Ranch Babies - Babbitt Ranches

August 2012
BABBITT TIMES REVIEW
The Constitution of Babbitt
Ranches highlights the characteristics and values by which the
organization operates. Articles
of the Constitution can be found
correlating with the news stories
in the Babbitt Times Review.
C LEARNING—UNDERSTANDING w JOINING—SHARING w BECOMING A PART c
A Land Company
that Raises Cattle
Programs; a Blend of Natural and Social Sciences;
Science and a Sense of Art;
Information Dissemination;
and, Regional Planning.
Through the Landsward
Institute, Babbitt Ranches
has established an innovative framework for useinspired research, data
collection, and dissemination for the natural and
social sciences. Scientists,
Northern Arizona University faculty members, students and land managers
work together to advance
the understanding of how
to sustain healthy ecosysFamily Business
tems and minimize human
Since 1886, Babbitt
impacts. The Landsward
Ranches has been a famInstitute is one of the
ily business. As such, the
world’s largest outdoor labwork of business and the
oratories comprising vast
complexity of relationlands, varied topographies
ships have had a significant
and diverse life
impact on each
zones across
other. Through
the Coconino
Article IX
the years, BabPlateau.
bitt ventures have
Priceless
Field
staincluded cattle,
tions
and
Values
sheep, trading
research sites
posts, grocery
Section 1.
across
Babstores, departOrganization bitt Ranches
ment
stores,
monitor climate
Babbitt Ranches,
lumber compafounded in 1886, is rich trends,
wind
nies, a livery sta- in history and strengthand solar varible, an automo- ened through relationability, and rare
bile dealership, ships. For as many as
plants such as
mining opera- six generations, owners,
employees and their fam- c ot to n wo o d s
tions, farms, an ilies have shared in this
that may play
ice plant and a history and have forged a
an important
funeral parlor. As deep commitment to the
health of the land and the role in restorthe 21st century
organization.
ing drying and
Babbitts carry
disappearing
on the spirit of
riparian areas
adventure, exploin the arid Southwest.
ration and love for the land,
the CO Bar, Cataract and
Espee Ranches remain
bustling with activities that
bridge the pioneer age to
the space age. Cowboys
ride, rope and brand while
researchers study climate,
A Community
explore renewable energy
and simulate conditions of within a Community
Integrated with broadly
the moon.
diverse groups of individuals with varying thoughts,
interests, skills and history,
Babbitt Ranches is a community within a community.
With yourself, with family
and friends, with the community and with the environSustainability
ment, one way or another
Sciences Program and in the end, relationWide and varied science ships are all there is. Thus,
is promoted, supported for Babbitt Ranches, it’s
and acknowledged by Bab- simply not just about things
bitt Ranches across the and doing things, but about
Coconino Plateau. The the meaning of things. With
goal remains to affect a a genuine consideration for
land ethic so that private others, LifeScapes provides
and public land managers a venue through which Babhave science-based knowl- bitt Ranches participates
edge and technologies to with the community.
support the sound steward- Through LifeScapes and
ship and conservation of Open Hands Country
their lands, and natural and Beef, Babbitt Ranches is
cultural resources.
promoting healthy food,
Areas of emphasis include: healthy lifestyles and
Community and Relation- healthy communities.
ships; Sustainability; Land
Ethic; Cross-Disciplinary
Babbitt Ranches is a land
company and family business
that raises cattle, promotes
science and participates
in the broader community.
Guided by The Constitution
of Babbitt Ranches, three
focus areas that govern business decisions and involvement are defined through
Horizons, Generations and
LifeScapes.
Horizons
LifeScapes
Generations
You are What Your Animals Eat
Darren Choate
Nutritionists say there is a
dramatic difference in the
nutritional profile between
grass-fed and grain-finished beef, and the market
is growing for those making the healthier choice.
Helen Sisk, a research
associate with the Coconino
County Sustainable Economic Development Initiative (SEDI), says we live
in a region that produces
thousands of head of cattle,
You Are
continued on page 7
Driftwood Bloodline Rides On at Colt Sale
Whether you’re in Tennessee, Oklahoma or Arizona,
mention the Driftwood
bloodline and horse people
pay attention.
Driftwood was foaled in
1932. An American Quarter Horse, this rodeo champion was famous for speed,
conformation and intelligence. Eighty years later,
cowboys and casual riders
still look for those qualities,
and they’re finding them at
Babbitt Ranches where the
bloodline lives on.
“These horses have a lot of
athletic abilities,” said Babbitt Ranches Ranch Manager Vic Howell. “They are
intelligent, they’re strong
and they’re teachable. They
have a willing attitude.”
Twenty-two colts carrying the historic Hashknife
brand were up for sale in
the annual Babbitt Ranches
Colt Sale at Spider Web
Camp north of Flagstaff.
Cowboys like Justin Rodgers have been keeping
an eye on these babies
since they were born a few
months ago. The colts stick
close to their mothers, but
they’ve also learned to trust
the cowboys, now familiar
with their voices and simple
commands like “stop” and
“whoa.”
“We find the babies in the
pasture,” said Rodgers, a
23-year-old who, like the
colts, was born at Babbitt
Ranches. “They know more
at six months than most
horses learn in years. They
know how to cross logs,
rocks, and creeks. They
know how to find water.
Driftwood continued on
page 8
Ranch
Babies
Community Opens Hands
to Country Beef
What would you pay for a pound of
grass-fed, nutrient rich, locally grown
beef? What if every penny you pay
helps your community? Through Babbitt Ranches’ Open Hands Country
Beef program, whatever you answer
is correct.
During the Northland Hospice 2012
Run For Life, Babbitt Ranches was able
to participate in the Hospice mission of
supporting families through its Hereford
beef. Runners and anyone cheering them
Country Beef continued on page 2
Summer is a gentle season on the ranch for new
life. Cowboys come across
elk calves and fawns in
the brush or tall grasses,
while their mothers forage
nearby. Wildlife managers
assess how sensitive species, like pronghorn antelope are doing, and little
cowboys, like 4-year-old
Tristan King, learn what it
means to care for orphaned
babies.
“They kinda miss their
mommies,” he says of the
two calves he’s helping to
raise. “They live with us
because the one, Cuppy,
was really sick and Goti’s
Ranch Babies
continued on page 8
Cowboy First Aid Kit
includes Boots and Boards
It happens sometimes. A rial bleeding.”
colt needs to have his ten- It was “just the little bone,”
dons stretched so his legs said the rugged cowboy tapcan develop properly. This ping his right fibula. Never
summer, Tad Dent was the less, it was broken, the
doctoring colts for this bleeding was severe and
very reason. But one of the the open wound was susmares wasn’t happy about ceptible to infection.
the cowboy working on her Gail, a retired nurse,
baby. She let him know applied
a
tourniquet,
with a powerful kick to the cleaned the wound, stabi63-year-old’s shin.
lized the bone and rushed
This occurred some 15 Tad to Flagstaff Medical
miles down a dirt road Center. But not every cowon the CO Bar Ranch in boy finds a nurse nearby.
northern Arizona’s back- Some of Arizona’s ranch
country.
