IDAHO SPRINGS – The Clear Creek Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests is proposing to charge fees at the new Devils Nose Target Range (https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/devils-nose-target-range) and is asking for public input. 

The Devils Nose Target Range, located southwest of Idaho Springs approximately 1.5 miles northeast of Echo Lake, is an important part of the Forest’s effort to manage recreational sport shooting in a safe and sustainable manner. The site opened on August 13, 2025, and includes a vault toilet and three shooting galleries (25-yards, 50-75 yards and 100-yards), each with shooting benches and shade cover. 

Two fee scenarios are being proposed to provide the Forest Service flexibility depending on staffing of the target range. The staffed scenario is a reservation system that would cost $22 ($20 plus $2 Recreation.gov fee) per lane for an hour and a half period with a range master on site. Reservation is for one lane/distance. With the staffed scenario, the site would receive daily cleaning, and users are guaranteed a shooting lane through the reservation at this remote location. The unstaffed scenario would be a first come, first served system that costs $10 per vehicle for an all-day pass. This scenario does not provide a range master.

The restroom and target range would only be cleaned intermittently, and parking would be unfacilitated. A target lane is not guaranteed if the site is full. Response to issues would be limited. Visitors may find the range at capacity and not have the opportunity to shoot following a long drive to this remote location.

 Each shooting lane can accommodate up to four people and, due to limited parking, one parking space per lane. These fees would provide for operations, maintenance needs and enhanced customer service. The fees are comparable to other ranges along the Colorado Front Range. Which scenario is implemented annually would depend on staffing availability.

 In 2004, Congress passed the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (REA) which allows the Forest Service to retain at least 80% of the money collected at recreation sites and use these funds locally to operate, maintain, and improve these sites. Revenue collected through recreation fees would help the forest improve infrastructure at recreation sites and fund additional recreation staff during the season of operation. Recreation fees help provide quality recreation opportunities that meet the modern expectations of visitors and creates a more financially sustainable recreation program for future generations.

  The public is invited to comment on this fee proposal considering both scenarios. The proposal is available online, along with an interactive StoryMap (https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/8b23f6b24c37422daae3439232919455). The comment period is set to end by close of business October 31, 2025.

To ensure your comments are considered, please send no later than the above date to Arapaho & Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland, Attention: Bryce Hoffman, Recreation Program Manager, 2150 Centre Avenue, Building E, Fort Collins, CO 80526, or sm.fs.devilsnose@usda.gov or through https://arcg.is/qyij80. Oral comments can be provided by calling 719-239-4937 and indicate you would like to provide comments on the proposed recreation fee changes.

For more information, visit https://www.fs.usda.gov/r02/arp/recreation/devils-nose-target-range.

Once public involvement is complete, the proposed fee changes will be reviewed by an advisory committee, who will submit their recommendation to the Rocky Mountain Regional Forester for a final decision.