2024 Babbitt Times Review

February2024 2023 February

BABBITT TIMES REVIEW

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 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. 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.

Coconino County hosted representatives from the National Association of Counties (NACo) along with White House and Congressional staff members on a field trip to the Babbitt “Our relatives believed Ranch Energy Center north of Flagstaff. Photo by Stephen Pelligrini and Coconino County 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 awants strong commitment the As wind turbines reach the next generation for success (NACo) members on a and keep them profitable.” and what’s the to best 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. land, the environment and the more than 300 feet to the sky and valuing relationships Featuring 50 turbines, fit for the land with the field trip to the site where See related story, Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community Forms to Protect Golden Eagles, on p. 3. future as we work together and arrays of solar panels are above all else.

NextEra’s Babbitt Ranch most positive benefits and to NextEra Energy Resources generate renewable energy being planned for installation, Thus, from Flagstaff to Project has the capacity to minimum impact. We are for was installing wind turbines, generations to come,” said Washington, D.C., the Babbitt Babbitt Ranches and the generate up to 161 megawatts thankful to have the county with construction managed Cordasco.

Babbitt Ranch Energy Center Ranches Community is being out here supporting

by Blattner Energy, on the CO of wind energy. Now are in the national spotlight praised as a national model operating, the wind farm the project.”

Bar Ranch north of Flagstaff. for standing firmly on a for successful collaboration is said to be able to create “Babbitt Ranches is one Clēnera Solar Wildlife, Environment, long-standing forged ethic, in renewable energy. The enough low-cost, homegrown of the most innovative land Values Farm to Produce Wind on power creating new renewable resource energy for Arizona’s future Core 750,000-acrea landacompany focusing projectscollaboration bigger to power nearly companiesenergy in the United The wind farm but one Energy on isBabbitt than themselves, setting up also has captured the attention States. It is what innovative 40,000 homes for Salt River 161-megawatt (MW) wind to make this happen,” said With a passion to move the sized residential homes during component of a broader of the New York Times for its Project (SRP) customers and land management looks Ranches Next Year Babbitt Ranches President state forward with renewable project, featuring 50 wind the next 30 years. In addition, wind and solar energy effort land stewardship ethos. provide millions of dollars like,” said County Board of turbines across and General Manager Billy energy while the energy center is expected Calling Clēnera’s involving six global1,500 renewable in additional tax revenue to Supervisors Chair Patrice Cordasco. “We appreciate the protecting acres on the to bring about $9.5 million in ‘One of the669 Most megawatt solar farm, developers across Coconino County throughout energy Horstman to the group of valuable input from the Arizona additional tax revenue to the Bar Ranch open space, creating Innovative CO Land scheduled to be operating Babbitt Ranches.

Reporteron the life of the project. about 50 NACo and federal Article V about 25 miles Game and Fish Department, jobs, boosting region.

Companies’ the COEinhorn Bar Ranch in 2024, Catrin of The New “This is an incredible government representatives. the Arizona Department of the Northern north of Flagstaff, With the Phoenix A Land Ethic the company’s “crown jewel,” On Thursday, June 29, Babbitt Times visited opportunity for Congressional York “With its pioneering history, is expected to Transportation, the Arizona Arizona economy metropolitan area growing Project Tom Fitzgerald Coconino County officials RanchesLead in October to staffers to see what a project economic impact and vision Section 3.

State Land Department, and planning for begin delivering three times the national joined representatives from hosted Congressional staff discuss the Clēnera solar like this looks like,” said for the future, Babbitt Ranches land ethic then Coconino County SuperCoconino County and everyone average, SRP officials say the clean energy by generations of Board of The Babbitt Ranches, state members, White House development.

HerArizona story, “The NextEra Senior Project has demonstrated creative reflects the existence visors Chair Patrice Horstman December. involved in the Western CO Arizonans to come, utility must continue to build agencies, Coconino County, representatives and National Planet Needs Solar Power.

Manager Clinton Spencer. ways to keep rangelands as visited with Blattner Energy's of an ecological Bar Legacy Conservation NextEra Energy “In our efforts new generation resources that Arizona Public Serviceonand Prairie Handyside. of Counties “We do what the community open space, keep them intact … continued page 6 conscience,Association and this Resources, LLC, to support Community for the benefit of help meet the increasing energy three other renewable energy in turn reflects a the delivery of future generations.”

SRP, Babbitt demand from customers while developers in the Babbitt conviction of individual A subsidiary of NextEra renewable energy, Ranches and the also supporting SRP in its longresponsibility for the Brothers Conference Room in Energy Resources will build, we acknowledge Arizona State term decarbonization goals. health of the land. downtown Flagstaff on June own and operate the project.

Land Department the terrific Babbitt Ranches, one of Health is the capacity of 2, 2022. They were there to The Babbitt Ranch Energy have announced the West’s longest running the land for self-renewal. and wonderful celebrate and participate in participation of so Center is expected to create that construction land companies, has been Conservation is our the Western CO Bar Legacy many businesses up to 250 jobs during the is underway for exploring renewable energy effort to understand and Conservation Community. preserve this capacity. construction phase and and government the Babbitt Ranch viability in Northern Arizona See related story on p. 3. entities involved generate enough power to Energy Center. The since 2005, measuring wind … continued on page 6 support about 40,000 average- speeds and conducting solar in the process

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.

SRP to Receive More Renewable Energy from CO Bar Solar One of the largest solar projects in the U.S. to operate in 2025

Salt River Project (SRP) and Clēnera, an Enlight Company, announced a power purchase agreement for an additional 394 megawatts (MW) of clean energy at CO Bar Solar last summer. This is the second agreement executed between Babbitt Ranches Clēnera and SRP at the CO Values Featured in Bar Solar complex, and with 1952 NewsSRP Article both agreements, has now procured nearly 1,000 At age 86, C.J. Babbitt MW, orthe 1 gigawatt (GW), offered solution to the of power from the project.

