ANPR USNPS Stewards for parks, visitors and each other The Association for All National Park Employees

Vol. 26, No. 1 • Winter 2009-10

Rendezvous XXXII AssocIAtIon of nAtIonAl PARk RAngeRs RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u Sec1a 2009 PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS 1ST PLACE “Gift of a Yellowstone Bear Jam” Yellowstone Stacy Allen, Shiloh

2ND PLACE “Blue Mountains” Sixteen images were entered in ANPR’s annual photography competition. Start New South Wales, Australia thinking about entering your top images in this year’s contest in Bend, Oregon. Patrick Hattaway, Grand Teton

3RD PLACE “Mount Moran with Flowers” Grand Teton Jessica Sheffield Pennsylvania State University

(continued on page 17)

Sec1bt ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers The membership of ANPR is comprised of individuals who are entrusted with and committed to the care, study, explanation and/or protection of those natural, cultural and recreational resources included in the National Park ANGERThe Journal of the Association of National Park Rangers System, and persons who support these efforts.

R USNPS Vol. 26, No. 1 Winter 2009-10 ANPR’s official address is 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222, Golden, CO 80401. Members receive Ranger Ranger (ISSN 1074-0678) is a quarterly publication of as part of their membership dues. Consult the inside back Board of Directors the Association of National Park Rangers, an organization cover for membership and subscription information. created to communicate for, about and with National Park Officers Service employees of all discplines; to promote and enhance Submissions President Scot McElveen, Retired the professions, spirit and mission of National Park Service Prospective authors should contact the editor or editorial Secretary Emily Weisner, ARHO employees; to support management and the perpetuation adviser before submitting articles. Editor, Teresa Ford, Treasurer Bill Schappell of the National Park Service and the National Park System; 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222, Golden, CO 80401, Past President Lee Werst, WORI and to provide a forum for social enrichment. (303) 526-1380; [email protected]. Editorial adviser, Mark In so meeting these purposes, the Association provides Herberger, (571) 926-1509. Board Members education and other training to develop and/or improve Deadlines Education & Training Rebecca Harriett, HAFE the knowledge and skills of parks professionals and those Spring issue...... Feb. 28 Fundraising Activities Kendell Thompson, LIBO interested in the stewardship of national parks; provides a Summer issue...... May 15 Internal Communications Eric Leonard, CHIC forum for discussion of common concerns of all employees, Fall issue...... Aug. 15 Membership Services Gregg Fauth, SEKI and provides information to the public. Winter issue...... Nov. 1 Professional Issues Mike Anderson, SERO Seasonal Perspectives Tom Banks Special Concerns vacant FIELD NOTES FROM WINNING PHOTOGRAPHER Strategic Planning Stacy Allen, SHIL this image of a magnificent grizzly bear bear in the wild or their 100th. A volunteer Task Groups taken as the animal traversed the slopes of with the park bear management program, International Affairs Tony Sisto, Retired Mount Washburn, below Dunraven Pass in who was familiar with this particular female Centennial vacant grizzly, was present to assist visitors to find Rendezvous Dan Moses, Retired Yellowstone, produced considerable comment Retirement Frank Betts, Retired at the Ranger Rendezvous concerning the safe suitable parking off the road from where proximity of the photographer (myself) to the they could enjoy watching the animal from a Staff subject (the bear). On this day, since dawn, my reasonable distance without interfering with Membership Services Teresa Ford morning had been spent observing members her wanderings. As for the bear, she all but Ranger Magazine of the Druid Peak wolf pack on Yellowstone’s ignored the behavior of her excited human Editor Teresa Ford northern range, in the Lamar River Valley audience gathered along the roadside. Editorial Adviser Mark Herberger, MIMI This particular photo is one among several and further west at Slough Creek and Little Professional Ranger Section taken as the grizzly passed 40 yards upslope America Flats. At noon, with the wolf watch- Administration Michelle Torok, SAGU ing having calmed considerably, I decided to from my safe vantage at the turnout. From Interpretation Jeff Axel, BIBE proceed further into the interior of the park to there she rapidly descended to the road, Protection Kevin Moses, BUFF Hayden Valley. The day was cool and cloudy crossing to the west side, where she sidled Resource Management Sue Consolo Murphy, GRTE with intermittent snow in the afternoon. As down the mountain to disappear under I traversed southward, ascending to the west the canopy of conifers growing below. The Table of Contents side of Mount Washburn toward Dunraven image was taken handheld with a Canon Rendezvous Overview...... 2 EOS 40D, digital SLR camera, using a Keynote Address by NPS Director Jon Jarvis...... 3 Pass, along the section of Yellowstone’s Grand State of the Association...... 4 Loop Road connecting Tower Junction to the 100-400mm zoom lens advanced to full Photos...... 7 Canyon area, I noticed this grizzly meandering focal length (400 mm), snapped at F/5.6 Breakout Sessions, Panel Discussions...... 8 southward across the slope of the mountain. with an exposure time of 1/400 second. ANPR Board Business...... 8 The image has not been cropped and was ANPR Awards & Mather Award ...... 9 It being mid-autumn, the bear was busily Quotables...... 10 engaged in what all bears do during this time selected for the Rendezvous photo contest More Photos...... 11 of year—voraciously browsing on all things based on the recommendation of my wife, Oral History Project...... 13 Diane, who considered it the best of the bear Exhibitors & Acknowledgments...... 15 edible that her highly efficient nose guided her ANPR Elections...... 15 to discover. When first observed, the grizzly photos. The few minutes spent enjoying this An Alluring Note...... 16 was roughly 120 yards upslope from the road, grizzly, number 14 of 18 total bears observed Suggestions to Board from Member...... 17 during this particular two-week visit to ANPR Reports...... 18 and luckily a convenient turnout was nearby Supernaugh Memorial Scholarship Fund...... 18 for safe parking. Over the course of the next the park, remains my closest—but not too Professional Ranger...... 19 15 minutes, as the bear steadily descended the close—encounter with ursus arctos horribilis IRF Update...... 22 slope, her presence near the road created one of throughout 10 unforgettable journeys to Yel- Ranger Rendezvous XXXIII...... 25 lowstone since 2001. I’ve always wondered All in the Family...... 26 Yellowstone’s famous “bear jams” as motorists In Print...... 27 took notice of the always predictable human when this grizzly denned a month later, Fall Fund Campaign Report...... 28 behavior in response to any bear observable settling into winter’s hibernation, whether Cover art from a park road. To see a wild bear is one of she was pregnant and gave birth. The hope Rendezvous logo courtesy of Elizabeth Pols the remarkable gifts of wilderness and always for the continued existence of her species is Copyright © 2010. All rights reserved. exciting for anyone privileged with the op- what I ponder when viewing this image. Articles and images in this publication are the sole property of ANPR and Ranger magazine, except where otherwise portunity, whether they’re viewing their first — Stacy D. Allen indicated. Republication in whole or part is not allowed without written permission.

