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Forest Service outlines summer ranger patrols in Albion Basin; town contributes toward program
Summary
A Forest Service ranger described a rotating summer ranger team operating in Albion Basin and nearby canyons; staff said the combined program costs about $12,000 with roughly $4,000 from the town and matching from partners.
A Forest Service ranger detailed how a small summer ranger program operates across Alta and Albion Basin to educate visitors and reduce impacts during peak wildflower and recreation seasons.
Chelsea, a ranger with the Salt Lake Ranger District, said the team places one to two rangers in Alta and Albion Basin on weekends and holidays and runs education booths at hot spots such as the White Pine/Red Pine and Lisa Falls parking areas. She said the ranger group rotates through Little and Big Cottonwood and Mill Creek canyons; the broader seasonal team is about six to seven people who rotate to hit high-visitor hubs.
During council questions, staff clarified the funding: the program is funded by contributions pooled from the town, partner organizations and Salt Lake City. Staff stated the combined program budget is about $12,000, with roughly $4,000 coming from the town; the Forest Service matches local contributions in operation. Chelsea described the effort as education-first, with select rangers authorized to use law-enforcement authorities as needed but emphasizing visitor outreach and behavior change.
Council members raised hotspot locations and encouraged continued coordination on user-created trails and cleanup. Staff and the Forest Service said they will continue to coordinate on staffing and outreach and welcomed input on additional locations to prioritize.