Once world’s turmoils in two words: operational in 2025, CO Bar “faith” and “love,” as reported Solar will offset more than

by Arizona Daily Sun reporter 4 billion pounds of carbon Ronnie Steele. dioxide emissions year.

The original newseach article, “This is not only the largwith the headline “Faith, Love est solar plant in Arizona Prescribed As Cure For Sick and one of the in the World,” remainslargest in its fragile United States, but it will also state carefully filed in Northern be the most significant solar Arizona University’s Cline resourceinin SRP’s Collections. energy Library Special portfolio,” said Jim Pratt, It states that the company CEO of SRP. “SRP will be grew through the intelligence, quadrupling the amount integrity, hard work and ambiof utility-scale solar on our tion of the brothers. power system in just theofnext C.J. Babbitt, president two years, with CO Bar Solar Babbitt Brothers Trading Comas a key part of this. pany at the time, was Nearly quoted half of all“Man energy as saying is delivered leaning too to SRP customers willthings, come much toward material from carbon-free resources by and is forgetting his purpose in the end of 2025.” life, the welfare of his soul. ReliCO Solar is a 1.2 GW gion is Bar not just something you landmark solar and storage put on with your Sunday suit. complex being developed Religious principles should be by Clēnera.

The will carried out every project day in family occupy up to 2,400 acres on in relationships, in business and Babbitt Ranches private land contacts with other people.” inThe Coconino County. article made noteConof his struction on CO Bar modest apartment andSolar office.is expected to the reach commercial He spoke of duty of citizens operation in phases to the government andthroughhis hope out 2025. that modern life would lead to Jason Ellsworth, CEO at more leisure time. “Mr. BabClēnera, “Wewill are put bitt hopesadded: Americans excited increased to good to usedeliver their new-found access to affordable, clean time. He feels adult education renewable energy in Arizona. courses can be very valuable, We look forward to a fruitand that pursuit of cultural ful long-term relationship hobbies such as art, music withreading SRP, asshould we continue to and be develop additional renewable encouraged.” energy projects in his theyears state.”

He also recalled Over the course of the on the cattle ranges. “It does Bar Solar aCO man good to construction get out under timeline, approximately 550 … continued on page 6 construction jobs will be created, with many being local. Once complete, SRP NASA Thanks Babbitt Ranches will receive enough power from this resource to meet In a letter from Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center, the needs of approximately dated Jan. 30, 2023, NASA sent an official thank-you note “for the use of the Babbitt180,000 Ranchesaverage-size to conduct homes. our “In our to support Desert Research and Technology Studiesefforts (Desert RATS) the delivery of renewable testing this past October. The Black Point Lava Flow area energy, we acknowledge the enabled us to conduct long-range testing of a pressurized terrific and wonderful particirover mockup to investigate rover concept of operations pation of so many businesses and capabilities for future Artemis exploration missions on and government entities theArticle surface of the Mars.”

VIMoon and onto involved in theManager process to The letter, signed by Desert RATS Mission make this happen,” said Billy Sustainable Barbara Janoiko, who was at the site, states, “We leveraged Cordasco.

“We appreciate the Community the lessons we learned in 2021 to continue conducting valuable input from the AriExtravehicular Activities (EVAs, or spacewalks) at night Principles zonalighting Game and Fish Departwith low-angle lighting representing conditions on ment, Arizona Department Section the Lunar south7.pole with support from a mission control of Transportation, Arizona Babbitt Ranches is Space Center, room at the Johnson which is an important State Land Department, a community that step towards more flight-like operational scenario testing employs Multiple on Earth to prepare for ArtemisCoconino missions.”County and everyBottom Line one involved in the Western Janoiko concludes, “We look forward to our continued decision-making, CO Bar Legacy Conservation partnership with the Babbitt Ranches and conducting which integrates Community benefit future testing in the Flagstaff area to furtherfor thethe goals of of organizational, future generations.” human exploration of the Moon and eventually Mars!”

Babbitt Ranches Shines in National Spotlight for Renewable Energy Projects New York Times and national leaders notice collaboration, conservation

Construction Begins on Babbitt Ranch Energy Center North of Flagstaff

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 Legacy Conservation Community gathered for a historic meeting at Arizona Nordic Village to commemorate the Members of the Western CO Bar 12-wheeled rover acrossenergy. the way forward in renewable Photo by Chad de Alva moon-like terrain. It was also here that Babbitt Ranches, ecological, economic NASA and USGS discussed and community values a land-use ethic to be into all decisiontransported onto other worlds. making processes in “We have land a thorough, open and ethics here on the flexible manner.

Babbitt property “The the idea that a land-use ethic land, like Babbitt Ranches, or that we maintain conversations can be extended to form our on the moon or other worlds,” Vof life through years reducing Quantum Energy CEO and human and ecosystem health.

As Coconino County isArticle and power plant emissions in and then we’re about land ideals in space. It’s about he said. “We want to always pollutant emissions every Co-founder Daniel Howard, On a chilly October mornuniquely positioned toA hold the air the surrounding areas were Land Ethic going to carry stewardship being aware, responsible and be respectful and that goes largest wind and solar complex year.

Ph.D., says what $1.8 billion ing at Arizona Nordic Village, assessed. that forward as Section 2. that we’ve had accountable for our actions.” beyond the ground itself, it in the United States with a “This is equivalent to 2,000 per year can buy in quantified DeMille and Howard pre“This comprehensive and we explore future with NASA and Local USGS geologist includes the critters and the land ethic changes the potential 2.8-gigawatt Aportfopeople enjoying an extra five public health and environsented the detailed data analyhigh-resolution methodoldestinations in USGS have been Jim Skinner is one of the key biota. That’s something we role of Homo sapiens years of healthy life with their mental benefits, as a result of sis of 2,000 megawatts (MW) lio, Billy Cordasco addressed ogy allows us to accurately from conqueror of the our solar system,” wonderful and forces behind developing a will be working on over the said Quantum clean energy, is priceless. That’s of solar energy, 784 MW of stakeholders at Arizona Nordic families,” measure the total net impact land-community to plain said NASA inspirational,” said statement that honors the next year.”

