We have been out in the fields first thing in the mornings, removing burdock that is sprouting up throughout the fields, a tenacious encroaching plant with Velcro seeds that stick to everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) and which, if not handled, will take over all the water courses, covering all fur-bearing animals with a solid coat of sticky, prickly seeds. We do it early most mornings, an hour or two at a time, because if left until the end of day, things get in the way and we don’t get to it.

Yesterday morning, the geese were making all kinds of racket as if it were April, bringing sweet memories of spring time in April when the world seems to be waking up with birds flying, singing, honking, green grass coming way down close to the ground surface, baby grasshoppers, ice melting on the creek, trees buds growing almost like we can see them growing, baby calves lying down or bucking around, mud everywhere. I basked in all their noise, soaking it in, listening with disbelief at how early it seemed for spring to be bubbling up through winter’s cold crust ice and frost. I thought: Wow, the geese are like we are, craving for springtime, or…. maybe springtime is coming early?! Somehow, I know we are still in for a cold winter.

I spent almost two weeks earlier in January with grandkids and with the Chico Basin Ranch cattle, processing them: weaning calves, pregnancy testing the cows and culling—a process highlighted by working with the crew who I love the same as family, by the cattle that fill me with such pride. When I look at the calves in the weaning pen looking back at me, they are big and strong and able, the future of our ranch and the result of the entire year’s work. When I rode behind the herd after they were turned out, walking them to their winter pasture, I thought about how it is one of my favorite things to do. The long string stretching out over a mile, each cow walking along, head bobbing as if a trance, leaving their babies further behind with each step, but nonetheless walking, walking to where they know they are going, their winter home, a safe place with everything they need – grass, water, air and sunlight, elements that we take for granted but which are fundamental to life as they are living it.

I have spent so much time writing, calling, meeting with people from all over the country and beyond who are contacting us after learning about the loss of the Chico Basin Ranch. The outpouring of support from all corners has been so humbling, even from people who we have never met. A woman from the UK, who has never been to our ranches and who has just joined the Collective less than two months ago, contacted us wanting to know more. After communicating back and forth, she has made a substantial donation to Ranchlands. We are flooded with disbelief that she would do such a thing.

I heard from a friend in Vero Beach that I hadn’t talked to in over 35 years, a high school classmate I used to wrestle with almost 50 years ago. I have spoken with ranch brokers from Hall and Hall in three states who have responded in a hugely supportive way, even though they have nothing materially to gain. Many, many other people are calling us, giving us leads to follow up on. A man has contacted us to talk about gifting Ranchlands the lodge he owns in the Bighorn mountains. Our pack trips into the Bighorn Mountains and Paintrock Canyon Ranch guest weeks are all filling up. We have a group on the verge of leasing and renovating the former kids camp on the Paintrock, which would be a huge win. 

The Colorado Sun article that was published last Sunday telling the story of The Colorado State Land Board selecting another entity for the Chico is being shared prolifically on social media channels. It’s like a fever spreading. 

And lastly, we all want to give a BIG thank you for the huge response to December’s Collective letter, “On Land.” The response has given us such inspiration and belief that what we envision does have real possibilities, highlighting a consensus that investing in Ranchlands is both desirable from the standpoint of supporting our mission for the higher good and having greater access to Ranchlands and the experiences it offers on ranches. For those who sent a message and not received a response, please accept our sincere apologies. It is not for a lack of appreciation, just a lot to do with limited time. Please continue to bug us, write to us, call us, tell us what you think.

We will soon have a deliverable package that will be offered by invitation, describing the new tear offering deeper exclusive access to Ranchlands and the variety of products we offer. The Collective Strategic & Finance Brain Trust, made up of a small group of Collective members volunteering to help steer the future growth of The Collective, will be meeting January 30th to dig into creating another tier in the Collective which will provide an opportunity to invest in an ownership share of Paint Rock Canyon Ranch. It will have a price structure that is affordable to Ranchlands circle of people. As we look ahead at the Collective, we know that we want it to consist of people we invite who are already connected to Ranchlands through a common vision. Our strength will come from being a community of like-minded people joining together to create something bigger than any of us can be individually. 

I’m sitting at my little kitchen table with the dark outside the window soon turning to morning. The feeling of aloneness, was overpowering when the Chico Basin verdict came down telling us we have to leave, a very short while ago. But almost immediately after was, it dissipated, replaced by an energy of proportions that I have difficulty describing. It tells us that something great is going to happen, different than what we can see, but much bigger that what we can picture. And its because of you, and many others. We can’t thank you enough. 

Please continue to spread the word of the Collective, of the need for another ranch. Please tell us what you want more of, how you want to be involved, if you are interested in learning more about Ranchlands Investments. 

And thank you again!

Duke Phillips

January 25, 2024

Paint Rock Canyon Ranch