Page 80 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat

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Chapter

Open Space and Mountain Parks

Patrol Function

Districts and Policy
The Open Space and Mountain Parks (OSMP) system may be divided into patrol districts in
order to increase patrol efficiency. Every ranger I and ranger II should focus his or her patrol
efforts on the following criteria:
• Public use of the property;
• Resource protection needs and visitor impact areas;
• Visitor conflict areas;
• Capital items needing protection;
• Safety concerns;
• Presence of livestock, crops, or other agricultural concerns;
• History of problems in the area;
• Recent property acquisitions; and
• Special regulatory concerns

Rangers’ primary responsibilities are to patrol OSMP properties on foot, horseback, bicycle, and
by vehicle. Vehicle patrol is discouraged on interior properties in general, and it must not be
conducted on wet roads and trails except in emergencies. Whenever possible, patrols should be
outside the vehicle—on foot, bike or horse—to allow interaction with the public.

Visitor safety, OSMP resource protection, law enforcement, high visibility, and customer service
are the primary patrol objectives. As such, some patrol time may be combined with in-field
projects and interpretive opportunities to increase efficiency.

Trail and property signage, minor maintenance projects, resource protection and monitoring, and
other duties should be completed while on patrol. Rangers’ shifts on weekends and holidays must
focus on patrol and prioritizing trails and properties with high visitor use. The specific nature of
patrols changes both seasonally and from property to property.

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