Village in October saying, Energy COO and Co-founder because, he says, it can drawind power and 3,000 MW of renewable energy projects member and citizen of Mission Manager Billy Cordasco use of land wherever humans A draft statement suggests “It’s time for renewableit.energy Andrew matically change the future of hours of battery storage and under construction and in the It implies respect for DeMille.

Barbara Janoiko on behalf of the travel. “It’s a way to have a personal and professional his fellow members, projects to have a new narraanswered the question: What planning stages on Babbitt with Desert Babbitt Ranches everyone understand that we commitment “to help maintain also respect for the happens when you deploy the tive, a conversation thatand goes Ranches north of Flagstaff,” RATS (Research Community. are taking care of the land, the integrity of the land as we community as such. largest wind and solar project beyond how many houses a said DeMille.

And Technology “Together, we whether we are on private take this next step off of our wind or solar farm can power.” in the United States?

Solar generation increases Studies). are promoting … continued on page 6 Based on the annual elecUsing Quantum’s by over 4,000 GW hours,” tricity produced by the proTotalView Energy Platform, a said Howard. “That’s an 85% posed and planned turbines computer simulation program increase in annual solar energy and panels, Quantum Energy funded by the National Scigeneration in the entire SouthAt the heart theBabbitt Babbitt Ranches Community, that which truly matters most, is our effort in being awareence of our character, principles, Foundation, the hourly consultants sayofthe west Power Market [which values renewable and ethics. energy We strive to understand who we truly are deep inside and determine what kind of people and organization weof want Ranches electricity production the includes Arizona, New Mexico to be. Itcould is through discipline our GW best.portfolio In this way, can complex generate $1.8 and integrity that we are consistently demonstrating what it means to be at 2.8 waswe proand parts of California and set the behave as a model and mentor for our youth so that they can determine what kind of people what billion perexample year in and net benefits, jectedthey and can thenbecome, the changes Texas] over the year – almost a of save people they 10,000 want to be. Jim D. Babbitt, Jr., signs a wind turbine blade. as kind well as nearly in electricity grid dynamics

A New Narrative for Green Energy Expresses the Value of 2.8 Gigawatts

Researchers articulate the potential impact of Coconino County solar and wind power projects in terms of health for people and the planet

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.

… continued on page 6

Through Babbitt Ranches, Ranches, aa family familybusiness businessand andpioneering pioneering Throughour ourefforts effortsofoflearning learningand andunderstanding, understanding, Babbitt land resources, promotes promotesscience scienceand andparticipates participates landcompany, company, raises raiseslivestock, livestock, manages manages natural natural resources, ininthe in order order to to join, join,share shareand anddo dothe thevery verybest bestwe weknow knowhow. how. thebroader broadercommunity community in

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February 2024

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.

“

This prehistoric pueblo on Babbitt Ranches has been documented with three-dimensional imaging technology and stabilized to preserve its standing walls. Tsopki is also serving as a hands-on learning station for Northern Arizona University archaeology students. The multi-storied building is just outside Wupatki National Monument near the Little Colorado River.

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.

Patricia Louise Bilby Moore (1948 – 2023)

Patricia Louise Bilby Moore was born in Flagstaff on March 12, 1948, to Ralph Bilby and Mary Babbitt Bilby. She grew up with her five siblings in Flagstaff and graduated from Flagstaff High School in 1966. She attended all three state universities as an undergraduate and graduated from Northern Arizona University with a sociology degree. In 1969, she married James David Moore and raised their children Richard, Rebecca and Emily. Eventually, both Jim and Patty worked at NAU. There, she completed a Master of Education in Human Relations and a Doctor of Education.

In 2011, she retired from her position as associate vice president of the NAU Extended Campuses. Ms. Bilby Moore was well read and stayed well informed. She loved nothing more than discussing politics and exchanging ideas. She enjoyed gardening, painting, art, cake decorating, playing the guitar and piano, traveling, distributing advent calendars at Christmastime, and took great joy from her collection of dolls and restoring antique doll houses.

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

Discovery Podcast Shares a Dark Glimpse of Northern Arizona History It could be called the mine of dreams. In 1959, the promise of room, board and riches kept young men working for free in the Northern Arizona high desert. Buried in the dirt for decades is the story of what history has judged to be a scheme to extract

millions of dollars from investors without extracting uranium ore. The story played out on land now owned by Babbitt Ranches.

Hear from one of the workers, Hugh McKeen, on the Discovery with Babbitt Ranches podcast.

Babbitt Ranches, Wupatki Renew Time-Honored Agreement Promoting Like-Minded Conservation For the leadership of and strategies and have great In addition, Wupatki Babbitt Ranches and Wupatki respect for each other’s land currently is engaged in a National Monument, there is management plans so that Wilderness study. Nearly a spirit of land conservation we are working together and 35,000 acres of land adjacent without boundaries when it in sync for the benefit of the to Babbitt Ranches are eligible comes to protecting cultural land and its inhabitants on a for ultimate protection under resources, wildlife corridors landscape scale.” the National Wilderness and habitat, geologic features Leap says she appreciates how Preservation System because and viewsheds. And it’s been Babbitt Ranches recognizes of their wild characteristics that way for decades for these and promotes defined in the Northern Arizona neighbors. scientific research.

1964 Wilderness “We have enjoyed an “In my experience, Act as “an area Article III where the earth excellent relationship built a lot of landowners on a mutual respect and say they want and its community Cowboy similar land conservation research, but don’t of life are Essence ethics to preserve and protect follow through. untrammeled by Section 4. natural and cultural resources Babbitt Ranches man, where man including viewscapes, follows through himself is a visitor Cooperation landscapes and the natural with valuable, who does not Listen if you want to be quiet,” said Wupatki’s credible research remain.” heard. Be interested in Resources Stewardship and about wildlife Representatives finding the best way, Science Manager Lisa Leap. corridors, plants, for Wupatki not in having your “In many ways, how Babbitt archaeological National own way.

