Friends of the Lower Blue River (FOLBR) is pleased to announce soon to be former State Representative and Speaker of the House Julie McCluskie has joined the FOLBR Board of Directors. Julie is a lifelong Coloradan and graduate of Colorado State University with a degree in chemistry. She began her career in hospitality and then to workforce training, including overseeing training for employees working in our national parks. She made Summit County her home in 2001.
“Summit County’s spectacular mountains, forests, and waterways deserve our strongest stewardship and unwavering advocacy. I’m honored to join the FOLBR Board and contribute to an organization that engages community members in meaningful, hands‑on efforts to preserve the agricultural traditions of the Lower Blue River and protect our truly special mountain way of life,” said McCluskie.
As House Speaker, Julie has been instrumental in advancing major investments in public and higher education, student success, health care affordability, affordable housing, and early childhood education, including leading the first significant update to Colorado’s school finance system.
Equally central to her story is her family life in the Rocky Mountains, where she lives with her husband, and raised two children. Whether tending a backyard greenhouse built in the depths of winter, caring for her chickens, or knitting, Julie’s values stay grounded and connected to the land, the environment, community, and way of life that define Summit County.
“As a lawmaker, I’ve had an opportunity to lead on critical environmental, water and forest policy, fighting the battle against the significant impacts of climate change and drought. As I conclude my time in office, I’m deeply grateful for an opportunity to keep on fighting for Colorado and for future generations to come,” concluded McCluskie.