WEEK OF APRIL 3, 2025
VOLUME 53 | ISSUE 43
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Conversation with sheriff draws supportive crowd BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
Idaho Springs council members approved a conditional use permit for temporary seasonal employee camping during rafting season March 24.
FILE PHOTO
Idaho Springs approves first step to seasonal employee camping permits for rafting season Property near Shelly/Quinn ballfields could open to camping to aid seasonal rafting employees BY CHRIS KOEBERL CKOEBERL@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM
The rapidly approaching rafting season in Clear Creek County will bring in thousands of tourists from across the country, providing millions of dollars to the local economy annually. According to a recent study, Colorado River Outfitters Association estimated there is more than $11.6 million in direct expenditures on rafting in Clear Creek County annually. The economic impact on the county as a whole, including restaurants, bars and lodging is estimated at just under $30 million, according to CROA. The massive, yet seasonal, influx of rafting
customers also requires rafting guides and support employees. With housing at a premium in the county, many rafting employees set up camp on or near the rafting outfit where they’re working, according to CROA and local rafting outfits. During its regular city council meeting on March 24, Idaho Springs council members approved the first reading of a conditional use permit for temporary seasonal employee camping during rafting season on property west of the Shelly/Quinn ballfields in the east part of town. The temporary city permit would come with several caveats: • Potable water must be available on-site at all times.
• Applicants shall receive Clear Creek Fire Authority approval concerning the size and location of the potable water storage. • The Clear Creek Fire Authority shall approve the location of campsites and cooking areas prior to occupation. • No open fires are permitted at the property. All campsite locations shall be numbered and a map of the site, showing all campsites labeled, shall be provided to the City prior to operation and shall be posted at the site. • Trash and recycling must be picked up weekly at minimum. • Adequate portable toilets will be provided on-site and will be pumped monthly at a minimum or as needed During the public meeting Idaho Springs Police Chief Nate Buseck told council members only a few issues have been recorded in previous camping in the area. The resolution, if ultimately approved by council members, would expire Oct. 1, 2026.
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Clear Creek County Sheriff Matt Harris was backed by five members of his command staff and Public Information Officer Jennifer Fulton as he opened a recent forum to questions from more than two dozen locals. During his opening remarks March 24 to a crowded audience at the county building in Georgetown, Harris reiterated his three goals since taking office: • Operational improvements • Community relations • Retention and recruiting qualified deputies Well-documented budget constraints facing the county currently, Harris said, are another major obstacle the departSEE SHERIFF, P23
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