Ranches manages their land and geological Monument and feels like an extension of the resources.”

Babbitt Ranches monument.”

“What makes both praise each This January, Wupatki this area so special is that it other for their longstanding National Monument (WUPA) is one of the most densely trust and cooperation as part of the National Park populated archaeological developed out of a deep love Service, and Babbitt Ranches, resources in the Southwest,” and respect for the land and specifically the CO Bar Ranch, said Leap, whose area of its resources. renewed their Memorandum expertise is ancestral Puebloan “We can’t say enough about of Understanding (MOU) cultures of the Four Corners the collaborative efforts we’ve “to establish a partnership of Region. “It’s where multiple enjoyed through years of communication, cooperation cultural groups coexisted in cooperative land management and coordination…so that the late 1080s after the eruption practices and landscapeCO Bar lands adjacent to of Sunset Crater Volcano. The scale conservation,” said WUPA are managed to meet Indigenous people who are Cordasco. “This relationship the operational needs of the here today have ancestors who we have with the folks who CO Bar while preserving and lived through the eruption. work at Wupatki National protecting the landscape, They bring a tribal perspective Monument is just truly viewshed, and the natural and of respect to resource special, meaningful and rare. cultural resources in a manner management, which is such a We appreciate their genuine that leaves them unimpaired nice flavor.” sincerity and commitment to for future generations,” Wildfire is another the land.” according to the document. management consideration In the MOU, The Babbitt “We could not ask for that moves across borders and Ranches Conservation better conservation partners,” thus, Babbitt Ranches and the Philosophy is defined as “a said Billy Cordasco about monument have discussed process that takes place within the National Park Service wildland fire management each individual and must employees at Wupatki National practices. “Our policies in the begin with awareness of the Monument, on behalf of past have called for full fire surrounding environment Babbitt Ranches. “For as suppression,” said Leap. “We and an understanding and long as I can remember, we are updating our wildland fire appreciation of its intrinsic have met out on the land plans to research the potential values. With awareness comes together to discuss how to of letting wildfires burn more a sense of responsibility and help struggling species like naturally, providing benefits to obligation to care for the land. the American pronghorn and the ecosystem. Babbitt Ranches A sense of responsibility and golden eagle. We share research is in full support of that.”

obligation translates into the need for individuals to be accountable for their actions as those actions affect the land.”

The memorandum also states that WUPA “harbors one of the largest protected areas of juniper, savanna, grassland, and desert shrubland within the southern Colorado Plateau region. The uninterrupted vistas, stunning night skies, and natural sounds are still significant to a number of contemporary Indigenous Indian tribes as evidenced by oral history, continuing traditional practices, and archeological study.”

“The way Babbitt Ranches views landscape health and the way they care for the land and have a relationship with the land is incredible,” said Leap.

“Not only are they wonderful neighbors to Wupatki National Monument, they realize they are part of a greater community.”

Leap has worked with the National Park Service for more than 30 years and been in Northern Arizona since 1987. Her hope for the future is greater appreciation and awareness for the natural and cultural resources, and land management on a landscape scale. She has officially stepped down from her leadership role and plans to spend 2024 as a mentor within Wupatki National Monument and as an educator to visitors about the wonders and beauty of the environment, particularly the Four Corners Region.

A series of storms in 2023 kept Flagstaff residents along with Arizona Nordic Village busy digging out from the record-breaking snowfall.

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.

As the strong El Niño weather pattern is diminishing, National Weather Service meteorologists are watching to see if it will bring more rain and snow to Northern Arizona with the potential for additional atmospheric river events in early March.

“With our heavy rain and snow early in February, most locations have recovered somewhat from the dry fall and early winter, but most areas of Coconino County are still

below normal with regard to our water-year precipitation, since October first," said NWS Meteorologist in Charge Brian Klimowski, Ph.D. The outlook for the rest of the winter and spring is leaning wetter than normal with the lingering El Niño, he added. “That will hopefully make up the remaining deficit of rain and snow from the fall and early winter."

Looking forward to the monsoon season, Klimowski says there are no

strong signals pointing toward either wetter or drier weather. “The aspect of the monsoon is partially driven by the winter. That is, if we have a particularly wet winter and spring, we'll often see our monsoon precipitation delayed, frequently with below normal rainfall values. like what happened in 2023. If the late winter and spring seasons are dry, our monsoons lean toward wetter than normal.

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February 2024

The Babbitt Ranches office is located upstairs, along with five rustic-chic shortterm rental properties in the historic Babbitt Brothers Building at 113 N. San Francisco St., in downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. The apartments are managed by the Babbitt Brothers Foundation.

Seeing Red

Hereford and Red Angus calves dot the landscape About 2,000 calves were born Black Angus in the mix. “It was last spring on Babbitt Ranches, a good calf crop last year,” said with more than 90% of the cows Rodgers. “The calves stay with the cows until October when having babies. shipping begins.”

“It was happening all across the ranches,” said Ranch ManMeanwhile, last season’s foals ager Clay Rodgers. “Calving began to arrive in the middle of season started in April. “We have 54 mares and about mid- to late-Februwere pregnant,” ary and ended in Article III 40 April.”

Rodgers said. “We Cowboy Rodgers says the aim to offer about calves stand up 25 at the Annual Essence Colt Sale and keep almost instantly Section 9. some as replaceafter being born.

Intentness ments for brood “The cow will lick mares and the them clean, stand Set realistic goals. them up and get cowboy remuda.”

Concentrate on achievement by “Spring is always them nursing resisting temptations. an exciting time within 15 to 20 Be determined on the ranch,” said minutes. They’re and persistent.

Billy Cordasco. fairly tough.”

