Tom Koehler: Director of Climate Action

Friends of the Lower Blue River is pleased to announce Tom Koehler is now part of the FOLBR administrative staff, as Director of Climate Action. Friends of the Lower Blue River considers climate action a top priority and Tom has proven to be a tremendous asset in that effort.

FOLBR is currently in its first phase of a Safe Soils/Climate Resiliency Initiative in Summit and Grand Counties. The program is assessing the health of the soil in the Lower Blue River Valley. The research will establish baseline data and recommend improvements to increase our valley’s health and the ability to capture carbon in the environment.

Photo by: Richard Strauss

Friends of the Lower Blue River has hired the eco-consulting firm Geosyntec to assist us in our Safe Soils/Climate Resiliency Initiative. Beginning right after the first of the year, Geosyntec will start gathering extensive data, targeting four private ranches in the valley, Pass Creek, Blue Tree, Otter Creek and Blue Valley.

The initial scope will involve identifying the key ecological characteristics of each of these private properties. Later in the first quarter of the year, research scientists will collect samples from these diverse properties. The goal is to assess the health of the soil throughout the forested lands, riparian zones and open pastures.

We are making significant progress in our Safe Soils/Climate Action Initiative. In our first phase, we will utilize the experience and geo-engineering services of the consulting firm Geosyntec. The initial scope of the project is to assess the soil, obtain baseline results, then determine recommendations to improve the varying land profiles.

We are fortunate to have four ranchers who have agreed to partner with us in this initial phase. Collectively they have diverse land profiles and offer us a great opportunity to gather solid data. We want to thank Jim Donlon (Pass Creek Ranch); Charlie Kurtz and Ann Stailey (Blue Tree Ranch); Johnny LeCoq (Otter Creek Ranch); and Brien Rose (Blue Valley Ranch) for their support in our initiative. Ultimately, we hope to expand our focus throughout the Lower Blue River Valley. We want to work with ranchers and land stakeholders to offer good information and data for the future health of our wonderful valley.