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u  Rendezvous in Gettysburg Photos by Warren Bielenberg, Patrick Hattaway & Teresa Ford outh and energy merged with Gettys- burg’s history and tradition to create a dynamic mix at the 32nd Ranger were popular offerings. Also, an eight-hour Rendezvous.Y Operational Leadership training session took Nearly 200 participants of this annual place during a two-day period. gathering of the Association of National Park Nearly 30 students, many from Slippery Rangers met at the Wyndham Hotel Gettys- Rock University in western Pennsylvania, burg Dec. 6-10, 2009. attended the Rendezvous as new ANPR mem- A special viewing of the park movie, the bers. The youth factor was apparent as they restored cyclorama painting and the museum, delved into breakout sessions, job counseling all within the new visitors center, were the and networking with longtime members. first order of business. Guided tours of the Not far from many people’s minds was the battlefield and national cemetery set the scene spirit of Rick Gale, an enthusiastic supporter the next day. of ANPR who helped found the organization “America’s History: Protecting the Past, and served many years as president. He died Informing the Future” provided the theme for unexpectedly in March 2009, and this Ren- the five-day event. Many of the speakers and dezvous was dedicated in his honor. Several panel presentations focused on this theme, family members attended and supported the which became a stepping-stone for other discussion to use memorial funds in Rick’s discussions. name for an oral history project (see page 13 To many, NPS Director Jon Jarvis’ speech to for details). a standing-room-only audience on the second The popular NPS film night returned to the full day was a conference highlight (see next Rendezvous, thanks to Eric Epstein of Harpers page). His talk and a question-and-answer Ferry Center. It included showings of historical session then sparked a flurry of conversation films featuring San Juan in Puerto Rico, the More Rendezvous activities and photos are and photo opportunities. Wills House in Gettysburg, San Antonio Mis- featured on the following pages. Check the In addition, employment presentations sions and the Selma to Montgomery National ANPR page on Facebook for other photos and special one-on-one resume/job counseling Historic Trail. and comments. USNPS

2 tt ANPRANPR • •Association Association of of National National Park Park Rangers Rangers NPS Director Jon Jarvis addresses full house he National Park Service should ride Lowell NHS restored the community’s faith the wave of the Ken Burns’ documen- in itself. tary and advance strong support of Lastly, Jarvis said the NPS must reinvest in Tnational parks into this century, NPS Direc- its workforce, and he recommended reading tor Jon Jarvis said in his keynote speech to the many valuable thoughts from The People Rendezvous attendees. Factor: Strengthening America by Investing in He outlined his priorities of stewardship, Public Service by Linda Bilmes and W. Scott education, relevance and workforce, and pro- Gould. vided details for each core value. Later, he said we need to “excite the next Jarvis pledged the “very best science” in order generation in coming to work in government,” to focus on stewardship, and he said a silver a comment that likely inspired the several dozen lining of climate change is the opportunity to university students in attendance. operate at ecosystem and landscape levels and Operational Leadership training, which was “create corridors of connectivity” for wildlife, held during the Rendezvous, will transform water and other elements. the NPS, Jarvis asserted. He supports reducing “The NPS should be a leader in sustain- excessive reporting requirements, some which ability — demonstrate to the public how it he says aren’t adding any value. can be done,” Jarvis said. Jarvis called the ranger an idea and iconic positioning the group for future years. Jarvis, an He called for sustainability in historical symbol of the NPS. We need to decide what ANPR member for years, stressed that ANPR preservation and also pledged to rebuild our is the “ranger of the future,” he asserted. must become relevant to NPS employees in country’s international role. National parks employees should be more order to gain similar recognition granted to Education about climate change must bring willing to embrace technology — from cell- the George Wright Society and the National no fear of reprisal, Jarvis pledged. “This is a phones to GPS to iPods, he said. Association for Interpretation. core responsibility.” Jarvis encouraged ANPR to think about He suggested ANPR offer relevant profes- In regard to relevance, he called individual what the workforce needs in future years and sional training for NPS employees, and add activism a key to relevancy. It’s not just about then “find that niche” to contribute to the a community service project to future annual the 392 units in the system, but also about second century of the national parks. gatherings to show commitment to a local the people who help communities, he said. Afterward, ANPR members were left with community. USNPS He pointed out how the NPS presence at thought-provoking ideas to synthesize about

