This article about the construction at Ute Trail appeared in the Lake City Silver World newspaper this fall.
New Construction At Ute Trail Ranch
by Amy Jo O’Dubhaigh
Sky Ranch at Ute Trail, located north of Lake City on highway 149, is undergoing a transformation. A seven part land-use improvement plan is underway and is scheduled to be completed by June 1, 2010.
Having originally purchased the Ute Trail Ranch in 1973, the Seay family re-purchased the one thousand four hundred acre ranch in 1993 and are currently leasing sixty acres to the fifty four year old Christian Ministry, Sky Ranch.
Sky Ranch at Ute Trail is one of three Sky Ranch locations. Headquarters for the organization is located in Van, Texas and there is another camp in Cave Springs, Oklahoma.
The camp at Ute Trail encompasses three different ministries; a family camp with ten cabins, youth leadership ministries with twelve lean-to cabins, and a wilderness ministry program in the back country surrounding the ranch.
“This current project came about because Sky Ranch expressed the desire to increase the capacity of their camp,” said George Seay, who is overseeing the implementation of the new land-use improvement plan. “The camp has been a real success and in order for it to grow, it needs more room.”
“This is the second phase of improvements,” Seay said. “The first phase took place in 2005 and included the construction of twelve cabins and three staff cabins designed by Gunnison architect Joe Bob Merritt.”
Phase two of Sky Ranch’s land-use improvement plan began in 2008 with approval for the work by the Gunnison County planning commission. “We are off to a really good start,” Seay said.
The first and biggest component of the improvement plan is the construction of five new cabins to increase the capacity of the family camp at Sky Ranch. The family camp cabins are the buildings located closest to the highway.
“The first of the five cabins is nearly completed, and the other four are currently in the framing stage,” Seay said.
Construction of a new meeting room is scheduled to begin November 23. The room will provide space for meetings, programs, and shows at the camp.
A water treatment plant to treat and purify all of the camp’s waste water is the third element in the land-use improvement plan. This will be an entirely new system and will replace a septic/leach field system on which the camp was previously dependent.
“We are excited to implement this new water treatment system,” Seay said. “It will really benefit the ranch and will also be much better for the environment.”
Along with the water treatment plant, a fire protection system, including three fire hydrants, will be installed.
The sixth part of the land-use improvement plan is increasing the dining capacity of the camp lodge by adding a 30ftx50ft outdoor eating area. It is expected this space will be necessary to accommodate the increase in the number of guests. Improvements to the existing kitchen are also planned.
In anticipation of a larger number of visitors to Sky Ranch at Ute Trail with the completion of the new lodging facilities, modifications to the entrance road into the camp are being made.
“We are enlarging and improving the road into camp from highway 149,” Seay said. “Work has already begun on this part of the project with asphalt being laid down at the entrance.”
The final component of the land-use improvement plan is aesthetic. Upon the completion of the new construction, additions, and improvements grass, trees, and flowers will be planted throughout the camp. This landscaping will complete phase two of the camp’s transformation.
Matt Ventura and his brother Luke of M.Ventura Design Builders from Gunnison, are the builders in charge of the project.
Also involved are architect Leigh Dillenback from Alpine Dwelling in Crested Butte; Spallone Construction who did the infrastructure earth work; contractor Frank Mangum from Lake City; Larry Reschke of Dilmont consultants; Montrose Engineering; engineer, Jerry Greene from Gunnison; and Williams Engineering also located in Gunnison..
“We have focused on keeping the work local,” Seay said. “We have purchased almost all of our materials from Blue Spruce and have been really pleased with them and with everyone working on the project. We are excited to see everything completed next June."
Monday, February 1, 2010
Monday, January 25, 2010
Pictures from January 18th
Here are pictures of the current construction at Ute Trail. These were taken on January 18th.
New road looking into camp:
View from a new cabin (the one to the south):
New road looking into camp:
View of new cabins next to older cabins:
New meeting space:
New cabins:
View from a new cabin (the one to the south):
Thursday, January 21, 2010
january visit
Today is Thursday, January 21, 2010. Angie Fleshman and I just returned from a four day trip to Ute Trail Ranch where we saw the construction progress for the Sky Ranch at Ute Trail camp improvements. The 4 new cabins are complete on the outside with the exception of the siding and the red roofs have been installed. They look great! The meeting room is going up rapidly and looks good in its location. It will make a big difference in our programing.
