To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Gini Pingenot, Director, Open Spaces
Prepared By:
prepared
Gini Pingenot, Director, Open Spaces; Glen Poole, Operations Manager, Open Spaces
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presenter
Presenter: Gini Pingenot, Director, Open Spaces; Glen Poole, Operations Manager, Open Spaces
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Subject:
title
1:30 PM *Ranger Program: Enhancing Stewardship and Public Safety on Open Space Properties
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Arapahoe County's 2021 Open Space Master Plan challenged the county to "explore building a park ranger partnership program with other agencies to enhance stewardship efforts, education and promote safety." (p. 131) Staff will share information gleaned through interviews with neighboring jurisdictions about their Ranger Programs and present a proposal for a new Arapahoe County Ranger Program to begin in 2025.
The proposal involves:
a) Creating a ranger program focused on natural resource protection and public safety pursuant to Open Space's Rules and Regulations and, if time permits, providing formal educational opportunities.
b) Employing 2-3 non-POST certified rangers in the program's inaugural year.
c) Granting rangers the authority to issue civil infractions for non-compliance with Open Space's Rules and Regulations. This would be a 'last resort' and would follow multiple acts of diplomacy aimed at re-directing behaviors/actions that are harmful to the environment, public safety and protection of cultural amenities.
d) Patrolling Open Space properties with a focus on urban parks, trails and trailheads.
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Background and Discussion: Arapahoe County serves as the steward of roughly 5,500 acres of parks and natural spaces. This includes the county's 14 open spaces, 10 parks, 4 trailheads and many miles of trails. Protecting and maintaining wildlife habitat, water quality and the county's rural heritage while providing recreational opportunities that safeguard the public, natural and cultural resource...
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