His
families
live
leg “didn’t feel
more than an
right,” but this
Article III hour away from
wasn’t the first
a paved road
Cowboy
time Dent had
and even farther
Essence
been kicked by
from a hospital.
Section 11.
a horse. He fin“You
never
ished his work,
like
to
think
Skill
fed the animals Be prepared with knowl- about emergenand rode his edge and the ability to cies, but being
properly and quickly
horse home.
a cowboy is a
execute the
Gail
Dent,
dangerous job,”
fundamentals. Cover
Tad’s wife, was
said
Jennifer
every little detail.
there when he
Vance, whose
limped in. “The
husband, John,
boot came off
takes care of
and blood came pouring the water needs on Babbitt
out,” she said. “There was Ranches. “The ranch covers
a bad tissue tear and arte- 750-thousand acres, cattle
Cowboys at Spider Web Camp learn how to prepare an accident
victim for evacuation.
can get spooked, anything
can happen.”
As if to prove her point,
there have been several
potentially serious incidents
in this ranching community
recently.
An angry Hereford hooked
Jack Rodgers’ right arm
with her horn; 5-year-old
Thomas Rodgers fell off
a porch railing and broke
his arm; and, Duke Vance
encountered a rattlesnake.
“People get bucked,
kicked, stomped and cut,”
said Dr. Allison Clough, a
Kayenta emergency physi-
cian. “You could be riding
fence on the backside of the
backside and come upon a
situation.”
Situations
sometimes
involve collisions and rollovers on Arizona’s outof-the-way dirt roads and
highways. Lightning can
be deadly when you’re the
highest point on an open
range. And tetanus and
rabies are very real threats.
Often, cowboys and ranch
family members are the
Cowboy First Aid
continued on page 3
BABBITT TIMES REVIEW
page 2
August 2012
A Yellow Rose
Babbitt Ranches
Community Prayer
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.
We thank you Lord, for this place in which we
live; for the love and friendships that unite us
and for the peace accorded to us this day: for the
hope with which we expect tomorrow—for the
health, food and the bright skies that make our
lives happy—for our friends everywhere.
Let peace abound in our families. Purge out of
our hearts the hidden grudge. Give us the grace
and strength to practice self-control. Give us the
will to accept and to forgive each other. Give us
brave, joyous and peaceful minds. Bless us in all
our honest and sincere endeavors.
If it may be, give us the courage to face that
which is to come—that we may be brave in risk,
constant in difficulty—temperate in anger—and
in all changes of fortune; loyal, true and loving
one another.
A Yellow Rose
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
Article III
Cowboy
Essence
Section 3.
Friendship
Darren Choate
Mutual esteem, respect
and devotion are the
ingredients of an enduring friendship. Like
marriage, it must not be
taken for granted but
requires a joint effort.
and who will always remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Cherrie Lee Osborne Blair
Cherrie Lee Osborne Blair lived an
active and celebrated life as a prominent member of northern Arizona’s
cattle ranching industry. She owned
the Bar Heart Ranch in Valle since
1940 and helped raise Hereford cattle and registered American Quarter
Horses. An accomplished roper, Blair
was inducted into the Northern Arizona University Sports Hall of Fame
in 1988 for Intercollegiate Rodeo
(1938-1942). She also taught school
in Williams and was instrumental in
forming the Williams Mountaineers
4-H Club. This native Arizonan was
born in Globe and died at the age of
91 in Williams.
Country Beef continued from page 1
on could make a donation annual event, Babbitt
to Hospice and receive up Ranches representatives
to five pounds of beef as a were busy trading onepound packages of ground
thank you.
“Northland Hospice is beef for donations.
so special to the commu- Barb Wang of Phoenix
nity,” said Babbitt Ranches purchased two pounds.
shareholder Joe Sharber. “I appreciate the nutri“By using Babbitts’ local, tional value and I want my
Hereford beef as a tool, it’s husband to eat healthier
just right that we are able beef.”
to support the organization “I buy only grass-fed
beef,” said Dr. Allison
and join in the effort.”
Through the Babbitt Clough, a Kayenta emerRanches LifeScapes initia- gency physician.
tive, Open Hands Country As she made her purBeef emphasizes healthy chase, Tuba City 10K
runner Duree Lomadafkie
living and community.
Along with one-pound said she prefers locally
packages of Omega-3-rich grown, range-fed beef.
beef harvested through “And it’s great that the
conservation stewardship money is going to Northland Hospice.”
practices, words
Through its
of inspiration
nutritional
and
were distribArticle IX genetics prouted under the
Priceless
grams, Babbitt
LifeScapes tent
Ranches has
Values
in Flagstaff’s
been striving
Wheeler Park
Section 4.
to produce the
on
Saturday,
Community highest quality
June 23. Words
such as Sincer- Babbitt Ranches is part Hereford beef.
ity,
Ambition of a large and diverse For years the
community of land
land company
and
Integrity owners,
communities
are the same and organizations who has been conwords identified have a responsibility and sidering how
in The Consti- obligation to the broad to bring this
regional perspective. It
tution of Bab- is within this context of product to the
local market.
bitt
Ranches
community that
as
Cowboy relationships are formed “You’re not
and quality regional
going to get any
Essence Charplanning can begin.
better
packacter Qualities.
age of meat
“L i fe S c a p e s
than this,” said
fits well with
Eddy
Babbitt.
“The hamHospice and the Run For
burger
you
get
at the groLife focusing on nutrition,
healthy minds and physical cery store is made from
fitness. We’re so grateful the trimmings of other
Babbitt Ranches is here,” cuts, but this hamburger
said Northland Hospice has sirloin, New York
CEO Diana Watt. “It strip and roast mixed into
means everything to us to it. It’s amazing the quality
have local support from a of food we’ve been able to
family that has been around get off the high desert.”
“Grass-fed beef is defifor so long.”
With Open Hands Coun- nitely an acquired taste,
try Beef, the slogan says, but once you acquire that
“Your price, not ours.” And taste, there’s nothing betwhatever you decide to pay ter. I’m a great fan of natfor the beef goes back to ural, grass-fed beef,” said
Paul Babbitt. “We think
the community.
