Babbitt Times Review 2023

February 2023

BABBITT TIMES REVIEW

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.

Construction Begins on Babbitt Ranch Energy Center North of Flagstaff

Wind power collaboration creating a new renewable energy resource for Arizona’s future 161-megawatt (MW) wind With a passion to move the state forward with renewable project, featuring 50 wind turbines across energy while protecting 669 acres on the CO Bar Ranch open space, creating Article V about 25 miles jobs, boosting the Northern A Land Ethic north of Flagstaff, is expected to Arizona economy Section 3. and planning for begin delivering The land ethic then clean energy by generations of reflects the existence December.

Arizonans to come, of an ecological NextEra Energy “In our efforts conscience, and this Resources, LLC, to support in turn reflects a the delivery of SRP, Babbitt conviction of individual renewable energy, Ranches and the responsibility for the we acknowledge Arizona State health of the land.

Land Department the terrific Health is the capacity of have announced the land for self-renewal. and wonderful participation of so that construction Conservation is our many businesses is underway for effort to understand and preserve this capacity. and government the Babbitt Ranch entities involved Energy Center. The in the process

to make this happen,” said Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco. “We appreciate the valuable input from the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona Department of Transportation, the Arizona State Land Department, Coconino County and everyone involved in the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community for the benefit of future generations.”

A subsidiary of NextEra Energy Resources will build, own and operate the project.

The Babbitt Ranch Energy Center is expected to create up to 250 jobs during the construction phase and generate enough power to support about 40,000 average-

sized residential homes during the next 30 years. In addition, the energy center is expected to bring about $9.5 million in additional tax revenue to the region.

With the Phoenix metropolitan area growing three times the national average, SRP officials say the utility must continue to build new generation resources that help meet the increasing energy demand from customers while also supporting SRP in its longterm decarbonization goals.

Babbitt Ranches, one of the West’s longest running land companies, has been exploring renewable energy viability in Northern Arizona since 2005, measuring wind speeds and conducting solar

Forging a Land-Use Ethic for the New Space Age

Moon rover rolls across Babbitt Ranches as Artemis astronauts train On land occupied by Hereford cattle, pronghorn antelope and mule deer, a moon rover prototype cruised at a top speed of eight miles per hour on Babbitt Ranches near Black Point Lava Flow last fall. It was here at a mobile space camp of sorts that astronauts from NASA and JAXA (Japan’s space program) worked with U.S. Geological Survey scientists, along with engineers and technicians, to practice geology and drive a 12-wheeled rover across the moon-like terrain. It was also here that Babbitt Ranches, NASA and USGS discussed a land-use ethic to be transported onto other worlds.

“We have land ethics here on the Babbitt property that we maintain Article V and then we’re A Land Ethic going to carry that forward as Section 2. we explore future A land ethic changes the destinations in role of Homo sapiens from conqueror of the our solar system,” land-community to plain said NASA member and citizen of Mission Manager it. It implies respect for Barbara Janoiko his fellow members, with Desert and also respect for the RATS (Research community as such.

And Technology Studies).

“The conversations about land stewardship that we’ve had with NASA and USGS have been wonderful and inspirational,” said Billy Cordasco on behalf of the Babbitt Ranches Community.

“Together, we are promoting

the idea that a land-use ethic can be extended to form our ideals in space. It’s about being aware, responsible and accountable for our actions.”

Local USGS geologist Jim Skinner is one of the key forces behind developing a statement that honors the use of land wherever humans travel. “It’s a way to have everyone understand that we are taking care of the land, whether we are on private

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 for generations to come,” said Cordasco.

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 Values Featured in 1952 News Article

Calling Clēnera’s 1,500 megawatt solar farm, scheduled to be operating on the CO Bar Ranch in 2024, the company’s “crown jewel,” Project Lead Tom Fitzgerald joined representatives from Babbitt Ranches, Arizona state agencies, Coconino County, Arizona Public Service and three other renewable energy developers in the Babbitt Brothers Conference Room in downtown Flagstaff on June 2, 2022. They were there to celebrate and participate in the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community.

See related story on p. 3.

At age 86, C.J. Babbitt offered the solution to the world’s turmoils in two words: “faith” and “love,” as reported

by Arizona Daily Sun reporter Ronnie Steele.

The original news article, with the headline “Faith, Love Prescribed As Cure For Sick World,” remains in its fragile state carefully filed in Northern Arizona University’s Cline Library in Special Collections.

It states that the company grew through the intelligence, integrity, hard work and ambition of the brothers.

C.J. Babbitt, president of Babbitt Brothers Trading Company at the time, was quoted as saying “Man is leaning too much toward material things, and is forgetting his purpose in life, the welfare of his soul. Religion is not just something you put on with your Sunday suit.

Religious principles should be carried out every day in family relationships, in business and in contacts with other people.”

The article made note of his modest apartment and office.

He spoke of the duty of citizens to the government and his hope that modern life would lead to more leisure time. “Mr. Babbitt hopes Americans will put to good use their new-found time. He feels adult education courses can be very valuable, and that pursuit of cultural hobbies such as art, music and reading should be encouraged.”

He also recalled his years on the cattle ranges. “It does a man good to get out under

… continued on page 6

… continued on page 6

Clēnera Solar Farm to Produce Energy on Babbitt Ranches Next Year

NASA Thanks Babbitt Ranches In a letter from Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, dated Jan. 30, 2023, NASA sent an official thank-you note “for the use of the Babbitt Ranches to conduct our Desert Research and Technology Studies (Desert RATS) testing this past October. The Black Point Lava Flow area enabled us to conduct long-range testing of a pressurized rover mockup to investigate rover concept of operations and capabilities for future Artemis exploration missions on the surface of the Moon and onto Mars.”

The letter, signed by Desert RATS Mission Manager Barbara Janoiko, who was at the site, states, “We leveraged 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!”

land, like Babbitt Ranches, or on the moon or other worlds,” he said. “We want to always be respectful and that goes beyond the ground itself, it includes the critters and the biota. That’s something we will be working on over the next year.”

