Reflecting on This Year's Annual Campout

We had such a special time last weekend at Ashurst Run for the Annual Campout.

Diablo Trust was joined by folks from USFS, AZGFD, Tread Lightly!, NAU researchers, ranchers, UA Cooperative Extension, and many other representing groups, all gathering on the land. Putting this event on was indeed a group effort, with sponsors donating gifts for our silent auction (including Chuck’s wife baking an apple pie onsite that deservedly went as a high-ticket item), and Cambium Wealth providing a free financial planning service for a ranching family. We also had fantastic local musicians playing for us around the campfire, and meals cooked by AZ Sunshine Kitchen featuring Diablo Beef from the Bar T Bar Ranch.

Learning across organizations

This was a great opportunity for us to learn across the intricate web of individuals and groups shaping rangelands in northern Arizona. A few highlights from the organizations who joined us:

We kicked things off with a field trip to Pine Hill- a recently burned area- where USFS shared insights on fire recovery, and Kit Metzger offered a personal perspective on how she sees the impact of fire on this area. We wrapped up the field visit with a discussion of ways to use targeted grazing and other collaborative approaches to strengthen management across fire and range.

We then shifted gears and heard from UA Cooperative Extension, who described how to think like a naturalist- getting to know the flora and fauna and going beyond "because of the way it is" when it comes to identification. This talk also touched on New World Screwworm- while it hasn't moved past New Mexico yet, it can be expected to show up in Arizona eventually, and we should all stay diligent in recognizing early signs in both livestock and wildlife.

Zane, an NAU forestry student wrapping up his internship with Diablo Trust, gave a presentation on virtual fence technology- what it is, how it works, what we currently know, and what questions remain. He's working on a research paper to share soon.

We also took time to celebrate the shifting attitudes toward ranching, and invited attendees to share their own reflections. In the spirit of open conversation, we discussed differing views on the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP). Some pointed to the shift from "Cattle Free by '93" to a year of recognition as a milestone worth celebrating. Others voiced concern that it risks becoming more of a distraction than something directly impactful for ranchers. It’s important to recognize both perspectives here- the IYRP is a significant step in building public appreciation for land stewards, but that appreciation should not stop at events and celebration. It needs to translate into active support for those on the land.

Learning did not only occur in these scheduled sections- the beauty of events like these is that all those present have something to bring from the table and often occur in regular conversation. Some insights: the need for shared, specific definitions, since even simple terms can be surprisingly hard to pin down; discussion of how vegetation can respond unexpectedly to grazing exclusion; a new focus group at NAU looking for ranchers to participate; and plenty more. We're truly grateful to bring these ideas together in one space.

Our 2026 strategic plan reflects these themes of learning, sharing, and collaboration. We hope to keep strengthening partnerships across the web of groups shaping northern Arizona rangelands- many of whom joined us at this year's campout. You can find a brief overview below- we invite you to get involved in whatever way you can!

Learning from our history

We learned from those who were here, but perhaps the most important lessons were those gleaned from those no longer with us. Following the campout on Sunday morning, we held a memorial for Jack Metzger, a founding member of Diablo Trust. The impact he continues to have was palpable, and reflections shared extended well beyond the past, but also into how we might carry his legacy forward.

We got a glimpse of Jack in action through footage of a skit from Diablo Trust's early days. Through this clip and from what was shared by those who knew him, it is clear that not only was he a fierce defender of ranchers and the ranching lifestyle, but he was also “the guy that wanted to bring parties together to find solutions”. That's a lead we hope to keep following.

Hearing about Jack also gave our earlier conversation about the IYRP and shifting public perceptions a new context. As one attendee put it: "Without his tenacity and constant focus on making things better for everyone, we would not be in the place we are today. Our opportunities to succeed as land managers are tenfold what they were back in '93." Jack had a big role in these changes that have helped land managers not only within the Diablo Trust community, but across the West.

We hope to reflect on Jack's life and legacy in greater depth going forward.

Closing thoughts

For some attendees, this was their first experience at a Diablo Trust campout. We spoke to one such attendee who shared the following thoughts: "It's nice to hear people who disagree but are willing to give each other space to disagree- that's something I'm not used to, and I really want to instill that in all areas of my work. It's fine to disagree; it's pointless not to listen to each other." They also shared that it was a meaningful experience that felt “like going home within Flagstaff.” We hope that these sentiments were felt by all those who attended.

We're so grateful to those who make this community what it is- the long-standing and the new.

Until next year.

2026 Campout Reflections

Spring 2026 Appeal