“From green Babbitt Ranches raises about 2,500 grasses on rolling hills to the calves and foals, cows on average. About 70% new life is everywhere.” are Hereford and 30% are Red Angus, with a small amount of

for News Refreshed Arizona Nordic Village Promotes Friendly Preparing Media, Promoting Spaces, Forged Ethic Mid-Week Gatherings National Forest-like vibe created through new paint, renovations, retro artwork Borrowing inspiration from the Forest Service with pinegreen paint and Smokey Bear brown trim, Babbitt Ranches has refreshed Arizona Nordic Village with a new coat of color, structural improvements, artwork reminiscent of the 1950s and a campground vibe that celebrates the woodsy environment.

Contractor Dean Gallaher reconfigured parts of the deck to expand the space and lead visitors into the central grounds of the property where weddings and large gatherings bring people together.

Meanwhile, new Smokey Bear posters, designed with a comfortable nod to days gone by were framed and positioned in the lodge; and illustrator Michael Hagelberg created artwork to evoke a feeling of nostalgia.

“I’ve been out there skiing and mountain biking around the trails, so I had a good sense of what the location was like, and I had a photo to reference for the design,” he said.

The artwork, acrylic on canvas, showcases the Morning Glory Backcountry Yurt among tall ponderosa pines and visited by deer, with the San Francisco Mountains as the backdrop.

Visitors are drawn to the Forged Ethic message: “At the heart of the Babbitt Ranches Community are our principles, values and character qualities.

We strive to understand who we truly are deep inside and what kind of people and organization we want to be.”

Hagelberg, who was the illustrator for interpretive signs at Picture Canyon, says it’s fun to create an inviting place with ecological concepts through art.

Article IV Cowboy Essence Character Qualities Section 3.

Adaptability The ability to adjust to any situation.

Framed Smokey Bear posters invite visitors to relax and enjoy the forest.

Nordic Village Appeals to Desert Dwellers Lake Havasu City residents and visitors have been able to experience Arizona Nordic Village and high-country fun through the winter edition of Havasu: Arizona’s Coastal Life magazine.

Editor La’Erica Conner-Slims shares information about yurts, cabins and cross-country skiing at the property some 250 miles away from the western Arizona community.

“Visitors looking to stay overnight can choose from several lodging options,” she writes, including yurts and frontcountry cabins, along with traditional campsites.

“Depending upon travelers’ needs, the property attracts a diverse demographic,” the article states. “Businesses who frequent the area typically organize corporate meetings or retreats. For families, an ‘off-the grid’ experience lies ahead of them.”

In anticipation “The word is of winter media definitely out that attention and yearArizona Nordic round promotional Article III Village is the opportunities, place to go for Cowboy members of that rustic chic Essence the Arizona setting that feels Nordic Village like you’re deep in Section 11. leadership team the wilderness, yet Skill spent an autumn you’re only a short Be prepared with afternoon creating drive to town,” knowledge and the key messages she said. “Now ability to properly and and practicing we are focused quickly execute the fundamentals. Cover speaking on on expanding the every little detail. camera. idea of mid-week “We know from weddings and past experience overnight midthat snowstorms not only week lodging in yurts and bring out the local crosscabins, which offers more country skiers, but also the options for catering and other news media from Phoenix and services and fewer people beyond,” said Nordic Village on the road and at nearby General Manager Sydney attractions.”

Nieminen. “We wanted to make Nieminen, Assistant sure we were all prepared and Manager Rachel Luzzader feeling confident about stepping and Venue Manager Natalie up to answer questions and Hewitt participated in the using the moment to showcase exercises. Bonnie Stevens, other uses of the facilities like who supports Babbitt business retreats and family Ranches with public relations reunions.” and communications efforts, The team also promoted the created the workshop, idea of rustic weddings during eliciting support from the week, as Nordic Village NAU Associate Professor of experienced another record year Practice in the W.A. Franke with more than 45 ceremonies College of Business Theresa and receptions on the property Bierer and Videographer in 2023.

Morgan Boatman.

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 2024

February 2024

Forged Ethic At the heart of the Babbitt Ranches Community are our principles, values and character qualities.

We strive to understand who we truly are deep inside and what kind of people and organization we want to be.

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February 2024

Babbitt Ranches Shines in National Spotlight for Renewable Energy Projects continued from page 1

Paul D’Mura celebrates the venture into renewable energy by signing his name to one of the wind turbine blades.

and why. “The collar will track Can We Build It Without how he responds to the solar Harming Nature?” farm, which will be broken was published in early up into sections.

February 2024.

Fifteen corridors She wrote: “On ranging from the grassland Article III a quarter-mile north of Flagstaff, to more than a a ranching family, Cowboy half-mile will solar developers Essence offer habitat and state wildlife and passage for biologists have Section 1. come together to Industriousness pronghorn, mule deer and elk.” try out solutions There is no substitute Solar energy on the fly. One for work. Worthwhile developer sunny day last results come from Clēnera had fall, a helicopter hard work and careful reached out descended over a planning. to Babbitt herd of pronghorn Ranches in 2018. streaking across Continuing with shrubby grasslands her story, Einhorn writes: near the site of a planned “For Babbitt’s president, Bill solar farm.”

Cordasco, the idea of a large She explained how the solar project was appealing Arizona Game and Fish both financially and morally. collared individual animals

It would bring in revenue for the family business while helping reduce climate risks for future generations. But he knew the pronghorn relied on that land. Mr. Cordasco wanted to find a solution that would meet everyone’s needs, including the pronghorn.

‘If you guys aren’t interested in working through this pronghorn deal, it ain’t going to happen,’ he recalled telling Clēnera during their first in-person meeting.”

Einhorn reported, “A back-and-forth over the site design led to adding migration corridors and closing off some dead-end areas where animals could have gotten trapped or disoriented. Developers and wildlife officials discussed the pros and cons of quarter-mile versus half-mile corridors.

(Would the smaller ones be wide enough for the animals to use? Would the larger be worth a significant increase in the overall footprint?) In the end, everyone agreed on the range of different corridors, creating a kind of natural experiment.”