“A lot of families are strug- this is the future of what
gling through these tough we eat, locally-grown
economic times,” said Bab- food, beef included. It
bitt Ranches shareholder won’t happen in my lifeAnne Cordasco. “We heard time, but we will get away
from several people about from industrial agriculhow thankful they are to be tural use.”
“That not-for-profit thing
able to name their price.”
As 5K and 10K runners is awesome,” said Jan Hill
got on their marks at the of Flagstaff. “I’ve been
Runners and others named
their price per pound for
Babbitt Ranches’ ground
beef at the Northland Hospice Run For Life. Under
the LifeScapes initiative,
Babbitt Ranches is using
its Open Hands Country
Beef program as a way to
participate in efforts that
help the community.
Babbitt Ranches volunteers offered one-pound packages of grass-fed ground beef in exchange for donations to Northland Hospice during the 2012 Run For
Life in Flagstaff.
Photos by
Alex Kulpinski
After pounding the pavement, young runners picked
up pounds of Hereford beef. All proceeds from Babbitt Ranches’ LifeScapes initiative, Open Hands
Country Beef, benefited Northland Hospice.
buying organic food since
1996, but this is the perfect combination of organic,
locally grown beef being
made available and used to
help the community.”
“Hospice is about taking
everyone in and we rely on
the generous support of
businesses, organizations
and individuals to help
us care for others,” said
Northland Hospice Public
Relations Manager Brandon Porter. “Along with the
other sponsors, we appreciate LifeScapes and how it
fits with our Run For Life.”
Of the 363 pounds of Babbitt Ranches beef brought
to the event, 293 pounds
sold for a total of $1,500
for Northland Hospice. The
remaining packages were
donated to the Flagstaff
Family Food Bank.
“Wow!”
said
Tim
McCullough, vice chair of
the Flagstaff Family Food
Bank board of directors.
“We are so excited that
Babbitt Ranches and other
local growers are taking
local food and feeding the
community. It doesn’t get
any better than that!”
At the end of the day,
Chris Gomez was the fastest runner, but Sandy Van-
landingham said, along
with Northland Hospice,
Babbitt Ranches hit a
homerun. “When you give
first, it always comes back
to you.”
“Babbitt Ranches is very
pleased to be part of the
2012 Run For Life,” said
James E. Babbitt. “We
look forward to many other
opportunities to show our
gratitude and participate
with the local community.
It feels simple, clean and
good.”
928.774.6199
P. O. Box 520
Flagstaff, AZ 86002
www.babbittranches.com
BABBITT TIMES REVIEW
August 2012
page 3
Third Generation Arizona Babbitt Reflects on ‘Rich’ Life
The day Margaret “Margie” Babbitt was born, July
7, 1932, the Stock Market
hit its lowest low. But despite
growing up in the worst
economic times this country
has ever experienced, Margie remembers a childhood
rich in friends, family and
outdoor fun including trips
to Babbitt Ranches.
“Flagstaff was a small
town then,” said the youngest of five children born to
Rose Walsh and Raymond
Babbitt, the oldest son of
David Babbitt. “We didn’t
lock our doors because
there was no need. And if
you passed someone on the
street you didn’t know, that
person was a tourist.”
Margie’s father was the
manager
of
Babbitt’s
Department Store. She
remembers being teased
about being a member of
a family that employed so
many of the townspeople.
“’Even the sheep say Baaaabbitt,’ kids would say.”
Her parents enjoyed drives
in the country. “We’d go
out to Babbitt Ranches to
see the cattle on the range boys for weeks sometimes,
and visit the chuck wagon. especially Jim. And then we
My parents would point out might receive 10 letters at a
the different ranches and time. My twin sisters, Rosie
tanks.”
and Catherine, went away
Summer nights were made to school at this time which
for Kick the Can under a made a lonely house!”
street light and winter days During the war her Uncle
were meant for ice-skating George, who was the
on the pond near
postmaster, let
Flagstaff High
Margie and her
School, snowball
friends
hold
Article IV meetings in the
fights and skiing
Cowboy
on Sheep Hill.
U.S. Post Office
Essence
M a r g i e
basement. “On
attended
St.
Armistice Day
Character
A nthony ’s
we sold poppies
Qualities
School, which
to raise funds
Section 11.
later became St.
for the Disabled
Gratitude
Mary’s Catholic
American VetThe art of being
School and now
erans and were
grateful for all things.
San Francisco
encouraged
de Asis Catholic
to buy savings
School. She was
stamps toward
the only white student in her buying a $25 U.S. Savings
class.
Bond for $18.75 to help
When World War II hit, her support the war effort.”
brothers Jim and Ted served Her family raised chickens,
as fighter pilots. “About the so despite the meat rations,
only news we had came Margie could count on
from weekly news reels if chicken dinner on Sundays.
you went to the movies. The During wartime, families
radio reception was awful. hung flags in their window
We wouldn’t hear from the if there was a service man
in the family. The number
of stars would indicate how
many family members were
serving the country. “Our
flag had two blue stars on it.
One neighbor’s flag had five
stars and another had a gold
star for a son who had been
killed.”
Following the war, Margie
sang in the choir, performed
in plays and marched in
the band at Flagstaff High
School. “There were 82 in
my graduating class. It was
small enough that you could
be involved in everything.”
During high school, she
and her big brother, Jim
(Babbitt Ford), would go
snow skiing on Sundays.
“Arizona Snowbowl was
about halfway up the hill of
what it is today. Originally
there was a rope tow run by
the Forest Service. Forest
Service wives would take
turns bringing coffee and hot
chocolate up the hill. Then
the beautiful lodge was built
by the Civilian Conservation
Corps and a longer rope
tow was installed. Later, the
‘new’ lodge was built at the
foot of Tail Spin
Trail.”
Margie recalls
wearing her ski
pants
hidden
under a long coat
at early mass.
Then, she and
Jim would catch
breakfast at the
Monte
Vista
Café
before Margie Charles poses with her oldest daughheading to the ter, Cass McGinty, of Tucson.
mountain.
“My uncle Ed (who owned School District in Phoenix
Babbitt Ford before Jim) for two-and-a-half years,
would give me a few dimes then married Bob Charles.
to ride the rope tow. Each “We were very blessed with
trip would cost a dime or six wonderful children.”
you could ride three times Today, Margie Babbitt
for a quarter.”
Charles has 11 grandchilMargie left Flagstaff to dren and continues to live
attend Immaculate Heart in Phoenix. “Even though
College in Hollywood. “I I grew up during the Great
was used to being a big fish Depression and World War
in a small pond. It was an II, I would hear, ‘You can
adjustment to be a small fish do it. You’re a Babbitt.’ I’m
in a big pond!”
pretty sure we didn’t have
Two years later she an easier time than othenrolled at Arizona State ers but I sure did and do
University and graduated love being related to my
with a bachelor’s degree brothers, twin sisters and
in education. She taught extended family!”
third grade in the Madison
Cowboy First Aid continued from page 1
first on the scene.
