A volunteer group promoting quality of life, and the
environment of the Lower Blue River Valley.
The Friends of the Lower Blue River are dedicated to sustaining and protecting the traditional agricultural character, promoting the safety of the residents, livestock and wildlife, and maintaining the environmental integrity of the Lower Blue River Valley through education, collaboration and community involvement.
To sustain and protect the traditional agricultural character, promote the safety of the residents, livestock and wildlife, and maintain the environmental integrity of the Lower Blue River Valley through education, collaboration and community involvement.
Friends of the Lower Blue River is committed to preserving the rich history of the Blue River Valley. Through grant support from the Summit Foundation, we have created this interactive tool that documents and takes you to key points of interest in the Valley. You will see photographs and read about those who came before us. Those who settled this pristine area of Summit and Grand Counties in the 1800’s and the relevance those sites have today. FOLBR invites you to take this journey on our website and discover the treasure, that truly is the Lower Blue River Valley.
Click Here to see History Story Map
Three months after the State Division of Reclamation, Mining and Safety (DRMS) held a series of three public hearings on Peak Ranch Resource, the official ruling has now been issued. The document formally lays out the findings of fact and conclusions of law and order regarding Peak Materials attempt to gain a state permit to mine gravel on the Blue River. The ruling details the unanimous denial of the permit request.
By Lindsey Toomer---Summit Daily
Since a state board denied Peak Materials’ application for a gravel mining permit at the Hillyard property in April, neighbors have been left with many questions about what the property’s future might hold.
The last few weeks presented a few surprises on Capitol Hill. Within the last month and a half many believed that a deal was in the works for the Build Back Better Act with negotiations within the Democratic party being vigorously pursued. Seemingly, at the last hour, all was lost despite those apparent laborious negotiations with disappointment expressed by many who worked to advance this for many reasons including work on the environment and combating climate change.
Then in a surprise to many not privy to inside discussions, the Inflation Reduction Act was created. It remains to be seen if it will truly reduce inflation in part because there are many components of calculated inflation that in some ways are beyond the control of legislative action.
It does reinvigorate enthusiasm and action on the climate front at a cost. According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget website, it calculates a cost for the energy and climate piece at roughly $386 billion. Tax credits for clean electricity, clean manufacturing, and clean fuel are main beneficiaries. These climate investments will be paid for with revenue from a 15% minimum corporate income tax.
On July 27th, the North American Grasslands Conservation Act was introduced by Senator Ron Wyden (D) Oregon and co-sponsored by Senator Michael Bennet (D) Colorado and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D) Minnesota. This bill dedicates $312 million to restoration efforts.
The findings in Section #2 of the summary substantiate the need for this bill. “Grasslands, including sagebrush shrub-steppe systems, are some of the most threatened ecosystems in the world. These ecosystems are working lands that are critical for rural economies, carbon sequestration, and wildlife habitat but are at risk from fragmentation, invasive species, catastrophic wildfire, and degradation. As these ecosystems decline, the country has lost more and more grassland ecosystem wildlife, particularly grassland and sagebrush birds.”
This act includes four major initiatives:
At this year's FOLBR Annual Gathering, Frank and Myra Isenhart received the 2022 FOLBR Founders Award.
Frank and Myra understood more than 20 years ago, that it was time for valley residents to organize to protect the values unique to the Lower Blue and to be ready for future threats. Together with the George and Pam Beardsley (2021 FOLBR Founders Award Recipients), they formed Friends of the Lower Blue River—our FOLBR.
The organization grew into what it is today. We owe a great debt of thanks to the Isenharts.
Congratulations to Myra and Frank Isenhart, this year's recipients of the 2022 FOLBR Founders Award.
In the early 2000’s, Lower Blue Valley residents were fighting commercial development proposals that would increase density, including a proposed golf course. Residents worked to ensure the Lower Blue Master Plan reflected our interests: to maintain the extraordinary natural open-space and agricultural character of our valley.
Frank and Myra Isenhart understood that it was time for valley residents to organize to protect these values unique to the Lower Blue and to be ready for future threats. Together with the George and Pam Beardsley (2021 FOLBR Founders Award Recipients), they formed Friends of the Lower Blue River—our FOLBR.
The organization grew into what it is today. We owe a great debt of thanks to the Isenharts.
Help Support FOLBR through our Online Auction. It benefits FOLBR's land stewardship, sustainability, and philanthropy efforts in the Lower Blue River Valley. Your participation will support our programs that include:
The Safe Soils/Climate Resiliency Initiative - A research and climate action project, underway now, that provides ranchers in the valley with tailored plans to help them maximize the climate resiliency of their lands. FOLBR is helping landowners in the valley improve soil health, carbon sequestration, and capability to improve the environment, support livestock and wildlife in a balanced way.
The Livestock Emergency Evacuation Plan - A comprehensive guide to livestock emergency preparedness. We provide landowners and stakeholders in the valley with a network of safe zones for livestock evacuation and emergency resources in the case of wildfire.
Our partnership with the Blue River Watershed Group and other environmentally and community-focused non-profits. These partners strengthen our community and protect the natural beauty of the Blue River Valley and its surrounding areas.
Our collaboration with Middle Park Conservation District, Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust, Lake Dillon Fire District, and more.
To access the Auction, click the link below, create an account and you're good to go. The auction closes on 8-9-2022 at 2:00pm.