A ‘Perfect Location’ for Wind and Solar Projects Meanwhile, following Babbitt Ranches’ and Coconino County’s careful review, County Community Development Assistant Director and Planning Manager Jess McNeely said that Coconino County is in “a perfect location” for wind and solar projects.

“The county’s Renewable Energy Ordinance promotes utility-scale clean energy projects and we are seeing more renewable energy interest as coal-fired energy generation is shutting down,” said McNeely. “Babbitt Ranches is a wonderful partner in working toward the county’s bigger-picture interests.”

Supervisor Horstman spoke about how values important to the county such as wildlife conservation, dark skies protection, viewsheds and recreation are considered in the planning process.

“What’s happening in Coconino County for sustainability is benefiting the future for all of us,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the Babbitt Ranches Community, Cordasco shared core principles that drive the 138-year-old family business and align with the county.

“These values we have for protecting wildlife, dark skies, endangered species, cultural resources, recreational experiences and viewsheds, they come from inside of all of us,” said Cordasco. “They are real and they matter.

Renewable energy allows Babbitt Ranches to embrace these values and maintain our ability to stay on that land.

Renewable energy developers are supporting these values

through the Babbitt Ranches Landsward Foundation.”

The Landsward Foundation is the educational and science research nonprofit arm of Babbitt Ranches.

Cordasco has praised the work of the county and federal government and emphasized that renewable energy projects will benefit the next generation, leaving them with options when the projects run their 30- to 40-year lifespan.

“What you do matters,” he said to the gathering of regional and national leaders in June. “You determine how we are going to lead. You are involved in projects that are bigger than yourselves, projects that will benefit generations to come.”

District 5 County Supervisor Lena Fowler, Community Development Assistant Director Jess McNeely and Deputy County Manager Andy Bertelsen joined Billy Cordasco on Babbitt Ranches where the substation was being constructed.

A New Narrative for Green Energy Expresses the Value of 2.8 Gigawatts continued from page 1 doubling of solar generation.

Wind increases by close to 2,000 GW hours. There’s a little decrease in coal generation and a large reduction in natural gas generation.”

In addition, he explained, “There’s almost 0% curtailment. Curtailment is what happens when you have wind and solar generation, but you don’t actually use it because there’s no need for it. But because of 3,000 MW hours of battery energy storage that is being deployed, every single megawatt hour that’s being generated can be used, not only without adding stress to the grid and its ability to match load and generation on an hourly basis, but by providing grid benefits that make it easier to do so by taking this renewable energy generation during the day, storing it and then releasing it in the evenings when we all get home and turn on the dishwasher, stereo and Roomba.”

“In today's world, making clean energy decisions based on carbon emissions alone is akin to managing your diet with calorie counts alone – it's an incomplete, outdated picture. Our TotalView Energy Platform is the much-needed ‘nutrition label’ for energy choices,” said DeMille.

“Our model expands this picture beyond carbon to examine particulate matter – the fourth largest contributor to global disease – as well as human toxicity emissions

that cause cancer, photochemical oxidants that cause smog, and a number of other emissions that impact public health and ecosystems,” said Howard.

He says the availability of more clean energy significantly reduces the amount of dangerous particulate emissions released into the air and breathed into lungs. Findings reveal that this large of a renewable energy center will result in a massive decrease in disease incidents, hospital admissions and premature deaths. “The reduction in particulate matter emissions will save over 5,000 years of life annually,” he said.

In other words, those who may be destined to die prematurely from exposure to pollutants in the environment, could get those years back.

Beyond human health, the TotalView Energy Platform’s calculations show that cleaner air, water and soil as a result of more green energy, make the region more habitable for at-risk species. “A reduction in this magnitude of carbon emissions will save over 10 local species per year,” said Howard.

The research also reveals that freshwater eutrophication, the process by which a body of water becomes progressively enriched with minerals and nutrients, will save close to two local species per year.

“Quantum’s TotalView Energy Platform has been a refreshing force that takes clean energy development conversations to a deeper level,” said Cordasco. “The impact analytics from Quantum provide an evidencebased narrative that speaks to all stakeholders about the benefits of renewable energy on human and ecosystem health.”

Cordasco pointed out that Babbitt Ranches took its time studying wind, solar and wildlife species, such as the golden eagle. Thinking longterm, he said, has allowed the Babbitt Ranches Community to identify what it means to be part of a broader perspective on a landscape scale.

“Quantum’s TotalView Energy Platform is a gamechanger in renewable energy.

Its analytics foster trust, transparency and stronger connections across stakeholders,” said Cordasco. “As counties

require quantitative support, Quantum has empowered us to proactively shift the paradigm, providing the crucial information needed for permitting decisions. We have moved from qualitative conversations to a stronger, data-backed message.”

The missing link, he said, had been a lack of data to calculate long-term impacts and make informed decisions. “Quantum has helped us bridge that gap and thus, has revealed how the ripple effects of our projects extend far beyond affordable electricity — we're actively redefining the conversation with credible data to unlock our clean energy future. And these projects lead us to inspired hope,” said Cordasco. “Out of gratitude, all of us involved in these renewable energy projects, the Western CO Bar Legacy Conservation Community, get to participate in something that is right and good.”

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.

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.

Quantum Energy’s Daniel Howard and Andrew DeMille say the impact of planned and proposed solar and wind projects in Coconino County can dramatically change the future of human and ecosystem health.