“People want to help.
They see an accident and
the first question they ask
themselves is, ‘What can I
do?’” said Brooke Weber,
Dr. Clough’s daughter and
trained wilderness first
responder. “The second
thought is, ‘I don’t know
what to do.’”
Striving to equip rural residents with the confidence
and skills to answer that
thought, Dr. Clough has
developed a course called
Cowboy First Aid. She
hopes it will go viral, reaching remote areas where
doctors are in short supply
and medical services are a
distance away.
“We started talking with
Babbitt Ranches a yearand-a-half ago about the
needs of remote ranchers in
the West. Agriculture is the
most dangerous profession,
particularly cowboying.”
Cowboy First Aid is essentially Emergency Medical
Technician (EMT) training.
“These folks don’t want to
sit in a classroom, so we
developed a very hands-on
program.”
In the middle of Spider
Web Camp some 30 miles
north of Flagstaff on June
27, Dr. Clough, husband
and seasoned flight nurse
Dan Weber, daughter
Brooke and NAU Outdoors
Coordinator Matt Hartman showed some of Arizona’s most self-reliant and
resourceful families how to
be even more so.
The team demonstrated
how a pair of cowboy boots
can be used to stabilize the
head of an injured person
and protect a neck injury;
how a 2 x 12-inch board
and a roll of duct tape can
make a stretcher; and, how
a cell phone can guide a
helicopter to a landing.
“It’s amazing what you
can’t see from the air,” said
Dan. “You can’t see mile
markers. You can’t see people waving their arms. But
you can see a cell phone
light at night. The helicopter needs an area of 100 by
100-feet to land. And anything in threes is a signal:
three horse blankets on the
ground, three road flares or
three points of light.”
In the hot, dry high desert, Guardian Air pilot
Peter Evitmov set down the
Bell 407 helicopter, blasting the cowboy gathering with 50-mile-an-hour
winds from the rotor and a
wall of dust. “The biggest
limitation out here is visibility. A brown out doesn’t
mean you can’t land, but
you could lose some of your
visual references.”
“We do a lot of training in
rural areas on how people
on the ground can help
us,” said flight nurse Dana
Westbrook. “For example,
we need to know if you see
obstacles like power lines,
or can identify landmarks
that can guide us.”
On board is a highly
trained crew. “If you can
get to a medical helicopter,
you’ve got an Intensive Care
Unit right there,” said flight
nurse Jeanie Clark.
Hartman, who teaches
Wilderness First Responder
training at Northern Arizona University, says knowing what to do in emergency situations can be the
difference between life and
death.
“One of our students
came upon a car crash and
was the first on the scene.
She told us she noticed a
small girl passenger who
wasn’t breathing. The student determined she had
a blocked airway. She
reacted and probably saved
her life.”
Lori Rodgers, whose husband Jack was horned by a
cow this summer, says first
you pray. “We did everything right! The guys had
him lie down, they rinsed
the wound with clean water
and compressed it with
rags.”
“We do have a higher
probability of being a first
responder out here than we
would if we lived in town,”
said Frances Vance, who
lives at Spider Web Camp
with her family. “By going
over different scenarios,
discussing what situations
might require a helicopter
and learning what’s available to us to communicate
our location such as lon-
gitude and latitude, I feel
more knowledgeable and
confident now.”
“Babbitt Ranches has
been very progressive on
a lot of fronts,” said Dr.
Clough. “They’ve been
teaching science conservation, stewardship and land
ethics for a long time, and
now Cowboy First Aid.”
Broken bones seem to come with the territory, as 5-year-old cowboy Thomas Rodgers is finding out. Ranch families are learning
Cowboy First Aid and how to guide in a helicopter at Babbitt
Ranches’ camps like Spider Web.
Dr. Allison Clough created
Cowboy First Aid to help rural
families respond to accidents in
remote locations where medical
help may be hours away.
NAU Outdoors Coordinator
Matt Hartman teaches cowboys
how to treat injured cowboys
and others on Babbitt Ranches’
remote rangelands.
Instructor Brooke Weber
demonstrates while Babbitt
Ranches ranch families learn
how to deal with medical
emergencies.
Photos by Jake Bacon
Jake Bacon Photography
Young cowboy Tristan King leans into his dad, Duke, as he
studies the mock accident scene. Instructor Brooke Weber
acts as an accident victim.
BABBITT TIMES REVIEW
page 6
August 2012
Babbitt Ranches
Launches
Recreation Ethic
Drawing on the land ethic duced by Evan Reimondo,
philosophy of conservation- a Northern Arizona Uniist and outdoorsman Aldo versity master’s student
Leopold, Babbitt Ranches in environmental sciences
is promoting a
and policy. “Self
Recreation Ethic
management by
with the belief
the recreationArticle V
that
outdoor
ists is the only
recreationists A Land Ethic feasible way to
will largely manachieve sustainSection 4.
age themselves
able
outdoor
in a responsible It is inconceivable to us recreation pracmanner through that an ethical relation tices
across
to the land can exist
information that without
these
vast
landlove and a high
appeals to their
scapes.”
regard for its value.
By value, we of course
values.
The new
mean something far
In a four-year
framework and
broader than mere
recreationist
approach
for
economic value;
s e l f - m a n a g e - we mean value in the managing outphilosophical sense.
ment pilot study,
door recreation
Babbitt Ranches
encourages
is removing all
people to act
recreation-related regula- responsibly in the outdoors
tions and launching a rec- without the use of regulareation ethics campaign. tions and enforcement while
Several yurts are planned experiencing nature, confor installation that will be necting with the landscape
open to the public for rec- and acquiring a sense of
reation group meetings and place.
outings with the expecta- “We believe land managers
tion that group leaders will should provide information
promote ethical outdoor to visitors concerning varirecreation among their ous forms of outdoor recmembers. Recreation ethics reation, and their impacts,
materials include a map and framed in a variety of valvideo created in support of ues, such as the biologithe Arizona Game and Fish cal, ecological, historical,
Department. See related cultural and ethical values
stories Recreation Ethic associated with resources,”
Effort includes Land Ethics states the report. “When
Map and Sheriff Richards the visitor learns to assoReturns to the Range as ciate the place, landscape,
New Ranch Deputy.
and resources with their
“Land owners and manag- existing values, they will
ers simply do not have the potentially begin to include
time, money, or resources them within their moral
to effectively manage all the ethical concerns.”
forms of outdoor recreation If successful, the Recretaking place across both ation Ethic may serve as
private and public lands,” an example for the reform
states The Recreation of outdoor recreation manEthic: Managing Outdoor agement across a signifiRecreation on Western cant portion of the Arizona
Ranchlands, a report to the landscape.
