Goodbye, Chico

In 1999, Duke Phillips III signed a 25-year lease on the Chico Basin Ranch, an expansive 86,000-acre ranch on the plains of southern Colorado. There he would raise his family and put into motion the process that would lead to the development of Ranchlands.

In 2023, the land board of Colorado voted not to renew the Phillips’ lease, accepting instead a higher financial offer from a rival bidder.

After 25 years living and breathing the land, 2024 was Ranchlands’ last at the Chico.

In this film, some of those who've called the Chico home for the last 25 years reflect on how this place changed them and their families.

Film by Peter Crosby.

[Picosacreek]

That's sad to see Duke and his family leaving the Chico, what a loss.

[johnkemp]

What you did there was exceptional and a tribute to your whole family. I rode a lot of miles with the Phillips family. Colorados loss is now a huge gain for Wyoming. Via con dios mi amigo.

[orsonleighgrant]

Colorado land board not allowing the lease to be renewed is genuinely criminal

[pablosalazar]

We sold our Ranch here in Mexico a year ago, it hurts, so many memories, so much love, know how you guys feel. New beginnings ahead, such is life.

[alexandermaldonado]

Sorry to hear this news. Here's to new beginnings.

[Vincent]

My grandpa sold part of our ranch and it’s still kills me inside.