A draft statement suggests a personal and professional commitment “to help maintain the integrity of the land as we take this next step off of our … continued on page 6

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.

Through our efforts of learning and understanding, Babbitt Ranches, a family business and pioneering land company, raises livestock, manages natural resources, promotes science and participates in the broader community in order to join, share and do the very best we know how.

BABBITT TIMES REVIEW

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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.

February 2023

“

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.

Justin Morgan Rodgers (1989 – 2022) A fifth-generation cowboy and third generation Flagstaff native, Justin Rodgers was born into the western tradition of life on the range. He grew up at Wupatki Camp and lived and worked on Babbitt Ranches his whole life. Justin started cowboying with his father, Jack Rodgers, when he was 5 years old and was home-schooled by his mother, Lori Rodgers. Family members say he was a natural cowboy, who was serious about the work and loved caring for cattle and horses. His encyclopedic knowledge of equestrian bloodlines came from his tireless efforts of research, tracing the ranch horses' ancestry. Justin was a Christian, remembered for his compassion, wit, honesty and generosity, helping homeless people when he could and taking the time to listen to their stories. Friends knew him as genuine, dedicated and faithful, an individual who didn't try to be anyone else. Mr. Rodgers enjoyed riding his horse, Winchester and his dog, Ginger.

Jennifer Sechrist Kennedy (1991 – 2022) Jennifer “Jenni” Sechrist Kennedy was born in Flagstaff to Katy and Chuck Sechrist. Mrs. Kennedy earned a degree in nursing at Valparaiso University. After practicing as a nurse for several years, including travel nursing, she continued her studies and received her doctorate in nursing (with honors) from Creighton University. She married Luke Kennedy in 2020. Mrs. Kennedy is remembered as having a big heart and an infectious personality. She exuded warmth and kindness to all she met and brightened every room. She loved caring for plants, sewing with her sister, Melissa and bike riding and working out with her husband. She was known as an adventurer and loved to travel. Her light and memory will be carried through her family, friends, colleagues and her organ donation recipients.

Nancy Babbitt Fugatt (1938 – 2022) Nancy Babbitt Fugatt was raised in Flagstaff by her parents Herbert and Josephine Babbitt. She earned her master’s degree in history and married Richard Ellis Fugatt. They moved to Tucson where she taught grade school. She later moved back to Flagstaff where she began working at Grand Canyon Travel.

She loved to travel and ultimately purchased the travel agency.

Ms. Fugatt was known for her huge heart. She was an avid fan of horses and could not only explain their lineage, but could draw a perfect picture of them in minutes. She raised and trained horses and dogs and had a number of animals including an alligator at one time. She led 4-H for many years and adored children. She loved to read and donated her extensive collection of books to Phoenix Mountain Post Acute where she spent the last years of her life. Ms. Fugatt is survived by her brother Herbert Babbitt, Jr., two daughters Jennifer Chesebrough and Kathy Hernandez, and four grandchildren.

John Paul Sharber (1955 – 2022) John Sharber was raised in Flagstaff and graduated from the UofA with degrees in electrical engineering and philosophy.

At the time of his retirement, he was the lab manager for the NAU Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. The son of Norman and Rayma, Mr. Sharber is remembered for his brilliant intellect, his love for children, sharp wit and compassion for misunderstood canines, many bird feeders and cheerful flower gardens. Colleagues say he was a kind soul with a wealth of knowledge and a gift to his students as he always shared time to troubleshoot their visions. Mr. Sharber is survived by his former wife Sharon, children Steven (Jae, and daughter Isabelle), Jesse (Ryan) Garman, and John "JM" Michael; and siblings Mary, Rayma (David) Lee, Jean (Kaign, deceased) Christy, Jane (Steven) Black of Tucson, Roberta (Wayne) Wallace of Cottonwood, William, and Frances Holmes, and many extended family members.

James Thomas Woods (1947 – 2022) James Thomas Woods grew up working in his father’s pool business plastering pools through the hot Phoenix summer. He graduated from ASU with a civil engineering degree and set out to head up major construction projects in the West. Settling back in Arizona, Mr. Woods established B&W Construction.

He would then go on to build high-end custom homes and commercial properties, and specialize in restoring historic buildings in Northern Arizona. He was devoted to the Catholic faith and became an altar boy at age 74. The consummate outdoorsman, Mr. Woods hunted and fished with family and friends. He had a true appreciation of nature and supported many wildlife programs. He and his wife, Linda Babbitt, were married for 53 years. They raised four boys, had 14 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

John Francis Shea (1926 – 2022) Chairman of J.F. Shea Co., Inc., John Francis Shea, was a leader in heavy construction, homebuilding and commercial real estate, and a prominent philanthropist. He grew up in Los Angeles and attended USC's Viterbi School of Engineering where he was a standout tennis player, winning an NCAA doubles championship with his brother, Gilbert Shea. After college, Mr. Shea joined his family's civil construction business and worked on dam and tunnel projects throughout California and the Pacific Northwest. In 1958, the company was dissolved and reincorporated by Mr. Shea with his cousins to become one of the largest privately held companies in the country. In his more than six-decade career, the company rose to prominence as one of the largest and most respected civil contractors in America. Mr. Shea's life and achievements were defined by his love of family and strong Catholic faith.

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

The Babbitt Ranches Community enjoyed a professional and personal development retreat at Arizona Nordic Village on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022.

Babbitt Ranches Community Takes Deep Dive into Grit GRITT, Good GRIT and Bad the same cause,” he said.

GRIT. “Although on GRIT “It’s been just incredible to overall, more is better, when it have this deeply gratifying comes to Tenacity, that is not relationship and opportunity always the case. Tenacious to help influence the amazing how? For what? In what ways?

