2022 Colorado Open Space Alliance Conference
The Rocky Mountain Ranger Association joined Open Space professionals from around the state at the annual Colorado Open Space Alliance (COSA) conference on September 19-21. The magnificent setting of Crested Butte was not the only benefit to rangers who made the trek to the Elevation Hotel and Spa to attend the conference. Thanks to the coordination work of your RMRA Training Committee and the work of rangers from multiple RMRA-affiliated agencies, this year’s COSA conference was the first to feature ranger-specific content in every session. See below for a full list of sessions and presenters from the conference.
One of the key features of any conference is the opportunity to network and socialize with fellow professionals. The RMRA booth in the main conference hall received numerous visitors, allowing RMRA board officers to connect with members from around the state. On Monday, September 19, RMRA held its first-ever After Party at Secret Stash Pizza. More than 40 RMRA members attended, enjoying the food, brews, and eclectic atmosphere of this unique and fun venue.
On September 20, after COSA’s Blue Grama awards, RMRA Awards Committee Chair Billy Hall emceed the second annual RMRA Ranger Awards. This year, five recipients received the Distinguished Service Award. Recipients included Chelsea Wilson (City of Aurora PROS), Maddison Peddy (City of Colorado Springs), Drew Sprafke (City of Lakewood), Mike Bowman (City of Colorado Springs), and Sully Tun-Ake (Boulder County Parks and Open Space).
All RMRA awards come from the nominations of RMRA members. Any Association member can nominate a group or individual for recognition, and the Awards Committee selects the final recipients. To learn more about the awards and how to nominate exceptional rangers to receive them, visit the RMRA website’s awards page.
If you missed seeing RMRA at this year’s COSA Conference, the Association is working to identify future opportunities to host social events and bring members together. If planning and attending fun events with your fellow rangers sounds like a good time, reach out to your RMRA Board about serving on our Events Committee!
The Association will return for the 2023 COSA conference, so Make plans to attend this important networking event and support your fellow RMRA members! For information about the 2023 COSA conference, visit the COSA website.
Conference sessions and presenters:
Youth Empowerment: A Day in the Life of a Youth Ranger - Arian Hampel and Ranger Naturalist Melinda Markin (City of Boulder OSMP).
Digitally Tracking the Most Elusive Creature on Open Space: the Park Ranger – Operations Specialist Katie Kisiel and Lead Ranger-Naturalist Brian Litwin (City of Boulder OSMP) and Solutions Engineer Kendell Ryan, (Esri).
Behavioral Emergencies: Tools and Techniques for Effective Response – Ranger Lead Shaun Howard and Park Ranger Kevin Blackwell (Jefferson County Open Space).
Officer Survival and the Need for Peer Support Teams – Ranger Aubrey Hilte (Larimer County DNR)
Rangers to the Rescue: Developing an Effective Medical Response Program – Open Space Park Supervisor Drew Sprafke (City of Lakewood) and Senior Watershed Ranger Pryce Hadley (City of Longmont)
Professional Vehicle Contacts for the Limited Commission Ranger – District Manager Cindy Claggett, Captain Christine Fleming, and Ranger Aubrey Hilte (Larimer County DNR).
Welcoming Nontraditional Communities to the Outdoors – Ranger Supervisor Bevin Carithers, Senior Ranger Lucero Torres, and Community Engagement Ranger Sully Tun-Ake (Boulder County Parks and Open Space).