RANGERRANGER •• WinterWinter 2009-102009-10 uu 3 was hawking raffle tickets, collecting fines as with the National Environmental Policy Act President’s Message bailiff, making that off-handed remark that was and the Endangered Species Act. That victory In his State of the Association address, ANPR President usually right on point at a business session, or was relatively short-lived because in May the Scot McElveen made these remarks Dec. 7, 2009, in just giving career encouragement and advice U.S. Congress passed legislation attached Gettysburg, Pa., at the annual Ranger Rendezvous. to us individually. To many Rick became the to the Credit Card Holders Rights Act that ood morning. For those of you who don’t embodiment of ANPR. During Rick’s tenure permits the possession of firearms in national Gknow me, I’m Scot McElveen, ANPR’s as ANPR president we made some of our most park system units per state law. That means all president and the guy you get many of those significant organizational progress on things firearms, not just concealed weapons. CNPSR ANPR e-mail reminders from. The focus of my like Ranger Careers, housing and IRF, and we and ANPR continue to offer our opinions to remarks today is loosely based on what type had our highest membership numbers (over NPS management on how to implement this of year 2009 has been for ANPR, but I also 1,700) and our highest financial assets during law with the least negative impact on park hope we will be making some organizational this period. resources, values, employees and visitors. The decisions this week that will affect what kind Rick’s untimely passing in March left a new law takes effect Feb. 22. of year ANPR has in 2010. void in ANPR, but I’m sure it is nothing As usual, we began the year with money and Historically, this has been a good decision- compared to the sense of loss felt by Rick’s membership numbers concerns. As we met making week for me because in fact 18 years family. To Rick’s family members here with us in Santa Fe last December our membership ago this week, I made a decision with some in Gettysburg, his daughter Beth, son-in-law numbers were at 1,208, about a 150-member- calculated risk to ask Jeannine, who is now Cliff, and granddaughter Lily, and to Rick’s ship increase from the year before. At that time my better half in every sense of that phrase, if other family members who will read these I said, “Wouldn’t it be great to gain another she would like to go out on a date with me. remarks later, let me pass along the deepest 100 memberships by the time we meet in Get- And after the longest 45 seconds of my life, sympathies of ANPR’s members for your loss, tysburg?” Early in 2009 our memberships had filled with silence on the telephone, she agree to be added to our thanks for sharing him with fallen to 931. Unfortunately we did not make to give it a try against her better judgment. As us for 31 years. We know that Rick is here in that 100 membership gain again in 2009, but this week progresses I hope that I can invite spirit with us this week as evidenced by the I am happy to say we held on to what we had some of you to take a calculated risk with me appearance of his briefcase that again sits in and are currently at 1,190. Teresa Ford will to become more active in ANPR business. its usual place while Rick is around talking speak more about our membership numbers As you all know, not far from here 146 years to members, raising funds and spreading his later, but let’s use proven methods and try new ago another president gave a famous speech good cheer. Rick was frequently referred to as ways to get our membership numbers to 1,300 that although brief, 278 words to be exact, ANPR’s fund raiser-in-chief. A memorial fund by the end of 2010. were exactly the right words for the moment. was set up in Rick’s name and many members ’m also happy to say that our finances have I fear that my remarks will not be as brief or generously donated. At the request of Rick’s Ibeen stable in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. as well suited to the moment as those, but I family, the money collected ($4,700) will be In FY2008, our net income was just under do hope that they will convey a sense of where used to support and help achieve some of the $4,700. So far in FY2009, our net income is ANPR is as 2009 closes, and a few places we NPS Second Century Committee goals. approximately $20,000. may try to take it as a new decade begins. I Last year we recognized those who had Our new membership numbers continue will be happy to recognize anyone who has a retired from the NPS prior to Rendezvous, so to be strongest in the seasonal category, and question or comments during my remarks, this year we’d like to recognize those who have part of those numbers relate to ANPR’s health or I will definitely leave time at the end for retired since last year’s Rendezvous or those who insurance program. For the second year in a questions and comments. are retired but were not at last year’s Rendezvous row, ANPR’s health insurance program flyer First, I must acknowledge something miss- to be recognized. Please stand. Thanks for your was distributed by WASO to NPS regional ing from this Rendezvous, something that has efforts on behalf of the National Park System offices. This still is not our preferred distribu- never happened in the history of Rendezvous. and Service, and for your continued support tion method to NPS employees as we believe We are missing a certain persona; about 20 rows through ANPR. it doesn’t maximize the number of people who back usually sitting on the center aisle, with a hat do you think of how ANPR’s 2009 find out about this program. With administra- cowboy exterior and a work ethic on behalf of Wwent? Chronologically we started out tion changes come new political leadership in ANPR that was seldom rivaled in our 32-year the year continuing with the “whether loaded the NPS Washington office, and we hope to history. That’s right, this is the first Ranger guns are appropriate in parks” debate. We had revisit this distribution method in 2010. Rendezvous ever held in which our friend and initial success in our advocacy, but that was later With this new NPS leadership in place, past president Rick Gale is not in attendance. trumped by the United States Congress. Let me we also hope to revisit the discussion of NPS For years there was a loose contest between explain. NPCA asked both ANPR and CNPSR recognition of Ranger Rendezvous as an official the original 33 founding members on who if we would be interested in joining them in a professional development opportunity worthy would be the last one to say that they had at- lawsuit to challenge the new 36 CFR firearms of attendance on NPS duty time with paid tended every Rendezvous. As other individuals regulation pushed through at the very end of travel and per diem, at supervisory discretion, dropped out I could see Rick was proud to be the Bush administration. The three nonprofits of course. the last. He was also proud to say that he never retained the Hogan & Hartson law firm of We seated four new board members and had attended one single breakout session at Washington, D.C.; ANPR did so on a pro-bono appointed one (due to a resignation) in Feb- Rendezvous unless he was involved in teaching basis. The legal filings of Hogan & Hartson led ruary. We also have had a recent resignation or facilitating it. I think we all have our fond quickly to a U.S. District Court suspension of in October when Craig Ackerman, our board memories of him at Rendezvous, whether it the regulation on grounds of failure to comply member for special concerns, cited NPS work

 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers time commitments that allowed little time to park backcountry. Our belief is that the cur- in employee satisfaction with training courses devote to ANPR business. That leads us to rent level of checks and balances in the Part the agency offers them. This same survey in board elections for members whose terms will 7 Special Regulations process better protects 2009 ranks the NPS 206 of 216, so it seems begin in 2010. We have four openings and park resources from poor decision making often that the opportunity is still there. But what those are president elect, fundraising activities, influenced by local pressures and/or individual courses could ANPR offer at what dates and membership services and special concerns. I career concerns. what locations? Those are the questions ANPR renew my plea to the next generation of ANPR ANPR’s board voted to reword several needs to successfully answer to make ANPR- leadership to come forward, especially those sections in our bylaws, mainly relating to our provided training a successful venture. of you who have just joined in the last decade. organizational statement of purpose. At almost ast year we embarked on an attempt to Just last week I received an e-mail from an every location in the bylaws where the group Linvolve more students in ANPR by encour- ANPR member and he expressed his desire being addressed was “park ranger” we changed aging college chapters to form. In theory, we to see ANPR do less whining and produce that to “National Park Service employees of have chapters formed or forming at Hocking more tangible outcomes that are positive for all disciplines.” You may ask why we did that. College, the University of Tennessee, New employees and public lands, and he listed Over the years we’ve not always been able to Mexico State University and Slippery Rock many worthwhile efforts we could and perhaps convince NPS employees in non-park ranger University. ANPR offers networking to these should be involved in (see page 17). positions that ANPR advocates for them, too. folks as they look for opportunities for jobs in y reply to him was that ideas are good, These changes remove any doubt that ANPR the NPS. This week I ask all of you to make Mbut without volunteers to do the work is an organization for all NPS employees, with new friends, invite some of these new folks necessary to develop organizational positions, the only remaining vestige of “rangers-only” (blue buttons) into your conversations in the establish and maintain lines of communica- being our name. hallways or in the Hospitality Room, or invite tion, fact check, investigate, travel, etc., then Early in the year ANPR signed a contract them to lunch or dinner with your group. Don’t it is unlikely that any of those worthy causes for Ranger Rendezvous 33 at the Riverhouse make a liar out of me. We are friendly people or outcomes will involve ANPR. It has always Hotel in Bend, Oregon. The dates are Oct. and interested in being helpful to young people been my perception that ANPR is willing to go 30-Nov. 4, 2010. I want to talk this location trying to start their NPS careers. wherever its volunteer workers take it, and I can up early and often in 2010, but that will be Last year we began to discuss if a change give several examples of that, like the Wupatki hard to do if the volunteers necessary to plan, in ANPR’s organizational leadership structure eaglet issue in 2000, or ANPR representation organize, coordinate and execute this event would help recruit more new members, retain at NAI or other professional conferences, or don’t materialize soon. more existing members, and/or energize exist- our health insurance program. In each of those he same holds true for 2011. We have not ing members to make them more active. Some cases an individual ANPR member or a group Tyet begun to search for that eastern loca- members recall our previous structure with of ANPR members had an idea and committed tion, mainly because it would be irresponsible regional representatives that mirrored NPS the time and energy to it. Serving on the board to sign a contract that could obligate substantial regions and wondered if we should return to is one significant way to bring your ideas and ANPR monies without an indication that there that structure. The regional reps often knew desires to fruition. Except for the president’s will be the leaders and coordinators necessary at least one ANPR member in each park in position, board members should be willing to to pull off a successful Rendezvous. So, we are their region to facilitate communications. put in two to five hours per week to work on in a wait-and-see mode for the Rendezvous in Another idea was to add representation for ANPR business. 2011. If any of you or a group of you would several of the major career fields to further ANPR has a wonderful opportunity in the like to talk about hosting the event in a loca- ensure everyone understands that ANPR is an next few years to be on offense and assist the tion near you, please speak with me or any organization for all NPS employees. In the last NPS in many ways that will help the agency, board member. month, we asked our e-mail listed members to the System and ANPR and its members, as In 2007, ANPR surveyed NPS employees participate in an online survey to test some of opposed to playing defense as we have in the in an attempt to learn more about what type these questions. One hundred responses were recent past. Helping ANPR and its members, of activities ANPR could pursue that would received, and while I haven’t received the final and most likely helping your own career aspira- attract more of them to become members. One report yet, some of the preliminary results are tions is opportunity waiting for you, that you area identified was as a training provider. In interesting. should not pass up in the positive outlook I 2008, ANPR offered two training courses in • Respondents: 55% permanent, 23% re- expect will continue for several years. Heck, I’m conjunction with Rendezvous, but we did not tired, 22% seasonal excited just telling you about it and remember- get enough registrants in either course to hold • Professions were all pretty well represented, ing how it worked for me my first time on the them. This year our board member for educa- with interpretation at 39 responses and main- board, which was 20 years ago this year. We tion and training, Rebecca Harriett, arranged tenance at 6 responses for the two extremes. will accept nominations for open offices here to offer “Operational Leadership” training here • 29% strongly or very strongly identified with at Rendezvous on Thursday or nominations in Gettysburg. I am pleased to say that course their region can be made by e-mail or fax no later than is being held and concludes today, but there • 74% strongly or very strongly identified with Thursday, Dec. 17. were more spaces that we could have filled their profession In another regulatory matter, ANPR sub- in this course. Should we continue to offer • Structure preference mitted comments in opposition to a proposed training in 2010? Are NPSers really interested? 57% for professional representatives regulation revision that, in our opinion, would Part of our original reasoning to try this was 21% for regional representatives have given park superintendents almost sin- the 2006 survey of federal employees in which 6% for the current structure gular power to establish bike trails, even in NPS employees ranked themselves 209 of 223 • Non-voting liaison