Babbitt Ranches ascent for If Instinct can contribute the these 25-plus years.” most to having smarter GRIT, Dr. Stoltz had worked Tenacity-gone-bad can be the with the Babbitt Ranches single biggest feeder of Dumb Community in the 1990s after GRIT, the kind that even he published his first book, On a crisp fall Northern unintentionally causes harm to “Adversity Quotient: Turning Arizona morning, the Babbitt you and/or others,” he states in Obstacles into Opportunities.”

Ranches Community gathered his book.

“What’s the moral?

“As I roam around the for a day of professional Especially as your Tenacity world teaching folks about and personal development, grows, be sure the differences comradery and exercises to be funneling between Smart in GRIT at Arizona Nordic it into the right GRIT and Dumb Village with thought leader things in the least Article III GRIT, Good and social scientist Paul Stoltz, damaging and GRIT and Bad Ph.D., founder and CEO of Cowboy most ultimately GRIT, I often PEAK Learning. GRIT, as Essence beneficial ways.” share the story of defined by Dr. Stolz, is: “Your Throughout Babbitt Ranches,” Section 7. capacity to dig deep, to do the GRIT Gauge, he said. “The whatever it takes – especially Alertness videos guide story is dramatic struggle, sacrifice and even Observe constantly. participants in and inspiring. suffer – to achieve your most Stay open-minded. how to improve Twenty-five years worthy goals.”

Be eager to learn their GRIT score. ago, when I had “It was one heck of a and improve.

“No surprise that the energizing great day hanging out and when we measured privilege of joining messing with the core team everyone’s the extended of Babbitt Ranches folks out Adversity clan up at Snow at the always-stunning Nordic Quotients (AQ) and GRIT, they Bowl for a pivotal moment in Village,” he said. “Working came out well above average, Babbitt history, I can recall closely with Babbitt Ranches feeling that high octane blend on our trail map for gathering, overall, which just verifies that Babbitt Ranches has, and with of heartfelt conviction, mixed we decided it would be the AQ and GRIT Tools, can with uncertainty, concern, meaningful to really equip this even further tap what it takes and some competing visions/ gang with the right blend of to live its forged ethic and build ideas for the future. Pretty the AQ [Adversity Quotient] a brighter future.” much everything and every and GRIT mindset, skillset and During the event, option was on the table. Since toolset, as both a lens for more participants used The Real then, I’ve been so deeply deeply appreciating Babbitt Deal deck of cards created impressed by the agility, Ranches’ gritty and resilient by PEAK Learning to identify resilience, and yes, True GRIT history, but more importantly their most cherished values everyone has shown as Babbitt as a way to harness whatever such as independence, laughter, Ranches re-routed and has adversities and opportunities adventure, fitness, purpose, pioneered a whole new slate may emerge.” stability, family, experiences, of possibilities, honoring the Prior to the gathering, etc.

“Not surprisingly,” he multiple bottom line, with a participants had been noted, nearly everyone chose forged ethic that serves as a provided the book, “GRIT: Relationships among their top beacon for an ever-brighter, The New Science of What It five values. ever more virtuous future for Takes to Persevere, Flourish, many generations to come.

Succeed,” along with Life There’s a reason Babbitt Worth tokens. Babbitt Ranches Ranches has been around this Community members were long, and an even deeper set of encouraged to take the GRIT reasons why Babbitt Ranches Gauge, to assess qualities is becoming an exemplar for of Growth, Resilience, the world, leveraging the best Instinct and Tenacity, you have, in ever more creative and help determine “how and virtuous ways, to generate effectively, wholeheartedly and the greatest possible good, all relentlessly” individuals pursue “What a magical gathering around.” aspirations. of exceptional and diverse Billy Cordasco was excited Through the day, Dr. Stoltz about inviting Dr. Stoltz back discussed Smart GRIT, Dumb individuals, all committed to

The Arizona Nordic Village team participated in a Communications & Media Relations Workshop last fall, part of the Babbitt Ranches Business Development Training Series. “I especially enjoyed the Nordic Village-targeted on-camera exercises and I also appreciated learning more about the Babbitt history,” said Operations Manager and ski instructor Annie Jehle. Workshop participants said the timing of the training worked well, preparing them for more media attention than usual during the snowy winter ski season.

to join the Babbitt Ranches Community again. “Dr. Stoltz is a world-leader in assessing and strengthening resilience and GRIT. Using his research, tools and exercises, he has coached top-tier professionals and global organizations on how to improve leadership, performance, productivity, optimism and resilience. We feel so honored and privileged to be able to work with him.

Just as it was 25 years ago at Snow Bowl, our day at Nordic Village was transformational for many of us. I am so excited about our relationship with Dr. Stoltz and all that the Babbitt Ranches Community can continue to learn and practice through his lessons, methods and guidance.”

“As seismic as some of the challenges and changes underway truly are, I honestly believe Babbitt Ranches’ brightest days are yet-to-come, showing us all what it means to preserve the best and change the rest, in the most meaningful and impactful ways possible,” said Dr. Stolz. “I am so honored to pitch in, in my small way, to help forge a future worth living and loving.

Thank you, Babbitt Ranches.

You make me an evidencebased optimist for what’s to come! Gritfully, ‘Dr. Paul.’”

Breakthrough research proves GRIT can be understood, measured and permanently improved. New York Times #1 best-selling author, Dr. Paul G. Stoltz, uses his findings, GRIT Gauge and other tools to help entrepreneurs, global companies and top universities increase their GRIT to achieve goals, transcend circumstances and improve life.

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.

Coconino Plateau Forecast As January 2023 closed out as the third snowiest January on record for Flagstaff and the snowpack was reported to be 150% of the normal at Arizona Snowbowl, National Weather Service Meteorologist in Charge Brian Klimowski said, “It's been a remarkable winter!”

drier than normal pattern this spring. With the wet winter we’ve had, I wouldn’t be surprised if the monsoon is delayed a bit this year. In any case, there is no indication or strong signals whether it will be as wet as last year. Right now, we’re pointing toward a normal monsoon.”

