Summit Resources LLC

In 2004 Rick, through his company First United Realty and in collaboration with partner Ross Wilson, sold 2,629 acres in Coal Mine Canyon into the Sonoita Creek State Natural Area for about only 2/3rds  of  the appraised value and instead of subdividing the property into 36-acre ranchettes for greater profits.

The spring-fed pools in the canyon are home to the second largest known populations of Gila topminnow (one of the first species listed as endangered by the Federal Government  in 1967) and are  essential components  to the recovery of this species.

Aside from being important to the ongoing preservation of the Gila topminnow, the surrounding habitat has also been identified as valuable to Mexican spotted owls, lesser long-nosed bats and sixteen other sensitive species.

An additional sale in 2006  lead to an another 874 acres being added to the property already managed by the Arizona Game and Fish Department in cooperation with Arizona State Parks.