Jackson Outfitters, LLC, a hunting outfitter from Placerville, Colorado, has agreed to a $500,000 settlement concerning allegations related to the Cow Creek Fire. The fire burned 850 acres of the Uncompahgre National Forest in Ouray County, Colorado, in October 2019.
According to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado, the fire originated from a wood-burning stove at Green Mountain Camp. This camp is managed by Cow Creek Outfitters, an affiliate of Jackson Outfitters. At that time, a group had booked a self-guided elk hunt through Cow Creek Outfitters. The business operates under a Special Use Permit in the National Forest and is responsible for protecting land and property from damage.
The United States alleges that embers from a stovepipe connected to the wood-burning stove ignited dry vegetation on the ground at Green Mountain Camp. As a result, approximately 850 acres were burned and significant suppression costs were incurred by the government. It is alleged that Jackson Outfitters failed to ensure that their equipment was equipped with functional spark arrestors.
Acting U.S. Attorney J. Bishop Grewell stated: “Outfitters must ensure that the equipment they use in National Forests is safe and protects public lands for all of us.” He further noted appreciation for resolving this matter cooperatively.
Jackson Outfitters settled without admitting liability. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Forest Service Law Enforcement and Investigations and handled by Assistant United States Attorney Katherine Ross.