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u  the Rendezvous in may be a proposal submitted to the board for a 2010 in Bend, Or- vote to support a gathering of new generation egon, and to con- of potential ANPR leaders to map out a plan tinue Rick Gale’s for how we transition from an organization work on behalf of that meets the needs of 20th century NPS ANPR. Whatever employees to one that meets the needs of 21st amount we collect century NPS employees. now will be equally Making any nonprofit, volunteer organi- divided between zation as successful as it can be is a circular the two funds. In proposition. The more active the current mem- particular, in re- bers are, the higher the quality and quantity of lationship to the accomplishments the organization achieves. The Supernaugh Schol- higher that achievement level is the more non- arships, the dollars members want to join and become members to donated now and be associated with the success. The higher mem- during the year are bership numbers translate into more clout and 70% for professional representatives the only source of funds for these scholar- communications with decision-makers (NPS 48% for regional representatives ships named in honor of longtime ANPR management, Congress, administration), and In response to questions if an organizational member and second generation NPS em- more stable finances. More clout and commu- change would affect membership renewal, 22% ployee Bill Supernaugh. Bill loved coming nication with decision makers and more stable said they’d be more likely to join, 78% said to the Rendezvous and participating fully in finances allows for higher level organizational no effect; even 22% increased renewal could it both professionally and socially. So if you accomplishments in quantity and quality. And mean about 40 more renewing members at our are so inclined, please give to these funds at the circle starts all over again. current rate of loss. In response to a question whatever level you feel comfortable with. Just ick Gale knew this circle of success well if an organizational change would affect the pass any donation toward the center aisle and Rand he was our most successful leader in rate that nonmembers may join, 11% said we’ll pick those up. getting it out of neutral and into drive. On more likely, 87% said no effect. Even 11% Later in this year ANPR, along with 50 Rick’s behalf and on behalf of your current of- could be a sizable number of new members other organizations or groups, NPS personnel, ficers and board, I ask each of you to volunteer if, in theory we’re talking about 11% of the members of Congress and the administration, some small amount of your time and energy 20,000-plus NPS employees who currently were invited by NPCA and the Howard H. to ANPR in 2010. Seize this opportunity and are not members of ANPR. In response to a Baker Center for Public Policy to participate moment that we have right now, and perhaps question if an organizational change would in a conference to start the not again for another political cycle, increase involvement in ANPR by current process of formulating how the to start that circle of success moving members, 56% said more likely, 43% said no recommendations of the Na- more rapidly. Based on what I saw effect. 56% of current membership extrapolates tional Parks Second Century last year in Santa Fe and am already into approximately 625 members more actively Commission might best be seeing this year, I’m encouraged, engaged and involved in ANPR business. achieved and implemented. If but ANPR’s future success really Wouldn’t that be fantastic! you have not already read this depends on each of you. So, let’s talk about this again this week, report with its recommenda- Thank you for your attendance informally at breaks, meals or in the hospitality tions, I encourage you to do so. here this week, and with that I’ll room, and then bring it back to the floor for And, then perhaps many of you open the floor to any questions or discussion later this week. will decide you’d like to lend comments you might have. USNPS any of you are familiar with ANPR’s Bill your advice and/or your time MSupernaugh Memorial Scholarships, to help ANPR do its part in this effort. For which allow members or NPS employees who those of you working in NPS entry level jobs have never attended a Rendezvous to come or others who just don’t believe their voice is with the majority of their travel expenses and heard inside the official NPS chain of com- registration fees paid. Last year we offered three mand communications, here is an excellent scholarships, and this year we were able to offer opportunity to be a part of high-level deci- four scholarships out of 15 applicants. I’d like sion-making that has great potential to affect to identify those selected individuals by ask- future operations of the NP system and the ing them to stand: Stephanie Steinhorst, Tom NPS. If you want ANPR to regain some of its Grant, Christina Garton and Todd Bishop. former clout among higher level NPS manag- And now I’d like to ask each of you to help ers, Congress and the Executive Branch, this us fund this worthwhile endeavor (the Super- is one tremendous opportunity. Help us to naugh Scholarships) and the Rick Gale Fund not miss this opportunity in 2010. by opening your wallets, purses or pockets Finally, tomorrow we are going to have right now and donating what you can to these a business meeting specifically to talk about funds for scholarships that will be awarded for the future of ANPR. At that discussion there

