GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (KREX) — It's the most recreated National Forest in the country - the White River National Forest holds 2.3 million acres and draws in 18 million visitors every year.
Store Manager Paige Pridmore at Gearhead Outfitters near downtown Glenwood Springs says she believes the community here is definitely outdoor-based and built around being in the outdoors.
Pridmore tells WesternSlopeNow locals use the mountains for all types of recreation just as much as tourists.
Public Affairs Officer David Boyd for the White River National Forest says the Supervisor's Office building downtown is still open, but not to the public anymore.
The reason? Short staffing. Boyd says it is only a temporary close until they can get staffing back up to par.
This lobby used to serve its visitors with merchandise and maps, as well as fuelwood and mushroom permits.
Now if folks want to get those permits, they must drive to the Rifle Office, as the Aspen-Sopris station is closed due to construction.
Another big change - Boyd tells WesternSlopeNow about 30 seasonal workers won't be hired for next summer for the White River National Forest. That means all departments will be a little shorthanded except for wildland fire.
The effects of this will be felt across the entire National Forest, but Boyd tells WesternSlopeNow he's not too sure exactly how.
He is, however, sure this will not mean any additional closures to popular sites or trails in the area, like Hanging Lake.
As time marches on, so do the rangers like Boyd working to try and find a solution to this problem.