Aspen Times file photo.
The Aspen Times asked Aspen-Sopris District Ranger Karen Schroyer to describe three accomplishments during her 5½ years in the post. She is leaving July 25 for a promotion as deputy forest supervisor in the Mount Hood National Forest in Oregon (See related story). Schroyer said she focused on three issues that might not be as visible as other programs.
1. I believe my greatest accomplishment while working here has been developing a strong, resilient team. I learned early in my career as a district ranger that you hire excellent people, and you give them the space they need to develop and make mistakes. And you train them that partners are our life-support. You help them develop those relationships and then you watch the magic happen.
2. I’m proud of the work we’ve done with Black Hills Energy and the Wolf Creek natural gas storage field to provide a safe supply of natural gas to the Roaring Fork Valley. Most residents in the valley don’t realize that their homes are heated with natural gas that is stored on the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District.
3. I’m very proud of our partnership with Pitkin County Open Space and Trails in the Aspen Ranger Station. They help us maintain the building in turn for some office space and it’s brought life back to the Aspen Ranger Station. We are also looking at a longer-term solution for the ranger station, where Pitkin County and other partners can partner with us on a combination of affordable housing and administrative space.