 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u  Panel presentations & other breakout sessions strong lineup of compelling panel dis- Acussions and breakout presentations highlighted the annual Rendezvous. Younger attendees were interested in the employment information offered during general sessions and one-on-one discussions with ANPR mentors and NPS employees from WASO. “An NPS Career: Finding Your Way” fo- cused on useful details of job searching and the site observed 50 years since nine African Natural Resources Update submitting applications. Sula Jacobs (at right), Americans stood up to an angry crowd protest- Vince Santucci, chief ranger at George Wash- administrative officer at George Washington ing integration at the school. (Trickey’s mother ington Memorial Parkway, filled multiple Memorial Parkway, encouraged job applicants was one of the so-called Little Rock Nine.) chairs and delivered the update on the NPS to make use of the DOI Learn website, while Some in the community still hold negative Natural Resource Programs. also keeping updated at these websites: nps. attitudes about the integration, she said, and He reviewed the current status of all the gov, opm.gov and usajobs.opm.gov. they boycotted the anniversary observance. WASO Stewardship and Science programs In “Partnerships: Overcoming Obstacles, As Elizabeth Eckford, another of the Little highlighting a variety of initiatives, particularly Defining Successes,” five panelists talked about Rock Nine, says: “True reconciliation can occur those addressing climate change and energy the challenges of partnering successfully with when we honestly acknowledge our painful, alternatives. The latter portion focused on his communities. but shared past.” q particular area of expertise: preserving fossils During a presentation on the Second Cen- in parks (the rocks, not the senior staff). tury Commission Report, Tom Kiernan of Other presentations & The new Vertebrate Paleontological Re- National Parks Conservation Association said, breakout sessions sources Protection Act offers a new mandate “We have a historic opportunity and a historic NPS Operations Overview (complementary to the 1979 Archeological responsibility to use these years to enhance the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War Resources Protection Act) to protect fossil re- parks. We have some good momentum.” International Ranger Federation Update sources. Unfortunately, the NPS can only count Likewise, Deny Galvin, a former NPS Using Historical Records to Foster Family eight paleontologists Servicewide, compared deputy director, said the “ranger image is so Connections: Genealogy and Park- to 210 NPS archeologists. Santucci’s closing powerful and it’s that image we need to build specific Databases presentation was essentially a call to arms on — of helper, teacher.” Rangers can be that Protecting and Restoring Historic regarding the important challenges faced by intermediary that opens up the wonders of Landscapes many parks. national parks, he added. Applying Experiential Learning Theory to — Ed Rizzotto, Boston “Interpreting Controversial Sites” provided Cultural Resource Management a compelling look at three national park sites — Flight 93, Arlington House: The Robert E. Board members meet at Rendezvous Lee Memorial, and Little Rock Central High The ANPR Board of Directors took these ac- n Approved a motion to form a work group School. tions during two meetings in Gettysburg: in 2010 to consider issues pertaining to the Jeff Reinbold related the challenges of future of ANPR. This group will submit a creating a fitting tribute to the lives lost in n Suggested a revised strategic plan be sub- written report to the board by April 1, 2010. a Pennsylvania field when United Flight 93 mitted to the membership for review and The board will present the work group’s report crashed during the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, comment. Go to www.anpr.org/anprnews.htm to the membership before taking any action. 2001. Among the priorities are building trust and follow the link to the strategic plan. among partners, gaining perspective, integrat- n Earmarked some money from the Rick ing activities, capturing the story, building n Amended the bylaws to provide for elec- Gale Memorial Fund for ANPR’s oral history archives and conducting oral histories. tronic-only voting in the board elections; a project, subject to periodic and general review The work also has included an international voter may request a paper ballot within 14 of the project’s budget (see page 13). design competition (more than 1,000 entries), days of the close of the Rendezvous. This item a 1,200-acre purchase for the core memorial, has been announced in Ranger magazine for n Tabled a motion and remanded to the newly and marking the 1 millionth visitor a year the past year. formed work group suggested changes in the ago. Reinbold cautioned the audience about mission statement. The original motion was the emotional toll on the small staff. n Approved a motion to explore the possibilities to revise ANPR’s mission by removing the Spirit Trickey, interpreter at Little Rock of becoming a carbon-neutral organization word “social” in “to provide a forum of social Central High School, said the site is seen and and report back to the membership on the enrichment” and replacing it with the word interpreted from many perspectives. In 2007 findings. ”professional.”

 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers MATHER AWARD The National Parks Conservation Association awarded Denver-based Don Shepherd, an environmental engineer with the Air Resources Division of the National Park Service, the Stephen T. Mather Award for his distinguished efforts to protect America’s national parks and wildlife from the threat of air pollution. “There are few priorities more important to our national parks than ensuring clean, healthy air for park visitors and wildlife,” said Tom ANPR AWARDS Kiernan, NPCA president, upon presenting the award. “Thanks to Dan Moses, Rendezvous site coordinator since 2001, received the Don Shepherd, our children and grandchildren will be able to enjoy ANPR Rick Gale President’s Award for his exemplary service to the cleaner air and spectacular views in places like Rocky Mountain, organization. Gettysburg was the last Rendezvous under his oversight. Mesa Verde and Great Smoky Mountains national parks.” He is retired and lives in North Carolina with Diane Moses, longtime The prestigious award, traditionally presented during the Rendez- Rendezvous raffle organizer. vous, recognizes Shepherd’s demonstrated initiative and resourceful- Lee Werst received a plaque of appreciation for his long service to ness in promoting environmental protection. A representative of ANPR as president, finally fulfilling his board duties as immediate Booz Allen Hamilton, endowers of the award, also was present for past president at the end of 2009. the announcement. The R.J. Manufacturing Co. of Cherokee, Iowa, received the Most notable during Shepherd’s 12 years with the NPS and his ANPR Corporate Award for outstanding financial support ofRanger more than 30-year career as an environmental engineer are his efforts magazine with longstanding ads for Pilot Rock products, designed and to prevent proposed coal-fired power plants from spewing dirty air manufactured in the United States since 1959. Included are picnic pollution into national parks. He is known as a dogged proponent tables, park grills, campfire rings and trash receptacles, many made of the legal right to clean air in the parks. of 100 percent recycled plastic.