However, indications are that the rest of the winter and spring should be closer to normal. “The wet pattern we’ve seen this winter is likely going to turn toward a more normal, or even

Monsoon season 2022 was wetter than normal across the state and did much to ease Arizona’s short-term drought conditions.

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February 2023

This photo taken by Arizona Game and Fish Department wildlife researchers shows twin eaglets in a nest tucked among craggy rocks on Babbitt Ranches.

Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community Forms to Protect Golden Eagles Historic opportunity for public-private landscape-scale endeavor On June 2, 2022, a unique group of stakeholders came together in the Babbitt Building of downtown Flagstaff to begin the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Program. This was an extraordinary and meaningful meeting convened at the invitation of the Landsward Foundation and Babbitt Ranches.

The goal was to create the Legacy Community that together will develop and implement a long-term, multi-use conservation plan for several hundred thousand acres of high country owned by Babbitt Ranches and the State of Arizona and situated between the San Francisco Peaks and the Grand Canyon.

In attendance were representatives of Coconino County, the Arizona Game and Fish Department, the Arizona State Land Department, the Landsward Foundation, Babbitt Ranches, and the several leading renewable energy developers planning critically needed solar, wind, and storage facilities to combat climate change and pollution.

At the conclusion of this meeting, all parties joined in signing a “goat bar,” (invented at Babbitt Ranches to allow pronghorn antelope to safely cross fences), as a symbol of their commitment to create

and implement a world class conservation program while supporting historic ranching practices and providing opportunities for globechanging renewable energy generation.

This effort will be led by the independent, non-profit Landsward Foundation and will gather additional vital Legacy Community members along the way.

Part of the process of developing the Program and its Legacy Community is to identify funding sources such that Landsward will have a predictable source of funds to dedicate to this unique effort.

These Legacy Donors will come from various backgrounds and businesses, but a critical component will be the voluntary commitments of initial renewable energy developers who recognize the need to balance their important projects with other uses, including most importantly, conservation. These developers are considering sustaining, annual donations to Landsward for the life of their respective projects, in addition to contributing resource conservation and management expertise as a Legacy Community member. One of the considerations relevant to the

size of such donations are the managed landscape. This relative potential impacts and research led the parties to benefits of each energy project. work extensively with the The Western CO Bar Legacy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Conservation Community was (USFWS) to determine priority not conceived in a vacuum. management activities with clear Rather, it grew out of the long benefits to golden eagles. After experiences much consideration, of the Legacy the USFWS Community identified four Article IV management actions members in conserving and that were important Cowboy sustaining the yet perhaps difficult Essence natural resources to implement in the Character of this unique “checkerboarded” region. pattern of land Qualities For example, ownership, Section 2.

Landsward and principally Sincerity Babbitt Ranches alternating between The genuine earnestness Babbitt Ranches and have for years that binds friendship. considered the the State of Arizona: golden eagle • The elimination to be a critical of the use of lead species reflective ammunition by of the health of the ecosystem. hunters and sportsmen. Lead Similarly, the partner renewable poisoning has been documented developers have sought as a significant threat to golden science-based ways of avoiding, eagles and other birds that feed minimizing, and mitigating on animal remains left behind by impacts to golden eagles and hunters. numerous other plants and • The elimination of animals. indiscriminate hunting of key For more than a decade, golden eagle prey animals, Landsward has expended including principally prairie considerable time and money in dogs and rabbits. commissioning well-regarded • The reduction of human experts to develop one of the disturbances of eagles during most complete data bases on the critical times of breeding golden eagles in a privately and nesting.

Through a unique conservation agreement with Babbitt Ranches, the State Land Department and AZGFD, a closure went into effect during the eagle nesting season from January through May 2022.

Special rules were applied, along with a ban on the use of lead bullets.

“The extraordinary conservation framework that was put together to test in the SP Crater Golden Eagle Conservation Complex was designed to improve productivity, but there was no documentation, no direct observable proof available to show that this approach would work,” said Jacobson.

AZGFD research findings reveal that golden eagle pairs will abandon their eggs if they feel threatened. “Productivity rates are definitely low in Arizona. We are still crunching the numbers from last season, but there weren’t a lot of active, successful breeding areas this year because of factors such as the prolonged drought, rabbit hemorrhagic disease and limited prey resources,” said Jacobson.

In all of the breeding areas across Arizona that have been Eaglet Success on tracked by AZGFD, only about Babbitt Ranches a quarter of them produced two Provides Evidence eaglets. “Nine percent produced that Conservation three, which is exceedingly rare,” Measures Work he said.

Following unprecedented Babbitt Ranches has been action taken by Babbitt monitoring golden eagles across Ranches, the Arizona State the 750,000-acre ranch for Land Department and the more than a decade and has Arizona Game and Fish been concerned about impacts Department to protect a twoon the nest at SP Crater. The mile radius around a golden eagle pair in that territory has eagle nest, wildlife biologists produced only one eaglet in at reported double success. least 10 years.

Twin eaglets were observed The SP Crater Golden Eagle by a helicopter crew in what Conservation Complex rules will has become known as the remain in effect from January SP Crater Golden Eagle through May for at least the Conservation Complex north next two years, as researchers of Flagstaff. continue to monitor and study “This is very exciting,” said the raptors and their nesting Kenneth “Tuk” Jacobson, success.

AZGFD raptor management “On behalf of the broader coordinator. “Seeing that the Babbitt Ranches Community, pair produced two eaglets after we are so thrilled to be a part of a handful of measures were this wildlife success!” said Billy implemented to try to help Cordasco of Babbitt Ranches. them out is very gratifying.”

• Implementing effective monitoring tools to maximize understanding of how the eagles are doing over time.

With this critical input, Landsward and Babbitt Ranches went to work with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona State Land Department and created the SP Crater Golden Eagle Complex Compact, covering several thousand acres in the vicinity of SP Crater, and addressed these specific concerns, including particularly the first three.

As to the fourth, effective monitoring, Landsward is working with experts to implement state-of-the-art, technology-based approaches to the long-term monitoring of eagles and their prey.

