Larimer County Rangers report 90 water rescues and 43,000 public contacts in 2024

The Larimer County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) held a work session on May 5, 2025, focusing on community planning, infrastructure, and resources. The meeting highlighted various aspects of the Larimer County Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and its ongoing efforts in public safety, law enforcement, and community engagement.

The session began with a presentation on the training protocols for rangers, emphasizing the importance of Crisis Intervention Training (CIT). All full-time rangers are CIT certified, equipping them with skills to handle mental health crises effectively. The training includes techniques for de-escalation, which are crucial for ensuring public safety during challenging situations.

Rangers reported a busy year in 2024, making over 43,000 contacts with the public, with 77% focused on public relations. These interactions primarily involved providing information about trails and natural resources, with less than 25% addressing regulatory violations. Notably, only about 1% of contacts resulted in citations, indicating a focus on education over enforcement.

The presentation detailed the top reasons for law enforcement contacts, including underage possession of alcohol and marijuana, cliff jumping, and unattended fires, which saw an increase due to fire bans. Rangers also patrol four bodies of water, soon to be five, and conducted 90 water rescues in 2024, highlighting their role in ensuring safety on lakes and reservoirs.

In addition to routine patrols, rangers responded to over 2,100 calls, with a significant portion being self-initiated. Common call types included park incidents, assistance to other agencies, and welfare checks for individuals in crisis. The rangers made 45 arrests in 2024, primarily for driving under the influence, showcasing their dual role in law enforcement and community support.

A notable incident discussed involved a ranger's successful intervention during a high-stress situation where a suspect caused significant property damage and posed a danger to the public. The ranger utilized crisis intervention techniques to safely apprehend the individual, who faced multiple charges.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on a recent poaching case involving a trophy elk. The DNR faced challenges in pursuing charges due to existing legal loopholes but successfully negotiated a plea deal that included fines and penalties for the offender.

Overall, the work session underscored the DNR's commitment to public safety, community engagement, and effective law enforcement, while also addressing the complexities of managing natural resources in Larimer County. The board plans to continue monitoring these efforts and explore further training and support for rangers in the future.