Landsward Institute pro-
Recreation Ethic Effort includes Land Ethics Map
A new map for northern Arizona hunters and
to modern ranchers.
other outdoor recreationists offers inspiraAn enthusiastic, lifelong hunter and fishertional quotes from conservationist Aldo Leoman,
Leopold’s passion for nature and the
Article V
pold such as, “Ethical behavior is doing the
outdoors shaped his perspectives on ecology,
right thing when no one else is watching— A Land Ethic his ideas about responsibility and his sense of
even when doing the wrong thing is legal.”
participation with the environment. Although
Section 3.
The Arizona Game and Fish Department
he died in 1948, his thoughts live on.
The land ethic then
and Babbitt Ranches are bringing the beauty reflects the existence
The map showcases northern Arizona’s difof northern Arizona and the thoughts of Leo- of an ecological con- ferent ecosystems as seen through the lens of
pold together in The Game Management Unit science, and this in turn photographer Darren Choate.
reflects a conviction of
9 Vegetative Cover Map. It is part of a larger individual responsibil“I enjoy capturing scenic, story-telling
Recreation Ethic effort that Babbitt Ranches
images
and then sharing those images,” said
ity for the health of
the
land.
Health
is
the
hopes will catch on, leading to more ethical
the outdoorsman, conservationist, writer and
behavior through education and a sense of capacity of the land for photographer. “During my outings, I always
self-renewal. Conserconnectedness to the land, and less of a need vation is our effort to have my camera in hand, searching for that
for rules and regulations.
understand and preserve shot-of-a-lifetime.”
this capacity.
The map, dotted with Leopold quotes, outChoate spent much of his childhood in the
lines the topography and vegetation of the
scenic White Mountains and received his first
area across state, federal and private lands.
camera shortly after graduating from high
Leopold was an American ecologist who was
school. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he
born in 1887. As a prolific writer and advocate for a land returned to Arizona to attend Northern Arizona Univerethic, in which humans see themselves as part of and not sity, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in environmenseparate from the natural biotic community, Leopold is tal science and a master’s degree in education. He and
credited as being a persuasive and visionary force behind his wife have two sons and call Flagstaff home.
the conservation movement, and certainly an inspiration
After retiring from a long
and celebrated career in law
enforcement in 2004, Sheriff Joe Richards will be back
on patrol, this time as a volunteer ranch deputy for the
Coconino County Sheriff’s
Department reconnecting
with the people he admires
most, cowboys and ranch
families.
“It will take a little while
to get recertified with the
Peace Officer Standards of
Training, and reacquainted Besides his former role
with the vast lands of as sheriff, Richard’s has a
Coconino County, but I look long history with the Westforward to this
ern culture. His
new assignment
grandfather
very much. I
Article III worked for Babidentify strongly
bitt Ranches and
with the WestCowboy
some of his relaern lifestyle and
Essence
tives were cowenjoy interacting
boys.
Section 14.
with my friends
“This is a really
Confidence
in the ranching
neat opportubusiness.”
Demonstrate respect
nity to renew
without fear. Being
Having a law
acquaintances
e n f o r c e m e n t prepared and keeping and
explore
all things in proper
presence in out- perspective creates self- some of the
lying areas has
assuredness.
beautiful backbeen a challenge
country where
for the Sheriff’s
the
ranchers
Department
are,” he said.
with strained budgets and a Richard’s role is expected
shortage of deputies. Rich- to complement Babbitt
ards believes being visible Ranches’ new Recreation
in a marked vehicle may Ethic initiative. “Having
prevent crimes from occur- a deputy interacting with
ring.
recreationists and promot“Sometimes individuals ing the reasons behind outare looking for targets of door ethical behavior will
opportunity, perhaps shoot- enhance our efforts toward
ing holes in water tanks, a self-regulating approach
cutting fences, vandalizing in outdoor recreation,” said
ranch buildings that aren’t Babbitt Ranches President
being used or cattle rus- Bill Cordasco. “I can’t
tling. I’ll be aware of what think of a more wonderful
the ranchers’ issues are candidate for the job than
and I’ll try to address their Sheriff Joe!”
concerns.”
Darren Choate
Sheriff Richards
Returns to the Range
as New Ranch Deputy
Range Plant Handbook
Now Available
Article VI
Sustainable
Community
Principles
Section 5.
Babbitt Ranches is a
community that respects
other forms of life and
supports biodiversity.
Designed to fit on the
dusty dashboard of ranch
pickups as comfortably as
in the worn back pocket of
a cowboy’s jeans, the new
Range Plant Handbook: A
Field Guide to the Grassland Plants of Northern Arizona’s Cataract and Espee
Ranches is available through
Babbitt Ranches.
Author and photographer
Greg Goodwin began to
document the plants in an
effort to understand what
species exist on the 42,000
acres of conservation easement lands that were donated
from Babbitt Ranches to
The Nature Conservancy
and Coconino County. Prior
to this, the plant life was virtually unknown.
Out there, he was so
impressed with the area,
how unique it is and what
good condition it is in, he
was hooked. “I just have to
go out there every so often
for the feel of it, the quietness and the surprise of
what you might see including the rare Grand Canyon
rose or the Fickeisen plains
cactus.”
The Range Plant Handbook is intended to help
cowboys, ranch assistants
and others easily identify the grassland plants
by their common names,
understand more about
where they grow and be
aware of whether they are
palatable and safe for cattle
and wildlife. It likely will
help others in their research
including The Arboretum at
Flagstaff, Northern Arizona
University and the U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
“It is my hope that this
resource will become such a
valuable and handy tool that
there won’t be one in existence that isn’t sun-faded,
dog-eared and dirt-smudged
from its usefulness,” said
Babbitt Ranches President
Bill Cordasco.
Goodwin, a retired U.S.
Forest Service wildlife
biologist, has had a lifelong
interest in plant ecology.
For information about
obtaining a book, contact
the Babbitt Ranches office at
928-774-6199.
BABBITT TIMES REVIEW
August 2012
page 7
Television Executive Switches Channels at Babbitt Ranches
It was 5:30 when the single engine Cessna glided
over the pastoral rangeland
of northern Arizona. Barry
Nugent pulled his eye away
from the video camera’s
viewfinder long enough to
watch the sunrise announce
its presence by casting long
shadows across the landscape.
“This happens every day.
God gives this to us every
day and nobody pays attention to it necessarily. On
that day I paid attention.