When a renewable energy developer becomes a Legacy Donor, it is taking action beneficial to the ecosystem and to golden eagles in particular.

Becoming a Legacy Donor, therefore, can become a valued part of any energy company’s conservation and sustainability programs.

Nordic Village Experiencing Extraordinary Winter Season With all 30 miles of crosscountry skiing trails and 15 miles of snowshoeing trails open in February, Arizona Nordic Village managers are calling winter season 2022 – ’23 one of the best on record, and the snowstorms keep coming.

“It’s been just phenomenal!” said General Manager Theo Callan. “Guests are having the best time!

While the National Weather Service in Bellemont reports January 2023 the third snowiest January on record for the Flagstaff area, recreation sales are mirroring the wellabove-average precipitation. As a result, Village team members have been striving to keep up with the snow, which topped four feet in just one week.

Working through blizzard conditions, groomers are working carefully to protect

the base and prolong the life of the snowpack into spring by incorporating a gentler grooming plan than in the past.

Callan says there is enough snow on the ground to ski through March as the ski resort marks a number of positive outcomes: • Unprecedented amount of snow; • Record number of season passholders; • New Rossignol rental equipment.

• First year with masters’ and kids’ ski teams; and • Heightened community engagement and volunteer support.

The Village also has attracted much news attention.

A production crew from TV Azteca out of Mexico City visited before the Super Bowl to draw attention to Arizona in February.

Weddings in the Woods

Arizona Nordic Village had record wedding season with popularity of outdoor gatherings

Arizona Nordic Village hosted far more weddings than ever before in 2022, despite a brief forest closure in June because of wildfire risk, as people felt more comfortable in large gatherings.

Sarah and Felipe Puente of Phoenix got married in May.

“We had a pretty big mix of 30 to 300 people, from Boho people coming from all over to chic to Lord of the Rings. the Nordic Village,” said Sarah.

“We have seen every theme “I think a lot of our guests felt under the sun. Our venue is good about having the celebraawesome and unique in the way tion outdoors with a lot that couples can really make it of big space.” their own. Some rent multiple “These weddings had an cabins and yurts and create a extra special feel to them and wedding festival atmosphere an elevated level of excitement,” that goes on for days. I’m also said Nordic Village Manager seeing a willingness in people Theo Callan. “I to spend more think it’s because for for add-ons like many people, they décor, catering, hadn’t seen their photography and Cowboy friends and families DJ services.” in years. Some For venues like Essence couples got married Arizona Nordic Character during the pandemic Village, the Qualities but are having the wedding business big party now. had been anything Section 3.

Some already have but joyous during Adaptability children, have moved the pandemic.

The ability to adjust out of the state and The spread to any situation. wanted to come of COVID-19 back to Arizona for had brides and their long-awaited grooms planning, celebration, which is cancelling and pretty cool.” postponing events as large Callan says last season’s gatherings came to a halt. Now weddings were all over the as couples are walking down place in size and style, from the aisle, wedding vendors are

running to keep up.

“The return of weddings has been great for Arizona Nordic Village,” said Callan. “We have been able to keep a larger staff for the summertime season and give them more days and hours than we were able to do in the past, which has vastly decreased the turnover rate. We are proud that now the majority of our core staff has worked at the Village for well over a year.”

The business surge has enabled Nordic Village to invest in more wedding equipment needs like a large dance floor and improved sound system. It appears the trend will continue through 2023 as 50 weddings have already been booked.

Vendors like Four Sisters Floral have transformed the ponderosa pine forest of the Nordic Village into a high elevation flower garden. “The outdoor setting feels very comfortable for people and very typical for Flagstaff as couples like to get married in the pines,” said co-owner Jordan Pynes.

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 2023

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February 2023

Land-Use Ethic for the New Space Age continued from page 1 to make the rover go sideways.

Billy Cordasco leans out of the moon rover prototype near Spider Web camp.

world and onto another.”

“We want to ensure that those who follow will have the same lands here and beyond available to them for their own stewardship, use and exploration,” said Cordasco.

Artemis Missions being planned include moon walking, moon roving, looking for water in the dark shadows of the lunar South Pole and taking humans to Mars. The successful 25-day Artemis 1 mission, which splashed down in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 11, orbited the moon, traveled farther into space than any other rocket intended to carry humans, tested radiation levels and captured images of places never seen before.

Artemis 2 is scheduled to carry astronauts around the moon and back in 2024.

Artemis 3 is expected to land astronauts on the lunar South

The vehicle takes on rocks and small boulders with ease, climbs up and down hills and can turn in a complete circle. Near Spider Web Camp, astronauts from NASA and JAXA spent twoand-a-half days at a time inside the rover earlier this year.

Skinner and USGS geologist Lauren Edgar charted the paths the astronauts in training took to test the rover and make geologic observations on Babbitt Ranches.

“We were paying attention to what the crew was seeing,” said Skinner. “When they were describing things from inside the rover, we were watching what they were describing, how accurate it was, what they could see, what they couldn’t see. And then when they got out of the rover and they were walking around, there were three or four different stations, they’d walk out

a diversity of volcanic materials and it’s got a lot of sediment cover. The moon is almost 98% covered in regolith, that means material that’s been pummeled for millions and millions of years, so it is like flour over the surface and there are rocks and flour distributed everywhere. And out here we do have that material.

We see gravel. Underneath the gravel we have light-toned materials that are broken down pieces of the volcanic rock as well as the sedimentary rocks. So we have a little bit of everything. Even the vegetation is getting in the way of geologic observation but that’s a good analogue for observations they’ll be making on the moon because it’s covered up.”

“It’s really exciting to be back out here on the Babbitt property,” said Janoiko. “The last time we were here for a Desert RATS mission was in

Pole in 2025 or 2026. Further Artemis missions include a “lunar gateway,” a space station in orbit around the moon, a lunar space camp and humans on Mars.

“To be on the precipice of something so monumental is just huge,” said Skinner. “There are so many people that are here doing so many components of this. And the science is just one component, getting them [astronauts] there safely and back is another component.”

