New U.S. Forest Service district ranger outlines wildfire, minerals and recreation priorities for Clear Creek Ranger District

Max Fergencie, the incoming Clear Creek District Ranger for the Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests, told the Clear Creek County Board of County Commissioners on March 18 that the Forest Service’s top priorities for the district are timber and fuels management, energy and minerals infrastructure, and critical recreation opportunities.

Fergencie introduced himself to the board and described his background in Forest Service lands and special uses work, post-fire recovery roles and prior acting service in the district. “Number 1 is timber and fuels management… The second 1 is our energy and mineral minerals infrastructure… And the last 1 is our critical recreation opportunities,” he said.

Why it matters: commissioners and staff said the priorities matter for public safety, local economies and infrastructure planning along the I‑70 corridor. Commissioners pressed for detail about how projects would be planned and how the public would be engaged, and Fergencie said project design is still early and that the standard NEPA process will be used for treatments on Forest Service land.

Key details and near-term projects: Fergencie and county staff discussed two shooting ranges and summer roadwork at Mount Blue Sky (State Highway 5). County staff said the Clear Creek target range building is complete except for shooting enclosures and a remaining sewer issue; if a Colorado Parks and Wildlife grant and concessionaire negotiations proceed, they expect to open in July. County and Forest Service representatives also said the Devil’s Nose target range project is aiming for a July 1 opening and the Forest Service is preparing the related closure orders.

Fergencie said the Forest Service has not yet received an official federal definition for “critical recreation,” but that high‑use sites such as ski areas and Mount Blue Sky are being treated as priorities. He noted that the planned Mount Blue Sky roadwork will close vehicle access this summer at the 1035 junction while hiking trails remain open to the summit.

Public safety and closures: commissioners and the district ranger discussed that formal closure orders and enforcement will be needed where public safety risk is high — for example, in high‑density recreation areas where people currently target‑shoot outside developed ranges. Fergencie said the Forest Service is preparing draft orders but that final implementation may shift with the federal administration transition.

Forest/utility coordination: Fergencie identified energy and mineral infrastructure (naming Xcel Energy and Public Service of Colorado and local mining activity) as a priority area for coordination between the Forest Service, utilities and local governments. He also noted work with local fire districts and community wildfire protection planning.

What’s next: Fergencie said he will continue local engagement and meet with county and municipal officials, and requested that staff and commissioners continue coordination on the target ranges, trail and recreation management and NEPA planning for fuels projects.

Speakers quoted or cited in reporting: Max Fergencie, Clear Creek District Ranger, Arapahoe and Roosevelt National Forests; Rebecca Lloyd, Commissioner; George Marlin, Commissioner; Jody Hartman Ball, Commissioner; Lisa Davis (range project contact), county staff.