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u  part was the networking and the professional development opportunities provided for new- comers like me. I can’t wait till next year’s Quotables Rendezvous. The Ranger Rendezvous was a great experience. — Leland Barker, Slippery Rock student It was a lot of fun and I made a lot of friends, and the atmosphere was relaxed and easy go- The Rendezvous created an atmosphere where ing. The seminars were very informative . . . a person could have an educational experience I highly recommend anyone who hasn’t gone yet still stay true to the original purpose of the to a Rendezvous yet to go whenever they get Rendezvous: to have fun and meet others. ‘ — Wayne Reeb, Slippery Rock student the chance. It was well worth it. — Gabriel Vicente, Slippery Rock student The Ranger Rendezvous was an amazing I’m so very thankful to all those who donated learning experience. My favorite part of the to the Supernaugh scholarship and made it conference was the breakout session about As a first-time attendee and new member possible for me to attend the Ranger Rendez- international affairs. It was wonderful to hear of ANPR, I had a wonderful time hearing vous in Gettysburg. Besides learning more about the great things going on all over the about Park Service careers of other seasonals, about ANPR and its membership and gaining world thanks to these individuals and their permenent employees and retired folks. I really more insight into the National Park Service, hard work. The Rendezvous presented ample felt like I was sampling all regions of the NPS I also met many wonderful people who have opportunities to meet a variety of park service and learning how to navigate federal employ- offered me their help in guiding New Mexico employees and retirees. It was encouraging to ment based on the personal experiences of the State University’s new ANPR chapter. In this hear their stories and receive their advice and people I met. sense, Ranger Rendezvous continues for me encouragement. Thank you to all the individu- I was really encouraged in my young ca- as the new semester begins. Those who offered als who made this conference possible. reer by meeting everyone from seasonals to guidance in Gettysburg are following through — Liesl Klicker, Slippery Rock student superintendents. Employees from all regions, in New Mexico. Thank you again for this divisions and positions seem to share that wonderful opportunity. I am excited to share Because the Rendezvous took place in our back deep and abiding love for their work. We all all I have learned with my group and to learn yard this year, the Slippery Rock students had have the sense of esprít de corps that unites us more in the coming weeks. the opportunity of a lifetime. Not only were we across so many lines. I returned from the event — Christina Garton welcomed with open arms as new members, inspired to do more. New Mexico State student but we were given chances to meet, speak and It was a highlight for me to hear Director get to know rangers, and learn the tricks of the Jarvis speak about his vision for the Park Ser- A great, fun, educational experience outside trade from former and present park rangers vice, and also I was excited to see representa- the classroom. across America. It was a great opportunity to tion from college chapters. I think that it is — Justin Meinert, Slippery Rock student learn what it takes to become a respectable park necessary to foster the college chapters and ranger, and I hope we are able to attend again new seasonals so not only ANPR but the Park The atmosphere was great and I met- rang in 2010 with even more students. Service will have an educated, enthusiastic and ers from all over the United States. The best — Justine Hubler, Slippery Rock student talented new generation for leadership. The Rendezvous still stands as a crossroads of rangers from across the country, both ex- perienced and new. It really is a place for the sharing of stories from the past and present and a place to speak of the future. I hope to encourage more people, both experienced and new, to come to Oregon and share their stories and visions for a stronger Park Service. — Stephanie Steinhorst, Death Valley

As a first-timer to the Rendezvous, I had no idea what to expect. It was a great learning experience. I enjoyed the opportunity to make contacts with people in the National Park Service. Being able to get to know them in a more casual setting really made all the difference for me. — Tracey Lightcap, Slippery Rock student

Supernaugh Memorial Scholarship Recipients: from left, Todd Bishop, Christina Garton, Stepha- nie Steinhorst and Tom Grant t 10 t ANPRANPR • Association• Association of of National National Park Park Rangers Rangers Seasonal defies tragedy in crash crash; thankful for ANPR’s health insurance plan have never been in a car accident. Not a scratched bumper, not a dented Ifender, but in the pre-dawn hours of Dec. 5, 2009, I missed a corner on a rural desert road outside of Death Valley. With little warning my car was catapulted from one side of the road to the other, flipping side-over- side three times into a ditch and coming to a stop upside down. My seat belt held me securely suspended upside down until I was able to release it and crawl out of the driver’s side window. I then stood up and walked away to help from arriving motorists. uotables This is not a normal outcome. I should have died on that desert road. I did not Q intend to crash and could not anticipate totaling my vehicle, yet it happened. For me, continued from previous page this was a lesson in the suddenness of disaster, the gift of life, the kindness of strangers and the necessity of insurance. Until that morning my medical record was as clean as The Rendezvous was a great experience. I my driving record. I had never even broken a bone. Previously I held health insurance learned so much information that was useful from my mother and then from my graduate school program. After completing my to me. As a person just starting a career in graduate coursework I was uninsured as I headed into the wilds of Alaska to work as a the National Park Service, I felt welcomed summer seasonal at Klondike Gold Rush. As my season closed in October I took the ‘by everyone. time to apply for the health insurance provided through ANPR. My policy went into — Tom Grant, Slippery Rock student effect just four weeks before this shocking car accident. As a young seasonal employee, medical bills could have sent me into terrible debt. The Ranger Rendezvous allowed me to gain Thankfully, I did not fear that future when I pulled my new insurance cards from my a better understanding of the workings of wallet in the emergency room. Today, I stand as a living example of unexpected protec- the National Park Service and those who are tion from above but also as a reminder that disaster and medical emergencies are never influencing everyday changes. In addition to planned. I advise every seasonal and supervisor to safeguard themselves and their pre- excellent seminars, I met many people who gave cious workforce by pursuing health insurance coverage. Without ANPR and its policy me advice on how I could be an influential part plan I might have continued to put it off until I found something on my own. of the Park Service. I found the Rendezvous I am immensely thankful for my life and for a renewed commitment to a future was a quality experience, although I would career with the National Park Service but especially thankful for ANPR giving me a suggest training sessions to accommodate path to health insurance and a sense of security in a time of trouble. some of the newer rangers. — Stephanie Steinhorst, Death Valley — Jonathan Ludwick, Slippery Rock student