The pressurized rover prototype tested on Babbitt Ranches is about the size of a tank or small RV. The cockpit has two pilot seats, where each astronaut can control the vehicle using a joy stick device. Benches USGS geologist Jim Skinner discusses Flagstaff's historic role in moon missions, while behind the seats fold down videographer Chad de Alva captures the interview with Cordasco. into beds with a toilet located onto the rock outcrop and make 2011. They [Babbitt Ranches] between them. The wheels have been real supporters of our underneath can turn 90 degrees observations. When they would walk away, Lauren and I would testing this year as well as in walk up to the outcrop and the past. It’s also really exciting actually see if they would miss that what we’re doing out here – anything.” developing the pressurized rover Skinner has been involved requirements – plays a small with Desert RATS for more piece in the Artemis Missions.” than a decade, as engineers, “I feel like we’re standing on astronauts and technicians have the shoulders of giants,” said continued to test equipment on Skinner. “So many people have Babbitt Ranches. The Apollo done this before us and to be astronauts of the ‘60s and ‘70s able to do it again, it’s full circle, were in the same area, working from Apollo and then coming with Ranch Manager John back around and doing the Babbitt and testing a much less same thing again. Right now, sophisticated moon buggy for I’m looking at the rover with the their historic missions.

Peaks in the background and Skinner says Babbitt Ranches it’s just amazing that I am a part offers a landscape on Earth that of this and I’m happy to play my can be compared to the moon. small role,” he said to Cordasco “This is a perfect analogue in October at the astronaut because it has a volcanic flow, so training site near Spider Web NASA Desert RATS Mission Manager Barbara Janoiko and other officials speak with it’s got the older rocks, it’s got Camp. the media while training on Babbitt Ranches.

continued from page 1

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.

Babbitt Ranches Values Featured in 1952 News Article continued from page 1 the sky,” he said. “He has a chance to reflect, and to see his life in perspective. He realizes his own insignificance and is aware of the real values – faith in God, and a love of humanity.”

Clēnera Solar Farm continued from page 1 planet. I call it a ‘Path with “This is just the beginning, and bringing us all together Heart.’”

Underscoring the today is a testament to momentous Babbitt Babbitt Ranches’ Ranches decision of cohesive nature the ‘90s, Cordasco and collaborative Article I atmosphere,” he displayed a goat Philosophy bar signed more said during the and Multiple than 20 years ago meeting.

“My heart is Bottom Line by Babbitt Ranches and collaborating so full,” said Section 1. organizations Cordasco, on Through our efforts behalf of the symbolizing the of learning and evolution of the Babbitt family understanding, we are company and its and greater better able to join, share deliberate adoption Babbitt Ranches and be a part of Babbitt Ranches' organizational, of a multiple Community, as ecological, economic and bottom line. He he welcomed community decisions, then produced a the group. with thoughtful new goat bar for “We are all consideration for the participants to sign, part of something next generation. commemorating extraordinary the beginning of that’s not about us, it’s about the the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation next generation, the state of Community.

Arizona, the nation and the

Discovery with Babbitt Ranches Podcast Delves into Conservation, Space Exploration and All Things Cowboy Essence

Arizona Nordic Village Sets Stage for Premiere Dark Skies Destination Event

Legendary Egyptologist discusses ancient Egypt’s beliefs about the night The vision began in the living room of Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition member William Seven in fall 2019. It would be a destination dark skies event, drawing people from around the region with a captivating world-class speaker, a talented quartet filling the night air, telescope viewing under the darkest of skies, a silent auction featuring one-of-a-kind artwork and experiences, original specialty brews crafted in Flagstaff and the kind of creative, delectable food local chefs are known for.

As the group began sharing the idea, the search for the right location ensued. That’s when Arizona Nordic Village, owned by Babbitt Ranches,

offered its unique, off-thegrid hospitality among old growth ponderosa pines and aspen-lined meadows.

The yurts and cabins could offer glamp-worthy overnight accommodations for traveling guests, and the area itself, just 15 miles north of Flagstaff would create the feel of being swept up by the wilderness and the stars.

Legendary Egyptologist Zahi Hawass also signed up.

He would captivate listeners with stories about the night, where the journey into the afterlife began for Ancient Egypt’s deceased and a fantastic adventure of gods, gatekeepers, serpents and riddles ensued.

The Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition, Arizona Nordic

Dr. Zahi Hawass visits with FBN writer Stacey Wittig.

Photo by V. Ronnie Tierney, Fresh Focuses Photography

Village, Dr. Hawass and the evening? It was an evening the vision waited out the of awe and wonder, a truly pandemic for two-and-a-half successful event, a world years. Finally, on Sunday class event! FDSC and all evening, Sept. the generous 25, 2022, the organizers should event unfolded, know this was with a setting a completae Article IV made possible and beautifully Cowboy through the orchestrated generosity and evening! Thank Essence hospitality of you again for an Character Arizona Nordic amazing night! We Qualities Village. are still enjoying Artist Arline discussing our Section 6.

Marten donated evening at the Reliability artwork featuring Nordic Center.” the night sky to The consistency Because of the silent auction. and trustworthiness this event, the She and her that create respect.

Coalition named husband, Chuck, Arizona Nordic attended the Village a Dark event, Flagstaff Skies Champion.

Dark Skies: An Evening of “The hard-working and Awareness, Appreciation tremendously accommodating and Awe. staff members at Arizona “My husband and I Nordic Village created an were swept away with the evening of enchantment that environment staged at the sets the bar so very high for Nordic Center, the evening’s dark skies destination events well-thought out events, with to come. We can’t say enough the rare opportunity to hear about their customer service Dr Zahi Hawass speak of and can-do attitude tucked into ancient Egypt,” she said. the forest that is so beautifully “We also enjoyed seeing and uniquely Flagstaff in many longtime friends while setting and atmosphere,” said swept up in the magic of the Coalition Executive Board evening! Did you notice the Member Robert Breunig who smiles and warmth on the attended with his wife, Karen faces of the guests throughout Enyedy.