I thought the spacing of the cabins looked good and the appearance from the highway looked good also. Matt Ventura and Leigh Dillenback are doing a very good job for us. The weather has been mild this fall and winter and this has allowed us to move forward without many delays.
We have started the furniture for the cabins. My nephew, David Seay, is building beds, nightstands, coffee tables, tables and chairs to go in each of the 5 new cabins. Russell Young is building new benches to go on the new decks of the old cabins.
We have had some generous gifts come in from Wilson and Lendy Jones, Bob Van Horn, Laura Clark, Laura Evans and John and Judy Seay. We are extremely grateful to these supporters for their generosity. And for their endorsement of the family and youth Christian Camping Ministry at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail.
It has been a pleasure working with the Sky Ranch staff. Linda Paulk, Chris Witt, Gary Morgan and Thomas Ufer have been outstanding in their devotion to providing an excellent Christian Camp program and supporting staff for our guests. Also, Michael Jackson, Stacy Davis and Whit Roberts have added immensely to the program as board members for Sky Ranch at Ute Trail. I am thankful to God for providing these essential friends to our ministry at Sky Ranch Ute trail.
Angie and I are working with Thomas Ufer to get a website built for the Ute Trail Ranch Alumni Association. We plan to have great pictures, history, links and everything possible to inform others of what is offerred at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail.
We were pleased to see that Doug and Julie McClain have been hired as directors of Sky Ranch at Cave Springs in Oklahoma. Doug and Julie have been crucial to the growth and development of the program at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail. We wish them well in their new position at Cave Springs.
I will post some pictures Angie took on this recent trip in a few days when she returns from a trip to New York City she is taking with her family. Angie has been invaluable to us as the director of The Ute Trail Ranch Foundation.
Have a good remainder of Winter and thanks again for being a follower of The View From The A Frame.
George Seay
I thought the spacing of the cabins looked good and the appearance from the highway looked good also. Matt Ventura and Leigh Dillenback are doing a very good job for us. The weather has been mild this fall and winter and this has allowed us to move forward without many delays.
We have started the furniture for the cabins. My nephew, David Seay, is building beds, nightstands, coffee tables, tables and chairs to go in each of the 5 new cabins. Russell Young is building new benches to go on the new decks of the old cabins.
We have had some generous gifts come in from Wilson and Lendy Jones, Bob Van Horn, Laura Clark, Laura Evans and John and Judy Seay. We are extremely grateful to these supporters for their generosity. And for their endorsement of the family and youth Christian Camping Ministry at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail.
It has been a pleasure working with the Sky Ranch staff. Linda Paulk, Chris Witt, Gary Morgan and Thomas Ufer have been outstanding in their devotion to providing an excellent Christian Camp program and supporting staff for our guests. Also, Michael Jackson, Stacy Davis and Whit Roberts have added immensely to the program as board members for Sky Ranch at Ute Trail. I am thankful to God for providing these essential friends to our ministry at Sky Ranch Ute trail.
Angie and I are working with Thomas Ufer to get a website built for the Ute Trail Ranch Alumni Association. We plan to have great pictures, history, links and everything possible to inform others of what is offerred at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail.
We were pleased to see that Doug and Julie McClain have been hired as directors of Sky Ranch at Cave Springs in Oklahoma. Doug and Julie have been crucial to the growth and development of the program at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail. We wish them well in their new position at Cave Springs.
I will post some pictures Angie took on this recent trip in a few days when she returns from a trip to New York City she is taking with her family. Angie has been invaluable to us as the director of The Ute Trail Ranch Foundation.
Have a good remainder of Winter and thanks again for being a follower of The View From The A Frame.
George Seay
Monday, December 14, 2009
View from the A Frame
Today is December 14, 2009. I am going to Ute Trail Ranch on Saturday, Dec 19th. I will take pictures of the construction and post these on this blog next week. The cabins should be framed up by now.
Our caretakers, Bill and Ann Carpenter, are back living at the camp which pleases me. I hope they are enjoying the beautiful snow we just had.
I have a book to recommend to you. It is "The Earth is the Lord's, Christians and the Environment" It is written from a Southern Baptist Conference in 1991 and gives a good perspective on Christians' responsibilty for the environment. It discusses how the central idea in the bible about stewardship is that God is the Creator and Owner of all that exists. We are stewards and/or trustees. We are responsible to God for how we treat the earth and its resources. This perspective is helpful when trying to make decisions about the environment today. This book was written in 1991 and is more important today than it was 18 years ago. You can order this on Amazon.com or let me know if you are interested in having a copy.