RANGERRANGER • •Winter Winter 2009-10 2009-10 u u 11 12 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers historical perspective provides valuable insight into what worked, what didn’t and why. To gather and preserve ANPR has begun establishing partnerships necessary for the project’s success. Prior to the Rendezvous, a meeting was held with James the history of the NPS Deutsch, program curator, and Dr. Stephen By John Townsend The Folklife Festival provides an opportu- Kidd, production manager, both of the nity to educate its visitors about the breadth Smithsonian Center for Folklife and Cultural he Association of National Park Rang- of the National Park System and the behind- Heritage, and Diana Parker, director of the ers’ new oral history project will docu- the-scenes story about how parks are cared for, Smithsonian Folklife Festival. ment National Park Service history and the people who make it happen. A focus During the Rendezvous, Maureen Finnerty, Twith videotaped and structured oral history can be teaching visitors about the knowledge, past ANPR president and current board mem- interviews of a broad range of individuals who expertise and creativity of these park employees. ber of the George Hartzog Institute for Park have been a part of the Service’s evolution. The Subsequent to the festival, the Smithsonian Management at Clemson University, discussed ANPR board approved the project during the prepares a traveling exhibit and website. the project with ANPR members. The Hartzog Rendezvous in Gettysburg and authorized n addition to the Smithsonian’s Folklife Institute and the oral history project are a initial funding from the Rick Gale Memorial IFestival, ANPR’s oral history project also natural fit, Finnerty said. “George would have Fund. can address several recommendations of the loved this project.” The objective is to gather and preserve National Parks Second Century Commission. Because all of the former NPS directors’ the history of the Service, and the goal is to The commission’s report recommends that the papers (from Hartzog to date, except for James capture the essence and ethic of the Service country “empower a new-century National Ridenour’s), are at Clemson University, the oral — the attributes that make it what it is and Park Service,” in part by “equip (ping) the Park histories are a natural fit. Clemson would be without which it would lose its identity. They Service to accomplish its mission by building pleased to be the repository for the oral history are the NPS’ distinctive spirit, its character and a more adaptive, innovative and responsive material. fundamental values. Its esprít d’corps. organization.” Also during the Rendezvous, Bill Wade, The Association’s Centennial Commit- The commission also recommends that “to chair of the Coalition of National Park Service tee proposed and developed the oral history build an effective, responsive and account- Retirees executive council, lent the support of project to add value to the celebration of the able 21st-century National Park Service,” the the coalition to the project. ANPR President NPS’ 100th birthday in 2016. Committee Service should, in part: Scot McElveen gave NPS Director Jon Jarvis a members are Dick Martin, Dave Anderson, • Create a Center for Innovation to briefing paper about the project. The director Bob Krumenaker, Nancy Ward, Ken Mabery, quickly identify instructive organizational indicated that he thinks the oral history project Mary Martin and John Townsend. Until his experiences, successful and otherwise, and is a worthwhile effort. premature death last year, Rick Gale chaired to swiftly share lessons learned, along with fter the Rendezvous, project organizers the committee. demonstrably effective models of leader- Amet with Dr. Robert “Bob” Sutton, NPS To launch the oral history project ANPR ship, education, public engagement and chief historian, and Dr. Lu Ann Jones, oral invited respected oral historian Dr. Janet collaboration. historian in WASO. The extended meeting McConnell to make a plenary presentation • Create an institute to develop leadership covered the applications of the oral history at the Rendezvous. She expressed an interest and build the culture of organizational project and how the Service can help. Dr. in working with ANPR on the project. Her learning needed by a creative, networked Jones followed up with an e-mail offering her presentation included a brainstorming session enterprise. full support and expressing her desire to do about themes and persons who shouldn’t be • Follow private sector best practices by anything she can to help. overlooked. investing an amount equal to 4 percent of Project organizers met with Mark Korn- his project aims to collect the oral histories its annual personnel budget each year in mann, senior vice president for grants and Tneeded for “folklife” uses including NPS professional development. programs for the National Park Foundation. participation in the Smithsonian Institution’s ANPR’s oral history project dovetails with He offered to do some internal research on 2016 Folklife Festival. The Smithsonian each of these recommendations. what kind of funding might be required. Institution’s Center for Folklife and Cultural The project also has application to the NPS’ Lastly, Tom Ferranti, deputy chief of NPS Heritage sponsors the Folklife Festival each “Best Places to Work” initiative. Undertaken Learning and Development, met with ANPR year. The 10-day festival, encompassing the by the NPS in partnership with the National about how we can partner with the Service and July 4 holiday, is held on the National Mall Park Conservation Association’s Center for the Smithsonian on oral history training. in Washington, D.C. Park Management, a part of that initiative There are four broad purposes of the project. Three themes gnerally are represented: a is “understanding workforce and work envi- Viewed as a continuum they range from “pure foreign country, a state or region of the United ronment issues, devising and implementing history” to “engaging people with parks.” In States, and an occupational culture or group. actions that will improve that environment between are “knowledge management” and Relative to occupational groups, the festival’s from the perspective of NPS employees.” “folklife.” The project will concentrate on the purpose is to celebrate the knowledge of these The oral history project provides a historical knowledge management through folklife part groups and what they hand down to others. view, as seen from the perspective of employees, of this oral history continuum. Over the course of the festival, about 1 million of work environment issues, and of actions Knowledge management has been defined people are contacted. that improved the work environment. That as “a range of practices used to identify, cre-

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 13 ate, represent, distribute and enable adoption identifying the sources of expertise, extracting near future. Rick Gale’s sudden and untimely of insights and experiences. Such insights the knowledge and codifying it. death stands as a stark reminder of this fact. and experiences comprise knowledge, either On a broad scale, folklife oral history can If their remembrances are not gathered and embodied in individuals or embedded in or- tell the story of the NPS in the context of preserved, a large part of the Service’s history ganizational processes or practice.” Knowledge the story of the country. It can explore the will be permanently lost. ANPR’s oral history management can help the sharing of valuable Service’s history, culture, contributions, and project can be an assurance against that lost. organizational insights, thereby helping to its relationships with parks, visitors, partners As the Naval guide also points out, “… oral reduce redundant work and avoid reinventing (perhaps detractors, too), Congress and com- history takes a great deal of effort. However, the the wheel. It can help in training efforts and in munities. It can be used to engage people and end result will more than compensate for the efforts to adapt to changing environments. put them in touch with the humanity of the hours spent …. You will have enriched your mong knowledge management’s practices NPS. life as you have taken onboard the experiences Aare the familiar After Action Reviews, In folklife history it is not only what is said of those individuals interviewed. Additionally, Best Practices transfer and Lessons Learned. but how it is said that is important. Accents, you will have provided a measure of immortal- Also included is storytelling. However, it is voice inflections, tone and emotions help to ity for the individual as their recollections are thoughtful storytelling in response to ques- foster a greater understanding for the complex- made available for future generations.” tions posed as part of structured interviews. ity of the Service’s mission. This builds support For the NPS to be successful in accomplish- Interviews will look at actual events that were for the NPS and the park system as part of a ing its mission it needs more than money and challenging and the concepts those interviewed strategic communications program. adoration. It needs to be needed by the coun- used when thinking about a task. Interviews Where is ANPR going from here with the try. Most most of all it needs to be a highly may probe for examples that emphasize the oral history project? The next step is to prepare cohesive organization whose members are Service’s highest and best values, beliefs and a proposal for Tom Ferranti and Dr. Kathy fully committed to the Service’s mission, and other observable features that make up the Hanson, NPS chief of learning and develop- the objectives and goals that lead to mission Service’s culture and identity. ment, for a pilot training session in oral history accomplishment. As Gary Klein points out in Sources of Power: techniques. This will be a partnership between Organizational research has shown that How People Make Decisions, “Knowledge is a re- ANPR, the Smithsonian and the NPS (Learn- such an organization correlates to a strong source and should be treated as such.” He notes ing and Development and the Park History organizational culture. In other words, a that much of the knowledge in organizations Program). culture in which individuals share a com- is tacit knowledge — internalized knowledge he objective will be to train an initial mon frame of reference for understanding, held in the heads of employees of which they Tcadre of employees who will then begin interpretation,and action based on knowledge may not be consciously aware . For example, to collect oral histories that can meet both of the organization and its experiences. This they may know how someone accomplishes a knowledge management and folklife pur- knowledge fits largely into that part of the oral particular task, that “something” which guides poses. Concurrently, we will develop a budget history continuum bookended by knowledge experts in the work they do. for a pilot project, establishing additional management and folklife – exactly the range Often, Klein observes, the best employees partnerships and formalizing relationships. of ANPR’s oral history project. are not always conscious of their real expertise. This project offers ANPR the opportunity to ANPR members are invited to become