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

How the ‘Goat Bar’ has Become a Babbitt Ranches Symbol of Connectivity Fence device brings both pronghorn and community together, promotes landscape-scale conservation The “goat bar” is a tool that University last May, Cordasco has been used across hundreds shared Babbitt Ranches’ long of miles on Babbitt Ranches’ history of conservation and fence lines since the 1990s. attention to pronghorn, deer It is simply a piece of PVC and elk movement across pipe, about four feet long, that Northern Arizona. “For us, pulls up the bottom strand the ‘goat bar’ reminds us that and makes crossing the fence relationships are everything; easier for pronghorn antelope, that it’s the meaning behind which prefer to go under our actions that’s important; fences rather than over them. and, that what we do is bigger “This has been than ourselves,” highly effective he said to an in helping audience of wildlife pronghorn researchers and Article V connect with managers from Land Ethic across the country. their habitat, but it also has been “My grandad, Section 2. highly effective Ranch Manager A land ethic changes John Babbitt, as a symbol of the role of Home landscape-scale understood that sapiens from conconservation the actions of the queror of the landand a land-use business had an community to plain impact on many ethic that has member and citizen things: the success helped the of it. It implies Babbitt Ranches of Arizona’s respect for his fellow agricultural Community stay members, and connected to industry; also respect for the each other and employment in the community as such. local community the land,” said Billy Cordasco. including on In addition, that Native Lands; symbolic connection extends and the health of wildlife to include larger communities populations, like deer and as Babbitt Ranches has moved elk and their habitat. He felt forward in renewable energy a tremendous responsibility endeavors and continued to this broader community participation in space and to generations to come. exploration.

He also believed it was a great In a presentation to privilege to be in position to members of the Western participate with the natural Association of Fish and processes and to contribute to Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) the future of Arizona and the at Northern Arizona nation,” said Cordasco. “All

of us in this room share that privilege and responsibility to be involved in projects that are bigger than ourselves.”

Cordasco pointed out that often people lose sight of why they do what they do.

“That happened to the Babbitt family business in the 1990s.

We had become involved in so many different projects and businesses across the region that we had forgotten the meaning behind why we do what we do.”

He shared how Babbitt Ranches was able to reconnect with its values and each other by creating The Constitution of Babbitt Ranches.

“What we realized was the business had a multiple bottom line, one that acknowledged organizational, ecological, economic and community benefits and impacts. It wasn’t just about the cattle ranch operations, it was about a land company that was involved in all kinds of research, habitat restoration, education, conservation and public recreation. And the one thing that bound the families and shareholders together was the vision that wildlife would always roam across the open spaces of Northern Arizona. The pronghorn antelope became a symbol of connectedness: relationships with human and biotic communities, the meaning

behind our actions and what our decisions meant for generations to come.”

In 1996, Babbitt Ranches created a Wildlife Management Plan, which led to many projects with organizations such as the Arizona Game and Fish Department, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, Arizona Mule Deer Foundation, Arizona Department of Transportation, Arizona State Land Department, the U.S. Forest Service, Northern Arizona University and many others.

“We had the opportunity to engage in meaningful projects for wildlife, like restoring historic grasslands and collaring elk to gather information through radio telemetry,” he said. We became more deliberate about using what we knew through decades of observations on the land and what we were learning to benefit wildlife.”

The cowboys and I have witnessed how this has worked on the ground, keeping the pronghorn connected to the herd. But the goat bar worked in a different way, as well.

It meant connectivity for people, too. The idea brought people together, created relationships, optimism and a focus on something bigger than ourselves. The goat bar was a symbol of the meaning behind our actions – how we impact

each other, our community, our environment and future generations. To us, it is a symbol of landscape-scale conservation.”

WAFWA conference participants visited the Babbitt Ranch Energy Center on the CO Bar Ranch where the ground was being prepared for a substation and wind turbines through NextEra Energy.

“Babbitt Ranches is a champion for planning renewable energy projects while maintaining deer and elk corridors,” said Flagstaffarea Terrestrial Wildlife

Program Manager Rob Nelson with the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “That sweet spot of coexistence is what we are trying to find in changing landscapes – landscapes that are impacted by drought, fire, recreation, climate and renewable energy projects.

Workshop participants were really receptive to the strategies offered and the pathways Babbitt Ranches has spearheaded by working with various renewable energy companies and folding in the wildlife components.”

Volunteers Dave Rodgers (shown here installing a goat bar) and Terry Rice received recognition from the Arizona Game and Fish Department as Volunteer of the Year for their work placing goat bars across miles of Babbitt Ranches.

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February 2024

Susan Babbitt signs her name on a massive wind turbine blade to commemorate a new era in renewable energy.

Standing Tall for Renewable Energy

Fifty wind turbines have been positioned into place Stretching across miles appreciate and acknowledge of historic grazing land, 50 Northern Arizona University wind turbines have been lifted and engineering professors Bill into place and are operating Auberle and Tom Acker for on Babbitt their pioneering Ranches north inspiration and of Flagstaff. foresight, and The wind collectively Article VII energy they are with Babbitt generating will Ranches pursuing Human be enough to the future of Dimension power 40,000 renewable energy.” and Science Arizona homes.

Auberle, NAU For Babbitt professor emeritus Section 1.

Ranches of engineering, Ensure that Babbitt Community says working Ranch land and members on with landowners natural resources a trip to the to place are managed in Babbitt Ranch anemometers accordance with Energy Center in Northern Babbitt Ranch values. last September, Arizona was standing next part of a research to the 220-foot and education blades was surreal. program from the U.S. “When I think back to the Department of Energy. enthusiasm we had about “Babbitt Ranches expressed the first anemometer being real interest and together, we set up on Babbitt Ranches to were able to install towers on measure the wind 20 years ago, their land,” said Auberle. “As it’s just incredibly powerful technology improved, wind to see these wind turbines turbines became more efficient. taking shape,” said Billy We also learned a lot more Cordasco. “The Babbitt Ranches about how to mitigate impacts Community was so excited on the environment. Now about the possibilities. We really that the Babbitt Ranch Energy

Teen Equestrians See Their Future Riding on Hashknife Horses

Center has become a reality, we’re really excited about that.”

“We went from not knowing where to look for viable wind energy to having a reasonable prediction of where the windy places are in Northern Arizona,” said Acker, NAU emeritus professor of mechanical engineering and Salt River Project senior principal research engineer. “I really like how Babbitt Ranches has proceeded through the project with NextEra. They didn’t rush through, they took the time to understand the ecological, economic and community aspects of the project and did a really nice job of cultivating relationships and an excellent project.”

