation of generations to come.

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2023 February 2026

Photo by Tom Bean Photography

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