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.

We are also very fortunate to have the support of several organizations partnering with us on our climate action advisory committee. They include the Summit County Board of County Commissioners; the Middle Park Conservation District; Colorado Conservation; The Natural Resource Conservation Service; The Blue River Watershed Group; The Colorado Department of Agriculture; The Colorado Cattlemen's Association; and both the US and Colorado State Forest Services. We have a very robust committee.

We will continue to let you, our members, know our progress as we move forward.