Tom Murphy came to the Upper Arkansas Valley in the early 1980s. He met his wife, and together they owned and operated a Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch for nearly 40 years. Their two children were born and raised in the valley and attended the Buena Vista School District. Tom is also a hay producer and irrigator who greatly appreciates water and its importance to our community and our state. The Upper Arkansas Water Conservancy District plays a vital role in that capacity to protect and preserve these water rights for their beneficial and adjudicated rights, and Tom welcomes the opportunity to serve the District as a board member.