The Discovery with Babbitt Ranches podcast covers a variety of topics and projects occurring across Babbitt Ranches. Recent episodes explore "All Things Pronghorn Antelope" with Larry Phoenix, Flagstaff regional supervisor with the Arizona Game and Fish Department and "Training Artemis Astronauts, Forging a Land-Use Ethic for Other Worlds on Babbitt Ranches," with U.S. Geological Survey research geologist Jim Skinner.

Discovery is “All Things Cowboy Essence,” people

at their best, accomplishing extraordinary achievements.

"Cowboy Essence is defined by the character qualities we admire in others, inspired by the Cowboy Culture, the code that guides Babbitt Ranches," said Billy Cordasco.

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. ◆ Cataract Ranch, 34,000 acres to The Nature Conservancy ◆ Cataract Ranch, 6,000 acres to Coconino County ◆ CO Bar, 640 acres to Coconino County

page 7

February 2023

Babbitt Ranches: Forging a Path with Heart Being part of something bigger for more than a century Looking out at the hundreds of spectators, ranchers, rodeo champions and family members seated together on time-worn bleachers against a backdrop of the sacred San Francisco Peaks, Babbitt Ranches President Billy Cordasco greets the crowd with a warm smile as comfortable as a well-worn pair of jeans. “It’s never been about selling horses,” he says, referring to the popular Annual Hashknife Colt Sale celebrated at Spider Web Camp every July in the open high country desert of Northern Arizona.

In this place where juniper trees stretch their shallow roots to hold down the redbrown dirt, pronghorn antelope race across the Southwestern landscape and golden eagles soar in an endless blue sky, time stands still. In these moments, Cordasco feels the depth of character, values and principles, what he calls Cowboy Essence, of those who came before him.

“We feel privileged to carry on the legacy,” says Cordasco of the 750,000acre ranch on behalf of the Babbitt family and the Babbitt Ranches community. “It is our responsibility and obligation to be part of something bigger than ourselves.”

A fourth generation Arizona Babbitt, Cordasco is young enough to feel the past yet old enough to touch the future. On Babbitt Ranches, industriousness, resourcefulness and hard work have connected the pioneer age to the space age. But it’s the relationships, “with ourselves,

with each other and with the environment,” he’ll tell you, that have created a forged ethic and a path with heart for more than a century. “Our success is a reflection of our relationships.”

The Arizona Babbitt story is an all-American story that began in the family grocery store in Cincinnati, Ohio. “In 1884, five Babbitt brothers were selling groceries, doing their chores and getting ready to close for the day when suddenly this fella shows up, bursting in with over-the-top enthusiasm. As snow flurries flew from this exuberant visitor’s overcoat, the young men gathered around the pot belly stove in wide-eyed amazement to hear him gush with excitement about the adventure and promise of the West. This salesman had pamphlets. In essence, he held the future in his hands.”

Two years later, the brothers arrived in Flagstaff, a small frontier town in the Arizona Territory, with $20,000 and a dream to become cattle ranchers. “It was a big deal to risk everything they had and venture into the unknown. I’m sure it was messy at times, but they were all in. I believe they understood they were saying yes for the chance to be part of something much bigger than themselves, to build communities, to participate in the growing agricultural industry and to help feed, clothe and build a nation,” Cordasco said.

Through the last 137 years, the Babbitt family business has

experienced great change. The 1990s brought much turnover in leadership. Many family members had moved away from the rural lifestyle and had become disconnected from the goings on of the ranch.

Business interests were up for sale and there were offers on the land.

“Babbitts was going through a lot of successional changes.

One of the things that was happening was the pressure to sell. We had offers from neighboring entities and there ended up being this big push for 40-acre development. In this time of uncertainty, we knew we had to say either yes or no to our future and define what that was going to be.”

Cordasco described how the company brought in a real estate developer to show what 40-acre developments would look like across Babbitt Ranches along with the cash value they would bring to the owners, the Babbitt family, over time.

“What was absolutely remarkable, the owners took it to a vote and it was unanimous not to go that direction,” said Cordasco.

“It was a benchmark. What it established was a new mission statement for Babbitt Ranches: Through our efforts of learning and understanding, Babbitt Ranches, a family business and pioneering land company, raises livestock, manages natural resources, promotes science and participates in the broader community in order to join, share and do the very best we

Building on Tradition

Babbitt Ranches horses joining Arizona families and ranches The 2022 Annual Hashknife Colt Sale packed the bleachers and brought family and friends together from all over Arizona and beyond.

Cave Creek business owner Ty Nuessle came to the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale just to learn. “I left my checkbook at home on purpose,” he said.

But just like hundreds of others in the stands, a palomino filly caught his attention. “My wife, Luisa, leaned over and said, ‘Just think how pretty I’ll look on her.’”

That’s when Ty knew they were in the game, joining other bidders in the time-honored auction held the second Saturday of July at Spider Web Camp, about a 30 minute drive north of Flagstaff.

“Babbitt Ranches has a great name and these horses have great bloodlines,” said Ty, a native Arizonan. “I grew up in the outdoors, hunting, camping and fishing. I’ve been on Babbitt Ranches quite a few times.”

The young palomino, will

stay with its mother on the ranches for a year before joining the Nuessle household, which includes donkeys, miniature horses, dogs, chickens, turkeys, turtles, a peacock and a longhorn.

At the Colt Sale, the couple beamed with joy about welcoming the newest member of the family. “I won’t ride her before she’s 3,” said Luisa.

Both Ty and Luisa were born and raised in the Phoenix area and have been around horses all of their lives. They

know how.”

That decision started the owners talking about a land-use ethic, which led to the creation of the science, research and educational nonprofit arm of the company, the Landsward Foundation.

“We started to have conversations about what a land-use ethic meant to us. Folks like Aldo Leopold and many others were very instructive in guiding some of that ethic, but it got wellseeded in a family that already had it in them from 1886. It got reestablished and wellarticulated.”

