including Scout Energy, Utah Gas, and Deserado Coal Mine, represent the city’s main employers and contribute significantly to the town, county and regional economic base. While Rangely’s retail options may be somewhat limited, Caldwell notes “We have as much retail as you want within an hour’s drive, and it’s a gorgeous drive.” Marketing Director, Jeannie Caldwell describes, “Rangely is a small community full of a lot of wonderful people. Everybody takes care of each other. If there’s a problem, there’s always people who are willing to help out, just good, neighborly people.” A GATEWAY TO OUTDOOR ADVENTURE Surrounded by miles of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land, Rangely is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.“We have a river that meanders around the community that people love to kayak and float and enjoy during the summer,” Caldwell illustrates. “We have a reservoir about five miles from town, we have a lot of OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) trails, and a lot of hiking.” She highlights the Kenney Reservoir, which provides opportunities for fishing, camping, and water sports, and the White River, with seasonal rafting trips that extend all the way to the Green River in Utah. “We would like to see more water features,” expresses Town Manager, Lisa Piering.“Our plan is to put in at least two or three more river put-ins because of private property along the river.We want to make sure the public has access to the river and can recreate on it as well.” The first of these projects, funded by the Just Transition Fund, is already underway, with plans to seek additional grants to support further development. ECONOMIC ADVANTAGES Rangely embraces traditional energy sources, along with a growing interest in green energy. The town’s roots are an oil, gas and coal community which remain very important for economic growth. Piering emphasizes that Rangely is not solely focused on extraction.“We are about all forms of energy as well,” she says, stressing the importance of ensuring that any move towards green energy is sustainable, and aligns with traditional sources of energy and doesn’t lead to excessive government spending. In terms of economic drivers, some of Rangely’s employers include Rangely District Hospital, the Rangely School District, and Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC). Additionally major industrial and energy companies 3 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 01 RANGELY, CO
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