Those images, the tranquility, that sticks with me.
That was my epiphany. You
go to Babbitt Ranches to
exhale.”
Miles way from the serenity of that moment, Nugent’s
fast-paced world of television includes keeping up
with the Kardashians and
other Hollywood celebrities. “I’m constantly looking at my Blackberry, constantly looking at the computer, constantly looking
at ways to tackle new and
current projects.”
His latest projects include
two television programs on
the Game Show Network,
The American Bible Challenge and Beat the Chefs.
The American Bible Challenge debuted Thursday,
Aug. 23 and broke network
ratings records.
“The American Bible
Challenge is close to my
heart,” said the GSN cable
television executive. “Teams
from across America compete for the supremacy of
Bible knowledge. This isn’t
Bible Sunday school…more
like school of rock!”
Comedian Jeff Foxworthy
hosts each Thursday night
through October. The lightning round is dubbed, The
Final Revelation. “Turns
out he’s a big Christian. He
runs a Bible study on Tuesday mornings with a homeless group in Atlanta and
on Thursdays he conducts
Bible study over a beer or
two with his friends.”
The other program, Beat
the Chefs, is about people
who, stocked with fam-
Babbitt Ranches Tested
for Wind and Solar Strength
Scientists are conducting wind
and solar variability studies some
40 miles northwest of Flagstaff
Article VII
on Babbitt Ranches. NextEra
Human
Energy, through its subsidiary
Dimension
WindLogics, and in partnership
and Science
with Northern Arizona University
and Babbitt Ranches, is considSection 1.
ering whether the site can effiEnsure that Babbitt
ciently produce electrical power
Ranch land and natural
to utility customers.
resources are managed
Instruments being used in the in accordance with Babbitt Ranch values.
study include a single 60-meter
meteorological tower to measure and record wind speed and
direction, and a fleet of 40 to 50
micro-loggers with pyranometers to measure and record
global solar radiation. The pyranometers are uniformly
spread over a one-square-mile area.
Additional instruments include a weather station and
a rotating shadowband radiometer, both of which are
located at the center of the test grid.
Mechanical Engineering Professor Dr. Tom Acker is the
Principal Investigator for
NAU.
Students are helping to
collect the data that will be
stored on university servers
for later analysis.
The micro-logger boxes
were installed in November and December
2011.
You Are continued from page 1
yet very few are processed ber of cancers.
here. “We can do better
Compared to grain-finthan that.”
ished beef, grass-fed beef
In a brochure Sisk has also is reported to be three
compiled
with
SEDI, times higher in vitamin E,
graphs and tables from an antioxidant linked to
analyses done on grass- heart health and which may
fed meat illustrate how the also have anti-aging prophealth benefits from eating erties; and ten times higher
grass-fed beef go beyond in vitamin A, which keeps
avoiding hormones and skin healthy and fights off
antibiotics. For
infection.
example, grassAside from the
fed meat tends
Article VI human health
to be much
benefits, SEDI
Sustainable
lower in fat than
says grass-fed
Community producers use
grain-fed prodPrinciples
ucts. A sirloin
pastures
and
steak from a
specific forages
Section 11.
grass-fed steer
to help their aniBabbitt Ranches is a
is shown to have community that does mals reach marabout the same
ket standards,
not compromise the
sustainability
of
other
amount of fat
a much more
communities.
as a skinless
humane way to
chicken breast,
raise
animals
or wild deer or
than feed lots,
elk meat and about half the while proper grazing pracfat as that from a grain-fed tices improve soil erosion
steer.
and reduce flooding.
Because it’s leaner, it is
“In essence, grass-fed
lower in calories. A 6-ounce beef is better for you, better
steak from a grass-finished for animals and better for
steer has almost 100 fewer the world we live in,” said
calories than a 6-ounce Sisk.
steak from a grain-fed Currently, Babbitt Ranches
steer.
is working with Dr. Lisa
While being lower in bad Majure and Dr. Kathryn
fat, grass-fed beef has a Savage in the Northern
nutrient profile similar to Arizona University W.A.
salmon, with high amounts Franke School of Business
of the good fat, or Omega to assess the grass-fed beef
3s. These are the fats that market and how Babbitts
promote brain health, lower may participate.
LDL cholesterol levels and
slow the growth of a num-
ily recipes, compete in the “The ranch had been an
kitchen against some of the island for such a long time.
country’s best cooks.
Nobody knew much about
“Imagine that one of the it. My first reaction was that
Cordascos has grandma’s we really needed to divest,
secret biscuits and gravy as there’s a lot of acreage.
recipe that’s been in the But over time I realized that
family for generations. That we have a responsibility as
family goes on stage and land stewards. Everybody
competes
head-to-head on the board brought his
with the professional chefs or her A-game. That was
who don’t know
the magic. We
what they are
worked on our
cooking
until
return on investArticle III ments and Babthey get there
and they’ve got
bitt Ranches has
Cowboy
to come up with
built
tremenEssence
amazing
bisdous equity with
cuits and gravy.
the businesses.
Section 2.
The chefs often
And we’ve done
Enthusiasm
stumble
over
it responsibly
themselves get- Enjoyment for what you with a great
are doing motivates
ting extra fancy those
sense of comwith whom you
and losing sight
munity. So what
come into contact.
of the simplicity
once felt like an
of the task. It’s
island has now
very homey.”
become
the
Nugent, grandson of Ari- home team in Flagstaff.
zona Senator Jim Bab- Babbitt Ranches is a piece
bitt, served on the Babbitt of northern Arizona and I
Ranches Board of Direc- think everyone’s rooting for
tors for nearly a decade, us to succeed.”
starting in 2001.
Nugent says The Consti-
tution of Babbitt Ranches
and multiple-bottom line
philosophy are critical to
the company’s success.
“As long as we are in
that place where we can
learn and improve we will
increase our equity, both
from an environmental and
financial standpoint. Not
many companies can say
that.”
Nugent grew up surfing
in Santa Monica. He spent
summers playing in Oak
Creek Canyon with his
cousins, fishing and jumping off the red rock cliffs
of Sedona. He graduated
from the University of Arizona in 1989 with a bachelor’s degree in communication and began his television career as a KVOA
news producer in Tucson.
He joined CNBC as a news
producer in Los Angeles in
1990, launched the news
on E! Entertainment Television from 1992 to 2007
and has worked with the
Game Show Network since
1998.
Nugent also produced
a short video, Babbitt
Ranches By Air, showcasing
the different landscapes.
“Living in the city you’re
surrounded by a lot of motion
and nonsense, but thinking
about northern Arizona
makes me know everything
is going to be okay. Different rules. A simplicity and
sense of peace is all right
there within the confines of
Babbitt Ranches. It’s there
for the taking…
just participate!”
