NEWS RELEASE
July 17, 2025
Contact: Jennifer Peterson, Public Information Officer
Email: jpeterson@ourayco.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Announcing the Brand-New Ouray County Sheriff's Office Alpine Ranger Program
Ouray County, Colo. – The Ouray County Sheriff’s Office is pleased to announce their brand-new Alpine Ranger
Program. The Alpine Rangers will serve as both educators and light enforcers in Ouray County, particularly in
areas with “dirt roads” like Camp Bird Road, Imogene Pass, the Alpine Loop, and the Cimarrons area. They will
support the Sheriff’s Office mission while ensuring compliance with regulations established by the Bureau of
Land Management (BLM), U.S. Forest Service (USFS), and Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW).
Their responsibilities will include:
- Educating the public about Leave No Trace principles
- Promoting the importance of staying on designated trails and following county off-road regulations
- Encouraging proper trail etiquette
- Offering support to current deputies
- Serving as a mobile visitor service by providing maps, brochures, trail information, and other resources
- Enforcing fire bans
- Ensuring compliance with OHV (Off-Highway Vehicle) registration requirements
This program creates an opportunity for rangers to engage with the public, advocate for responsible outdoor
recreation, and contribute to the preservation of Ouray County’s natural resources. Alpine Rangers will be
present at major permitted events such as the Jeep Jamboree, Hardrock 100, and Rocky Mountain Round-Up,
as well as during holidays like the 4th of July and Labor Day. They will also be available to assist with Search
and Rescue efforts. Rangers will be equipped with maps to distribute to the public and handouts educating
users on Leave No Trace, fire stages, and OHV registration information.
Alpine Rangers will patrol in teams of two, focusing their patrols during the weekends (Friday-Monday) and will
patrol during the summer season until October. The current Alpine Rangers will play a significant role in
shaping the future of this new program. They will explore ways to enhance the program for coming seasons,
considering factors such as patrolled areas, schedules, equipment, future training, and the optimal number of
program personnel.
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