Last Tuesday, December 8, 2009, my aunt, Sadie Seay, died at the age of 94. She and her late husband, Charles E. Seay, my uncle, owned Ute Trail Ranch from 1978 to 1993. They were gracious to give us some time in 1993 to consider repurchasing the ranch and I am so grateful to them that we were able to buy it back. It has been a blessing for me and my family to be able to own the ranch again and to work on the Christian camping ministry that is there. The Seays were giving people who helped thousands of people in the areas of medicine, education, recreation, the arts and also friends to stray animals through Operation Kindness. They were two of the most important people in my life. I miss them and their son, Charles Seay Jr, who predeceased them.
When I return I will post my pictures of our construction progress. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
George Seay
Our caretakers, Bill and Ann Carpenter, are back living at the camp which pleases me. I hope they are enjoying the beautiful snow we just had.
I have a book to recommend to you. It is "The Earth is the Lord's, Christians and the Environment" It is written from a Southern Baptist Conference in 1991 and gives a good perspective on Christians' responsibilty for the environment. It discusses how the central idea in the bible about stewardship is that God is the Creator and Owner of all that exists. We are stewards and/or trustees. We are responsible to God for how we treat the earth and its resources. This perspective is helpful when trying to make decisions about the environment today. This book was written in 1991 and is more important today than it was 18 years ago. You can order this on Amazon.com or let me know if you are interested in having a copy.
Last Tuesday, December 8, 2009, my aunt, Sadie Seay, died at the age of 94. She and her late husband, Charles E. Seay, my uncle, owned Ute Trail Ranch from 1978 to 1993. They were gracious to give us some time in 1993 to consider repurchasing the ranch and I am so grateful to them that we were able to buy it back. It has been a blessing for me and my family to be able to own the ranch again and to work on the Christian camping ministry that is there. The Seays were giving people who helped thousands of people in the areas of medicine, education, recreation, the arts and also friends to stray animals through Operation Kindness. They were two of the most important people in my life. I miss them and their son, Charles Seay Jr, who predeceased them.
When I return I will post my pictures of our construction progress. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
George Seay
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
View from the A Frame
Hello, everyone, today is November 11, 2009. Things are going well at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail. Here is a brief report on what we are doing:
1. We have completed the wastewater treatment plant. This includes the pipes, house, tanks and everything else needed. It will be put into usage this spring.
2. We have completed most of the fire protection water system. There is still some work to be done at the pond.
3. The road is complete from the highway to the basketball court. The remainder to the west will be completed next spring.
4. We have done the foundations for 4 cabins and are framing up these 4 cabins now. This week we are starting the foundation for the meeting room. The room has been detached from the store due to some store foundation problems, butI think this might look better.
5. Leigh Dillenback, our designer, has begun work on plans for the new dining area behind the lodge and for converting the infirmary and kitchen to better usage. Also, we have hired Rainmaker in Montrose to do a design for our landscaping this spring.
The work looks good. Matt and Luke Ventura are on the job daily and Spallone Construction has done a good job on the wwtp and road. Bill and Ann Carpenter, our excellent caretakers/cook have taken off for 4-6 weeks but will return soon. Here are some pictures that I took several weeks ago.
1. We have completed the wastewater treatment plant. This includes the pipes, house, tanks and everything else needed. It will be put into usage this spring.
2. We have completed most of the fire protection water system. There is still some work to be done at the pond.
3. The road is complete from the highway to the basketball court. The remainder to the west will be completed next spring.
4. We have done the foundations for 4 cabins and are framing up these 4 cabins now. This week we are starting the foundation for the meeting room. The room has been detached from the store due to some store foundation problems, butI think this might look better.
5. Leigh Dillenback, our designer, has begun work on plans for the new dining area behind the lodge and for converting the infirmary and kitchen to better usage. Also, we have hired Rainmaker in Montrose to do a design for our landscaping this spring.
The work looks good. Matt and Luke Ventura are on the job daily and Spallone Construction has done a good job on the wwtp and road. Bill and Ann Carpenter, our excellent caretakers/cook have taken off for 4-6 weeks but will return soon. Here are some pictures that I took several weeks ago.
Thomas Ufer has been named Director of Programs for Sky Ranch at Ute Trail and Gary Morgan and Chris Witt are to serve as Co Directors of Sky Ranch at Ute Trail. In my opinion this is an extremely gifted and outstanding threesome to lead our camping programs. They are spiritual leaders.