Babbitts Help Build
NAU’s Stewardship Mission
A look back as Arizona marks its centennial year
From establishing the institution, elevating it to uni- Two other Babbitt family members served as regents
versity status, creating a world-renowned forestry guiding the state universities in what became known as
school and Ecological Restoration Institute, advanc- The Babbitt Chair. Norm Sharber, a respected busiing research opportunities and maintaining the vision nessman married to Dr. Rayma Sharber (daughter of
of a premiere undergraduate residential experience, arts patron Viola and Joseph Babbitt) was appointed
the Babbitt family and Northern Arizona University in 1965. He and NAU’s 11th President J. Lawrence
have built a world-class commitment to stewardship Walkup would walk the campus together wonderof Arizona’s landscapes and communities.
ing how to accommodate the thousands of students
“The single most important thing that happened headed their way. Those conversations eventually led
in the history of NAU regarding the Babbitt family to a north and south campus.
was (the late) John Babbitt’s determination to bring
Sharber’s brother-in-law, Ralph Bilby, married to
the school to a university level,” said former Arizona Mary Babbitt (another daughter of Viola and Joseph),
Regent Norm Sharber. “Without the word ‘university’ was appointed to the Board of Regents in 1974. He is
on your name, it was difficult to obtain certain grants credited with playing a significant role in the creation
or attract top faculty. John fought some heavy battles of the skydome to house athletic events.
in the legislature.”
When President Hughes was inaugurated in 1979,
The quiet, reserved state senator served in the Ari- Governor Bruce Babbitt challenged NAU not to be a
zona Legislature from 1945 to 1948 and has been pale carbon copy of the other two universities, but to
recognized for his ability to make things happen. But find its niche, concentrating on the Colorado Plateau.
the Babbitt family’s impact on NAU and education “During that time we were able to acknowledge the
began long before that.
work of really exceptional professors, like Wally CovIn the late 19th century, the Arizona Territory was ington, as Regents’ Professors,” said Hughes.
a rough place. The Arizona Territorial Legislature
Dr. Covington’s unconventional research of turndecided a reform school was needed to house and ing traditional forestry on its head by protecting oldrehabilitate lawbreakers. George Babbitt, a gre- growth trees and removing overly abundant younger
garious, generous and popular businessman was trees to restore degraded forests captured Governor
appointed president of the board looking into such a Babbitt’s attention.
facility.
Later as U.S. Interior Secretary, Babbitt called for
“George probably knew a reform school was not scaling up national forest restoration efforts stating
what Flagstaff wanted, but moved forward to establish that the scientific foundation had been laid by NAU.
the building with the idea that the legislators’ minds He and U.S. Senator Jon Kyl supported the creation
could be changed about what kind of school would of the Ecological Restoration Institute in 1996. With
actually be created,” said James E. Babbitt, nephew of Covington as ERI founder and executive director,
the late state senator with the same name.
NAU was able to broaden its forest health efforts to
Indeed, the reform school did not materialize but the intermountain West.
the Northern Arizona Normal School
While NAU was gaining national recognidid. It was a college to teach teachers. It
tion in forest ecology, Babbitt Ranches was
started in 1899 with the red sandstone
interested in helping the university expand
Article VII its outdoor laboratory. In 2002, the Babbuilding now known as Old Main and
later became the Arizona State Teachers
bitts donated Wild Bill Camp near BelleHuman
College at Flagstaff.
mont to NAU. This action led to many enviDimension
George and other leaders of the day
and Science ronmental science and research projects
likely believed the business of education
across the Colorado Plateau, including on
Section 5.
would have a positive impact on the econBabbitt Ranches. Comprising vast wildomy as well as on the culture of the town Participate in the dis- lands, varied topographies and diverse life
cussion, planning and
they were creating.
zones, this area became one of the largest
development
of quality
George died in 1920, but other Babecological study sites in the world.
regional plans.
bitts then championed the cause of higher
“The Babbitt family and Northern Arizona
education.
University have shared a mutually beneficial
As a state senator, James E. “Jim” Babrelationship committed to higher educabitt was considered one of the most influential demo- tion,” said NAU President John Haeger. “The Babcrats in the county. In 1936 he helped establish mas- bitts’ dedication to the land and to critical research
ter’s degrees at the colleges in Flagstaff and Tempe helps NAU further its mission as a national leader in
(now Arizona State University). This move boosted sustainability and education.”
enrollment in Flagstaff as credential-seeking teachers Among its contributions, the Babbitts have influenced
spent their summers on the mountain campus.
the university’s growth, strengthened its research
In 1944, Jim died during a hunting trip. John was capabilities, created scholarships and taught classes.
called to finish the Senate term. He was elected to “Many Babbitt family members have participated in
another term and became Senate President. From the efforts to support the university and may well have had
Senate, he went on to spend 16 years on the Arizona more of an impact on the school than any other group
Board of Regents.
of people,” Covington said.
“John Babbitt was one of the forces getting Coconino Today, the NAU president’s office is housed in the
County behind the Tempe college becoming a univer- Babbitt Administration Building, named after John
sity. He thought if we were supportive of them, they Babbitt. Other buildings carry Babbitt family names,
would be supportive of us. And it worked out,” said including Babbitt Dorm, named for former State Sen.
12th NAU President Gene Hughes. “I just know that Jim Babbitt, and the Bilby Research Center, named
behind the scenes was John Babbitt thinking ‘this is for Regent Bilby. The Babbitt Board Room, adorned
going to be good for Flagstaff.’ He had that vision, for with the original Babbitt board table and Babbitt
the Babbitt businesses, the livestock industry and the memorabilia, is located in the W.A. Franke College
community.”
of Business.
John also led the effort that created the School of “There’s a lot to be learned from an organization
Forestry in 1958.
like that,” said Landsward Institute Director Karan
“John had great respect for technical men in forestry English. “The Babbitts have influenced the region and
and soil conservation. He praised those folks and the university with their good neighbor policy, their
understood the importance of learning more about respect for the land, and their strong ranching and
the health of grasslands and forests,” said Babbitt family values.”
Ranches President Bill Cordasco.
BABBITT TIMES REVIEW
page 8
August 2012
Meteorologists Look for Moisture
A weak to moderate El Nino weather pattern is forecast for the winter across the Coconino Plateau. El Nino
events are large climate disturbances rooted in the tropical Pacific Ocean. The ocean temperature increases
by a few degrees Celsius at the surface from the coasts of Peru and Ecuador to the center of the equatorial
Pacific Ocean. A consequence of such warming is heavy rains in usually dry areas and drought in normally wet
regions.
