safety
‘The calm in the storm’: Mesa County range rider fills gap outside of state wolf program
By Vail Daily
· June 28, 2026
· 1 min read
Collbran resident Christina Vander Berg had a 25-year career investigating fires and built a life as a Western Slope cattle producer and rodeo judge. Over the past two years, she’s stepped into a new role that draws on her passions and experience: serving as a range rider amid Colorado’s controve...
Key takeaway Over the past two years, she’s stepped into a new role that draws on her passions and experience: serving as a range rider amid Colorado’s controve...
Why this matters in Aspen News
As Pitkin County neighbors the areas where wolf reintroduction is underway, the work of range riders like Christina Vander Berg takes on added significance. While Aspen 's own wildlife management concerns often focus on elk and deer populations, the presence of wolves in nearby counties like Mesa underscores the interconnectedness of Western Slope ecosystems. The fact that Mesa County fell outside the state's range rider program highlights the potential for gaps in coverage and the value of initiatives like Defenders of Wildlife's efforts to support local producers. As Aspen's own agricultural and ranching communities consider the implications of wolf reintroduction, they may look to models like Vander Berg's range riding work for guidance on coexisting with wolves and mitigating potential conflicts. The success of such programs will be crucial in balancing the needs of wildlife, livestock, and human communities across the region.
About this story
Original reporting by Vail Daily . Aspen News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Vail Daily . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 28, 2026 ·
Source: Vail Daily ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Collbran resident Christina Vander Berg had a 25-year career investigating fires and built a life as a Western Slope cattle producer and rodeo judge. Over the past two years, she’s stepped into a new role that draws on her passions and experience: serving as a range rider amid Colorado’s controve...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 28, 2026 by Vail Daily and curated for Aspen News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Vail Daily. To learn more about how Aspen News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Aspen News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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