The Rock Staff Reunion in Dallas was excellent and we had a good turnout of over 30 people. We had dinner at Mattito's and then took turns sharing information on what everyone has been doing. Thomas Ufer and Angie Fleshman did a great job of organizing everything for us. Kevin and Laura Sipp also were a big help. Part of the evening was set aside to honor Doug and Julie McClain who have been a key part of the camp since 1997. Several of the staff spoke about how important and helpful the McClains have been and they were given a framed picture of out 2007 reunion. Doug and Julie have been involved in every aspect of our programs for 12 years and have been crucial to our growth and improvement as a ministry serving God in His great Creation. Doug is currently the Director of Operations for Sky Ranch Camps. We are all grateful for their positive influence over the years.
Angie and I and maybe my wife, Nancy, will attend a Christian Camping and Conference Center conference with seminars in late November and hopefully we will learn something useful for the coming summers. Linda Paulk, Sky Ranch's CEO and Chris Witt, Sky Ranch's Director of Camps may attend also.
It is a privilege to be involved in this Christian Ministry of Evangelism and Discipleship in the middle of God's amazing Creation. We hope our new improvements will fit in nicely with the magnificance of the San Juan Mountains where we are. We have some excellent pictures done by Sara Kerens from our August Ute Trail Boys Camp Reunion. Here is the link to the website: www.pictage.com/708855.
Thanks for reading and taking an interest in this ministry.
Sincerely,
George Seay, Trustee, Ute Trail; Ranch Foundation
ps. We have Park Cities Presbyterian Church and Prestonwood Baptist Academy each signed up for two weeks next summer. Two great organizations! My church, Highland Park Presbyterian Church has signed up for two trips for next summer.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Your Donation Makes a Difference!
Every summer Sky Ranch Ute Trail serves over 1000 students, children and adults through 3 life-changing ministries: Family Camp, High School Leadership Camp (Quest/Sigma) and Wilderness Adventures. Ute Trail is currently undergoing a significant building project to increase our capacity and meet the needs of these three growing ministries. In addition to the cabin renovations that have already been completed, construction is underway to build a new meeting space, 5 new family camp cabins, lodge renovations and infrastructure such as a new waste water treatment plant, entry road and water/fire suppression system. Making these improvements will allow us to serve over 1500 people each summer!
With three ministries simultaneously being held on the property and increasing our capacity for this coming summer, we have a variety of needs that you can meet by providing funds for the items listed below. If you would like to give an undesignated financial gift we are happy to see that your donation is used for the most needed items. New or gently used items are appreciated. Any donation that you are able to make is greatly appreciated and will go to serve the campers and families at Sky Ranch Ute Trail.
Thank you in advance for your donation.
Sincerely,
The Ute Trail Ranch Alumni Association
WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN GIVE
1. Wilderness Backpacks
Every summer Sky Ranch Ute Trail serves over 1000 students, children and adults through 3 life-changing ministries: Family Camp, High School Leadership Camp (Quest/Sigma) and Wilderness Adventures. Ute Trail is currently undergoing a significant building project to increase our capacity and meet the needs of these three growing ministries. In addition to the cabin renovations that have already been completed, construction is underway to build a new meeting space, 5 new family camp cabins, lodge renovations and infrastructure such as a new waste water treatment plant, entry road and water/fire suppression system. Making these improvements will allow us to serve over 1500 people each summer!
With three ministries simultaneously being held on the property and increasing our capacity for this coming summer, we have a variety of needs that you can meet by providing funds for the items listed below. If you would like to give an undesignated financial gift we are happy to see that your donation is used for the most needed items. New or gently used items are appreciated. Any donation that you are able to make is greatly appreciated and will go to serve the campers and families at Sky Ranch Ute Trail.
Thank you in advance for your donation.
Sincerely,
The Ute Trail Ranch Alumni Association
WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN GIVE
1. Wilderness Backpacks
The past two summers Ute Trail has seen incredible growth in the backpacking program. We have been so blessed to experience this growth; however, our Kelty external frame backpacks are in great need of retirement. It is our goal to replace the entire fleet of backpacks with internal frame packs before this summer which will cost approximately $6,000 ($120 a backpack)!
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Donate a partial or full amount towards new backpacks to be used next summer.