“All expectations are that the El Nino will be weaker than the one we had during the moderate El Nino of 2009‘10, but keep in mind that the correlation between precipitation and weak events is not that great,” said National
Weather Service meteorologist Dr. Brian Klimowski.
Given the forecast of an El Nino, the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) is forecasting an enhanced likelihood of
greater than normal precipitation across northern Arizona this winter.
“I tend to agree,” said Klimowski. “I think there’s a good chance we’ll have a wetter than normal winter.”
Driftwood continued from page 1
They’ll be survivors.”
Rodgers says the open
range has helped these
babies develop their muscles and brains. “They are
smart. They’re not surprised when a bird flies
up under them. That’s not
going to startle them.”
To keep them from being
startled during the colt sale,
the cowboys staged a dress
rehearsal the day before,
haltering and walking the
colts in and out of a horse
trailer for the first time.
Rodgers’ favorite was a
bay filly, colt #10 in the
Saturday, July 14, lineup.
“She’s a little fireball. A
fiery colt can turn out to
be a more sensitive horse.
If you’re looking for a trail
rider, go with #11. She’s
real kind and real gentle.”
During the colt sale, hundreds of potential buyers
gather at Spider Web to see
the horses and participate
in the traditional western
event. But folks like Ben
Stone, a Tennessee farmer
and former rodeo roper,
came out for a preview the
day before.
“I enjoy seeing the colts
and I like the program here.
A lot of people look for a
high percentage of Driftwood bloodline. These
horses fit the tough country. They’ve been tried and
tested for years. They make
very good-minded cow
horses. But they are also
dependable and gentle, so
they make good horses for
women and children.”
Ron Kester of Oklahoma’s Clear Creek Ranch
explains it takes about 20
minutes for the cowboys to
get the colts to follow them.
“They’re a little scared, but
once they’ve figured out
you’re just there to help
them, they settle down.”
After studying the colts,
Kester had his eye on a filly
with “a little bit of snap,”
he said. “These horses are
bred for speed and she’s got
a good mind about her.”
“Babbitt Ranches is a
high-class operation,” said
Fred Lenertz, a buyer from
Minnesota. “These horses
have good feet and good
lungs from the high elevation. If a horse can make it
in this rough country, it can
make it anywhere.”
Western Horseman magazine ranks Driftwood number five in its list of top ten
ranch bloodlines. The ranch
cowboys, however, judge a
horse by its outline. “You
want to look for straight
legs, a straight back and
black hooves,” said Rodgers.
Lenertz will tell you
there’s two parts to a horse.
“There’s quality and then
there’s color.”
“A buckskin always sells,”
said Stone, about the tan
horse with the black mane
and tail. “Even if they’re
rarely ridden, they make
good pasture ornaments.”
In the end, all colts sold
for between $1,800 and
$5,000. Lenertz purchased
four, opening and closing
the auction and successfully
bidding on two in between.
Auctioneer Ron Berndt
agreed Lenertz got the bargain of the day, picking up
the first colt before bidders
got warmed up, a Proudgun and Bar Six Drift sorrel that went for $2,400.
Kester purchased two,
including the grullo filly of
Cowboy Drift and Proud-
Article III
Cowboy
Essence
Section 15.
Competitive
Greatness
Be at your best when
your best is needed.
Enjoy a difficult
challenge.
Photos by
Jake Bacon
gun descent that he had
picked out the day before.
“I’m sure we’re gonna like
her. She’s got too good of a
pedigree not to!”
Pedro Etienne of the Dos
Sierras Ranch in Tamaulipas, Mexico came to the
colt sale to start his horse
program. He purchased
three fillies and a colt.
“I was in Flagstaff last
December and saw the
terrain and experienced
the high altitude. I’ve been
looking for ranch horses for
June and July.
“By this time of year all
the animals, from horses
to javelinas, have had their
young. They may not be
really visible at first as
they tend to hide for the
first couple of weeks,” said
McCall. “But by this fall,
most of the young animals
will be pretty independent.”
For those who aren’t, little
cowboys like Tristan are
standing by, ready to help.
Mexico and I knew this was
the place where I have to
get my horses. They have
good lungs, a good heart,
good feet and stamina.”
“There’s every reason in
the world you’d want to bid
on these colts,” said Berndt.
“From the quality of horses
to all the cowboys on the
ranch. It’s a sure enough
good outfit. The crowd was
enthusiastic and there are
a lot of familiar faces. That
says something about
the horses.”
Ranch Babies continued from page 1
mom died. We feed them ciating humans with food,
milk because they say and become more attached
‘Moooooooo, I’m hungry, to people than their own.”
hungry, hungry, hungry!’”
Although late spring and
For Tristan, work is play early summer were dry,
on the ranch. He asked his that didn’t seem to negapapa, Duke, why they take tively impact livestock or
care of animals. “Because wild animal populations
that is just what cowboys this year. Babbitt Ranches
do,” he said.
experienced a greater than
“So Tristan gets up with 90 percent calf rate.
enthusiasm to just ‘do “We’re always concerned
what cowboys do,’” said about the pronghorn, as
Tristan’s mom, Frances. they are not doing all that
“The reward for him is the well in general around the
pride we take in
state,” said Arihis efforts and
zona Game and
how much we
Article IV Fish Departvalue his help.
ment
Game
Cowboy
He knows he is
Specialist Tom
Essence
important.”
McCall. “HisCharacter
As Tristan is
torically train
learning, and
Qualities
passengers
wildlife
manwould
report
Section 6.
agers confirm,
seeing
thouReliability
the first year is
sands of anteThe consistency and
the toughest for
lope between
trustworthiness that
survival for any
Winslow
and
create respect.
animal.
Flagstaff. We
“Even animal
don’t have those
moms need a
numbers today,
break,”
said
but pronghorn are one speArizona Game and Fish cies we can do quite a bit
Department District II for to improve their habiInformation and Education tat. We can control coyote
Manager Shelly Shepherd. populations and we can
“People will find fawns make it easier for them to
hunkered down in some move across their habitat
unusual spots, maybe on by lifting the bottom wire of
their lawn or on porch fences 18 inches above the
steps. If a mom thinks the ground, with ‘goat bars,’
baby is camouflaged, she’ll so they can get under them
leave him for a while. The easily.”
most important thing to do Like ranch colts, prongis leave the babies alone. horn fawns are born in
Wildlife young can easily March and April, while deer
become imprinted, asso- and elk have their babies in
Photos courtesy of Arizona Game and Fish Department,
Ken Harkey and Frances Vance.
Tristan feeds milk to Cuppy and Goti, “because they say ‘Moooooooo, I’m hungry, hungry, hungry, hungry!’”