Signing Up for Wind Power On Friday, Sept. 15, the dream of creating one of the country’s largest centers for wind and solar power became very tangible for the 138-yearold land company. More than 30 members of the Babbitt Ranches Community toured the site between Flagstaff

and the Grand Canyon and ceremoniously signed one of the blades that will soon be harnessing the wind that blows across the open spaces of Northern Arizona for the next 30 or more years.

“This is extraordinary and meaningful,” said Cordasco.

“This is bigger than all of us.

We are grateful for the hard work of the many terrific businesses and government entities who have participated.

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.”

The 161-megawatt wind project is being developed by NextEra Energy Resources, the world’s largest generator of wind and solar energy and a world leader in battery storage. The electricity is being purchased by Salt River Project.

The Arizona State Land Department's Amber Troidl signs one of the wind turbine blades that will soon be turning to generate electricity on Babbitt Ranches.

Grace Copeland, 16, saved her money from odd jobs to purchase her first horse at the Babbitt Ranches Annual Hashknife Colt Sale last July.

Young bidders win big at Hashknife Colt Sale auction At 16 years old, Grace Copeland knows what she wants. A year ago, she started to ride horses and fell in love with everything equestrian, from running barrels to cleaning stalls. Her goal is to have the whole experience of raising and training a horse.

So, with $5,000 she earned from jobs like babysitting and dog walking, she arrived at the Babbitt Ranches Annual Hashknife Colt Sale with focused intention.

On that warm second Saturday morning in July at Spider Web Camp north of Flagstaff, the event began with Babbitt Ranches President and General Manager Billy Cordasco welcoming the crowd, interacting about celebrations of the last year and honoring the passing of friends and relatives using the ranch symbol of the “Yellow Rose.”

Then, Ranch Manager Clay Rodgers and Auctioneer Reed Flake stepped into the corral with a Western yin and yang of sorts. Rodgers, with

all the methodical pace and thoughtfulness of a lifelong cowboy, informed a bleacher full of working ranchers, rodeo champions and knowledgeable spectators about the colts and their bloodlines as they each appeared with the mare. Flake, with all the excitement, humor and panache of a seasoned rodeo announcer, started the bidding and raised the energy in the stands.

In no time, spirited bidders were vying for new colts.

“I saw that filly and said, ‘That’s the one!’” said Grace, a high school girl with fiery determination.

Fearlessly, she entered the bidding battle with experienced horse buyers for a bay filly. She showed the crowd she meant business and today, that young horse has a name, Cinnamon, as it gallops toward its new life with Grace.

“I came to Babbitt Ranches because I wanted a good allaround horse for riding trails, roping and barrels. This is definitely my dream,” she said.

professional rodeo circuit.

Elsewhere in the crowded Driftwood’s legacy is carried on bleachers, another teenager through the Babbitt Ranches could see her future prancing across the arena. Taylor Girvin, horse breeding program.

“I love their at age 19, is an foundation,” said accomplished Taylor. “A lot of competitor with Article III horses are locked four years on the in the bone and Arizona High Cowboy hoof. They are School Rodeo Essence not put together Association well. But those circuit. “I do Section 2. that come from a little bit of Enthusiasm foundational everything, but Enjoyment for bloodlines are my main events what you are doing built to last. They are breakaway motivates those are not going and barrels.” with whom you to fall apart Last year, she come into contact. when you start rode off with competing. My fifth place in great grandpa used breakaway roping to race Driftwoods. I love those at the Junior World Finals in horses. My family has always Las Vegas. This fall, she plans to compete in rodeo as a school had some.”

Taylor’s grandfather, Pete sport at Central Arizona Mickelson, owns P&M Trailer College. Eventually, she hopes Sales. The company has to lasso the “Pro Rodeo Rookie worked with Babbitt Ranches of the Year” award. through the years and the Taylor’s journey includes family is quite familiar with the Babbitt Ranches horses from Babbitts’ Hashknife horses. The the Driftwood lineage, which Western Horseman magazine Hashknife brand symbolized has ranked number five on the days of the Wild West in its list of top 10 ranch horse American history. It originally belonged to the Aztec Land bloodlines. Driftwood, also & Cattle Company, which known as “Speedy” to ropers, was a legendary rodeo horse operated in Northern Arizona born in 1932. Registered with from 1884 to 1902. It later the American Quarter Horse became the property of the Association, he was inducted Babbitt family.

Taylor’s family successfully into the AQHA Hall of Fame in 2006. Driftwood sired more top bid on a filly and a colt last year. rodeo horses than any other This past summer, she was on horse of his time. His offspring her own in the bidding frenzy. continue to compete on the By the end of the auction, she

was the owner of two colts with Driftwood genes. One is by the sorrel stallion, Frenchmans Bo Jetz. “I really like that one,” she said. The other was sired by the palomino stallion, Stolin Firewater. “Those are really good barrel horses.”

After a year on Babbitt Ranches, the colts will join the family’s other horses at their MG Ranch in Doney Park. “I was raised on that ranch,” said Taylor. “I probably spend at least five hours a day riding. Horses teach you patience, hard work and responsibility. I would love to train performance horses that are affordable for people.”

With winning bids ranging from 5,000 to $12,500, 23 colts, all AQHA registered, were sold. “The sale was strong,” said Rodgers. “Bidders were mostly people wanting horses for

rodeo-type recreation. They appreciate these horses for their disposition and athletic ability.”

For Babbitt Ranches, the Annual Hashknife Colt Sale is a decades-old tradition that has never been about selling horses. “It’s about community and relationships,” said Cordasco, on behalf of the Babbitt Ranches Community.

“We feel so blessed to have family, friends and associates come out to the ranch, participate in this Western tradition, see these beautiful horses and enjoy the day together.”

The Colt Sale is over until the second Saturday of July 2024, but for cowgirls like Grace and Taylor with big dreams and new colts, the ride has just begun.

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February 2024 2023 February

Pioneering a new era in renewable energy