Page 81 - Ranger Manual 2017_Neat
P. 81

On all properties and at all times, patrolling rangers must:

                  •  Maximize contact with visitors and present a positive image of the OSMP Department
                     and the City of Boulder. Because visitor safety and resource protection are the most
                     important services rangers provide, regulations compliance, providing accurate
                     information, and interacting positively with the public are all high priorities;

                  •  Note safety hazards and, if necessary, take proper action. Safety hazards include:
                         ➢  Broken glass;
                         ➢  Facilities needing repair;
                         ➢  Wildlife and visitor concerns;
                         ➢  Unstable bridges and rising water levels; and
                         ➢  Wind-blown trees or other natural or human-caused hazards.
                     If patrolling rangers are not able to act on these issues, they must report them to their
                     supervisor and the appropriate department personnel;

                  •  Monitor natural and cultural resources, identifying problems and impacts that decrease
                     opportunities for long-term protection;
                  •  Monitor visitor impacts, especially undesignated trail development, muddy trail
                     conditions, and visitor use patterns that will contribute to resource protection problems;
                  •  Monitor wildfire danger;
                  •  Assure the cleanliness of properties by picking up trash and informing their operations
                     supervisor of any large-scale cleanup needs:
                         ➢  Check all outhouses for cleanliness and toilet paper;
                         ➢  Replenish toilet paper and complete minor outhouse cleaning if necessary; and
                         ➢  Report major cleaning needs to the “Trails and Facilities” supervisor or trailhead
                            crew; lock affected restrooms if necessary.
                  •  Report to the ranger sign liaison any sign issues (i.e., missing, outdated, or damaged
                     signs) that are not immediately fixable. Political fliers, advertisements, entertainment
                     notices, lost and found, and other posted commercial information must be removed
                     immediately from fences, posts, trailheads, and so on;
                  •  Check gates for proper opening and closing mechanics and adequate signage;
                  •  Pay special attention to signs notifying the public of wet trail conditions, trail/area closures,
                     and livestock on properties;
                  •  Monitor trails and hillsides for erosion problems;
                  •  Check for compliance with existing leases, overgrazing evidence, improper vehicle use,
                     access gates left open, and so on, on leased agricultural properties. Problems with lessees
                     should be reported to an operations supervisor and the natural resource specialist
                     responsible for administering the lease on that particular property. Except in extreme
                     instances, lessees should not be summonsed without the ranger services supervisor’s
                     approval;
                  •  Check to make sure contractors and researchers working on any OSMP properties are
                     complying with contract provisions. Notify the on-duty operations supervisor of any




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