They also discussed how to apply awareness, responsibility, obligation and a sense of accountability to their land-use ethic.

“Of course, that included conservation stewardship and most importantly, relationships,” he said.

The land-use ethic focus resulted in the development of The Constitution of Babbitt Ranches, in which the company defined its principles, values, purpose and Cowboy Essence, a description of core character qualities for how the company strives to operate and interact.

Much like the salesman in the grocery store, Cordasco says that defining moment opened doors to possibilities.

Babbitt Ranches could then participate in a number of endeavors with a wide variety of people and organizations including wildlife conservation projects that protect habitat for pronghorn, bring the most own Roadrunner Drywall, a construction business that operates in Phoenix, Tucson and Las Vegas.

Meanwhile, Jay Holcomb came to the Colt Sale with the intention to buy. He has been building a horse program on his 52,000-acre ranch, Sky 9, near Winslow. Holcomb successfully bid on four fillies at the 2022 event. Last year at the Colt Sale, he bought two. “In Arizona, you have to have horsepower. Besides the romance of living the western lifestyle, we love horses,” he says of his wife, Kelly and their seven children.

Holcomb is the general manager of the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram dealership in St. George, Utah and the executive manager of the Nissan store there.

“I’m an American Quarter Horse guy,” he said. “That’s why we went to Babbitt Ranches. This is a familyowned operation that has been in Arizona since the 1800s. The bloodlines are foundational. We need big strong horses for our family and to cover a lot of ground on the ranch. These horses have a good mind and a lot of heart. They have long legs and good feet. When you go to the Babbitts’ you know these horses were born in the dirt, raised on the rocks and predisposed to building a lot of muscle.”

The Holcomb family is heavily involved in rodeo sports. Jay competes in roping and bareback. His youngest son is in pro rodeo for bareback competition.

His oldest runs Sky 9 and is involved in steer wrestling and bareback.

“You know what? Let’s go for endangered mammal in it. Let’s be a part of this.”

North America – the blackCordasco says, what’s footed ferret – back to the special about being involved grasslands and create the in renewable energy is that SP Crater Golden Eagle it allows Babbitt Ranches Conservation Complex. to take a look at the whole It also led to one of the conservation framework on largest conservation a landscape easements in scale. “It’s the country, in not just about which a portion agriculture, of the Cataract Article II not just about Ranch – with Conversation recreation Grand Canyonand not just level splendor Council about the – was donated to Creed conservation Coconino County Section 5. of various and The Nature wildlife species Conservancy to Our character will be or vegetation. be set aside for demonstrated through It’s also about open space in our patience, kindness, being a part perpetuity. With humility, respectfulof developing this refreshed ness, selflessness, renewable vision, engaging in forgiveness, honesty energy. It’s space exploration and resilience. about dark projects beyond skies and it’s the Apollo missions about all of and working with these different NASA, the Jet timeless and priceless values.

Propulsion Laboratory, So when it came time to astronauts, planetary making a decision about scientists and others made renewable energy as a function sense for Babbitt Ranches. of what we do, it really fit with As the popularity of the ethic of a landscape-scale outdoor recreation grew, the conservation model.”

Babbitts’ newly articulated Cordasco says the greatest land-use ethic created space challenge to agriculture for the Arizona Trail to and land ownership is the stretch through the ranches transition through turbulence, while elite running events moving away from what is such as the Stagecoach Line certain to what is uncertain.

100 became a match for the The key to succession, he says, company’s vision as well, is having the framework, the along with cross-country paradigm, the context in place skiing opportunities through defining how the company will the acquisition of Arizona engage through time.

Nordic Village.

“It’s about being open to “We didn’t know what opportunities that are bigger all the future held, but we than all of us, knowing who defined ourselves through we are and why we do what our values and guiding we do, remembering that documents so that when relationships are all there is opportunity showed up, and making decisions that will we could recognize the fit benefit future generations and and embrace it,” he said. set them up for opportunities “We were again positioned, to come. The decisions we excited and open to be part make today are on behalf of of something bigger than our children, our grandchildren ourselves.”

Currently, Babbitt Ranches and their children. And that is our motivation as we forge is working with four global renewable energy companies ahead with meaningful new business, conservation and to generate wind and solar community opportunities. It’s power. “Here we are today recognizing the moment when and these companies show that ‘Go West spirit’ catches up and say, “Hey, here’s an fire, ignites our enthusiasm opportunity for the future. and fans our imagination about So we take a look at it and we do like those brothers did participating in something bigger than ourselves.”

137 years ago and we say,

To find the story in On Land magazine, go to https:// onland.westernlandowners.org/2023/stewardship-in-action/ surviving-and-thriving-through-generational-change/ could start a little “We’ll earlier in the day to bring them in, avoid the heat,” said love on them, Article III long-time Babbitt put them Ranches cowboy out in the Cowboy Everette Ashurst, pasture for Essence referring to the six months, forecast temperatures trailer them Section 2. expected to be in a bit, and Enthusiasm the 90s. use them to Enjoyment for what you “The most gather cattle are doing motivates beautiful part for when they are those with whom you me is watching the about 2 years come into contact. thunderheads build,” old,” Jay said he said, referring to of the colts. the need for rain.

“Later, we’ll Ranch Manager see if they will Clay Rodgers introduced each be good horses for riding.” colt and mare and described Two dozen colts were sold their bloodlines, as they entered at the Colt Sale. Recordthe arena. “I thank the Babbitt breaking bidding reached family for letting us keep up this $15,500 for a stunning blue tradition,” he said. roan colt. “The horses were Acknowledging all the people looking really good,” said Ed at the event and remembering Babbitt, who served as a bid all those who have participated spotter at the time-honored in the past, Cordasco said, event. “You can sure tell “This Colt Sale is about who the horse people are.” community.”

“Everything was in order early this morning so we

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February 2023

Breaking ground for a future in renewable energy.