Internal Frame Backpack and Rain Cover-$120 Goal: 50 backpacks
2. Scholarships
Sky Ranch Ute Trail provides powerful experiences in which students and families grow in their relationships with each other and with God. Our vision is to make this experience available to every child and family no matter their financial background. Below are the costs to send one backpacker on trail, one student to leadership camp and one family to family camp - your donation will make a difference.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Donate a partial or a full scholarship and provide financial assistance to help send a child/family through a life changing opprotunity at Sky Ranch Ute Trail.
Wilderness-$435/camper Goal: 50 scholarships
Quest/Sigma 2 week camper-$1,800 Goal: 20 scholarships
Family Camp- $2,200/family Goal: 10 families
3. Wish List
In addition to wilderness backpacks and scholarships, Sky Ranch Ute Trail has a list of items that are needed in order to run their programs and provide a welcoming retreat for guests. As a nonprofit, Sky Ranch Ute Trail relies on the generosity of those who wish to support it's mission.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Donate an item from the wish list that you are excited about giving.
Activities & Sporting Equipment
Nets for Soccer Goals ($100)
Bocce Ball set and Storage Chest ($200)
Wooden Checkers/Chess Tables ($300)
Sand, 5 yards for Volleyball Court ($400)
Zip Line (appx. $10,000)
Alpine Swing (appx. $10,000)
Wilderness Equipment
4 Golites ($200/item; $800 total)
8 Family Camp Kayaks ($350/kayak; $2,800 total)
Trail clothes for rental ($500)
Rock climbing Gear ($2,000)
Vehicles
Van ($18,000)
4-Door Truck ($15,000)
2 6-8 Passenger Rubicon Jeeps ($40,000)
Kitchen
Ice Machine ($1,700)
Hobart Dish Machine ($7,000)
Dishes ($1,000)
Lodge
Porch Swing ($250)
Tables & Table Clothes for Family Camp ($1,000)
Dining Chairs ($4,000)
Furniture for Lodge ($4,000)
New Carpeting (appx. $6,000) Camp Store
Picture Frames for history display ($100)
10 Strands of white fairy lights ($100) Office
Combo copier/printer/fax/scanner ($2,000)
Storage
Shelves for Linen Closet ($500)
Storage Shed for Quest/Sigma ($1,000)
General Improvements & Purchases
Hammocks ($100)
Lock Box Med Kits ($200)
Automatic light timer for porch lights ($250)
Flowers ($300)
Bear proof trash can lids ($1,000)
Wood Splitter ($1,250)
HOW TO MAKE YOUR DONATION
Checks
Please make checks out to Sky Ranch Foundation.
Mail to: Sky Ranch, 600 N. Pearl Street, Suite 640, LB 148, Dallas, TX 75201
In the memo please write the letters "UTRAA" followed by the item/scholarship for which you are designating your donation.
Credit Card or In-Kind Donations
Contact Jennie Piehl at 469-484-4840 or jenniep@skyranch.org.
If you would like information on ministry programs of Sky Ranch, please call 903-266-3300 or visit http://www.skyranch.org/utetrail.
Monday, September 7, 2009
Summer 2009
Today is Labor Day, September 7, 2009. I have been back in Dallas since September 2nd. The 2009 summer at Sky Ranch at Ute Trail was outstanding. We had good attendance in all three of our programs, Family Camping, Quest Sigma leadership Camp and our Wilderness Ministry.
Our staff did a great job and exemplified servant leadership at its best. Our kitchen staff prepared wonderful meals that everyone enjoyed. Our guests all seemed to enjoy the camp program and we have had a good signup for next summer so far. All in all it was one of our best summers ever.
Also, we had a scholarship family camp week for military families and a reunion for Ute Trail Boys Camp 1946-1973.
Tomorrow we get underway with our 9 month building program which should result in our having 4 new cabins, a meeting room, a new wastewater treatment plant, a fire protection system and new road in place by June 1, 2010. Our builders, Matt and Luke Ventura and Nick Spallone are ready to start and continue this project until completion.
We will be able to accomodate 10 families per week next summer as well as our two other programs usual numbers.
This month of September is possibly the most beautiful month of the year at Ute Trail Ranch with the Aspen trees turning gold and yellow.
Next week we have a fishing retreat planned for Park Cities Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Texas with 19 men attending. The fishing has been good all summer and we now have 3 beautiful Golden Trout in the river. We have been catching 10 inch to 22 inch trout this summer.
Our museum in the old barn was completed last month and presents a history of Ute Trail Ranch since its founding in 1883,
Until next time,
George Seay
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