Their success comes from knowledge they once again make a significant contribution involved. USNPS often cannot describe. When asked how they to the NPS. know what to do, experts tend to talk about As the Naval Historical Center’s Oral His- John “J.T.” Townsend retired from the National experience, hunches and intuition, or they cite tory Guide aptly notes: Park Service and now lives in Newman Lake, existing policies and procedures, even though “The irony of this information age is that Washington. they do not necessarily follow them. it will probably be more difficult for future Klein makes this telling point: “In most historians to reconstruct the events of the late organizations, the culture seems to ignore 20th century than to study the 19th century. the expertise that already exists, to take it People are less likely to keep diaries, draft for granted. If a skilled worker retired after correspondence or send memoranda as in the 30 years on the job and tried to leave with a past. Major decisions are made using e-mail, favorite personal computer, some programs or telephones, facsimile and teleconferencing. a set of tools, he or she would be stopped. The Although files are supposed to be maintained organization knows the value of the equipment. electronically, in 50 years floppy disks will But the organization lets the worker walk out likely have followed the path of eight-track with all of that expertise, which is worth far tapes and vinyl record albums. In some cases, more than some minor equipment, and never verbal recollections may constitute the only says a word, never even notices the loss.” documentation as to why certain decisions To prevent this loss, Klein argues that one were made.” must identify the sources of expertise, assay Many of the individuals who shaped the the knowledge, extract it, codify it and apply 21st century National Park Service, serving it. Assaying and applying knowledge cannot and contributing during the formative years, happen if the knowledge is lost. ANPR’s oral during the periods of greatest growth and history project aims to prevent this loss by major changes, will no longer be with us in the

14 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers Exhibitors help support ANPR Each year at the Rendezvous, exhibitors help support ANPR financially by their participation in the exhibit hall. Please thank them by supporting them. • ANPR Employment Networking and Coaching, with NPS assistance • Bruce Bytnar, author • Colorado Northwestern Community College • Deryl and Connie Stone, NPS Jim and Amy Hecht, 2007 collectible items • Eastern National • Gettysburg Sentinels, LLC. • Insights Investigative Services, LLC • McDonald & Woodward Publishing • National Parks Conservation Association • R.J. Thomas Manufacturing Co. Inc. • Specialty Made Goods & Services • UNICOR Federal Prison Industries • Vanasse Hangen, Brustlin Inc. • VF Imagewear

Rendezvous XXXII AssocIAtIon of nAtIonAl PARk RAngeRs THANK YOU to Rendezvous volunteers ach year many people donate their time and energy to stage a successful Rendezvous. The E2009 effort in Gettysburg, Pa., was possible thanks to the efforts of these organizations ANPR ELECTIONS and people: Program coordinators: Bill Halainen, Tony Sisto, Amy Gilbert, Maureen Finnerty, Pat Tiller Elections by electronic ballot were held in Rendezvous logo: Elizabeth Pols January and early February for new board Registration: Meg Weesner, Page Bourland, Jan Lemons, Georjean McKeeman, Diane members. Watch the ANPR website for Moses election results. Exhibitor coordination: Warren Bielenberg Raffle and silent auction: Diane Moses, Christina Garton The candidates: Judges: Amy Gilbert, Warren Bielenberg Bailiffs: Barry Sullivan, Page Bourland President Elect: Stacy Allen and Patrick ANPR merchandise sales: Stacy Allen, John Ott Hattaway Logo T-shirts: Vincent Santucci Photo contest coordinators: Liz Roberts, Mallory Smith Fund Raising Activities: Charissa Reid Hospitality suite: Nancy Ward Photographers: Warren Bielenberg, Patrick Hattaway, Teresa Ford Membership Services: Liam Strain Reception with exhibitors: VF Imagewear Rendezvous advisers: Dwight Pitcaithley, Dick Sellars Special Concerns: Amy Gilbert Rendezvous sponsors: Eastern National, VF Imagewear, Western National Parks Association Onsite assistance: Brion Fitzgerald, Katie Lawhon Rendezvous site coordinator and hotel contract: Dan Moses

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 15 deeply embedded in Dupont, just remem- An Alluring Note the fallen maple after ber to hold the pride. tides subsided. It was Even though there will By Jeff Reardon mine, as it had the be snags along the way, National Capital Region same bent hook and there is a pretty good missing barb. I assure chance your prize will am a new national park ranger, an embryo you that it was a fish somehow get back to of sorts but hoping to stick around a bit. that pulled that first your personal “tackle I felt a strong camaraderie during the time though! The box,” if only meta- recentI Ranger Rendezvous in Gettysburg. point of the story is phorically. What a great time this was! I saw tons of the theme of things Below is a poem I peeps who simply had the same dreams as I “coming around” full wrote while stationed do, wishing to make America better and bet- circle. The magic of seasons and change and in Seoul, Korea. It reveals a related personal and ter at the core, from dirt to sky. It was like a growth and things in general seeking a course cyclical moment, and hopefully it reinforces my family reunion. of completion or panning out, some way and writing above. The mention of Jeffrey John in Well, shucks, maybe it was the season too. somehow. the poem refers to my son. Hooooah! Cherish

Oct 31 to Jan. 1 has always been one big, Our forts, parks and national sites are a the seasons and the sites! USNPS warm and fuzzy time of year for me. As we beautiful thing that can be cherished even trek forth into a new year, I reflect on how I more with the embedded mystical and intrinsic Dragonfly Boys came to become a ranger. All the things I have qualities of seasonal change. Just a few days An autumn day that was far away brought enjoyed voraciously throughout my life have ago, I slid down a snowy hill at Fort Dupont something back out of the annals of a private seemed to come to a pinnacle, and it is like a in Washington, D.C., with supervisor Julie’s library. giant hand has gently rested me in this arena, sled. Kevin and Gary joined in the fun. It was Boys of Korea in quest of a project for school, this luscious playground where I can somehow Christmas Eve and we were all buoyant with or even a precious pet… Flying Jewels in their make a difference. the inherent childlike spirit that comes with midst, and hopefully too, soon entwined in I was but 13 when I went fishing from the it. What a moment! As far as I was concerned, their net. muddy, yet snow-speckled apron and banks of that sled was Rosebud from the classic film Running and hovering with snares on a stick, like extended arms grasping at instant, ready- springtime 1972’s swollen Flint Brook, weav- Citizen Kane years ago. Months earlier at Fort mix dreams. ing up to the murky Merrimack River. It was Dupont, the sizzling summer concerts were They were in search of trophies with wings, that time of year in New England where the blazing, with swooning folks on the exact same cold still chomped at your toes, yet the sun the setting so right and bathed in September hillside where there was winter wonder now. sun’s beams. teasingly beckoned at your coat-clad back to Where am I going with all this? Besides hint that it wouldn’t be long until you would As I slipped passed their world on two decades reaffirming that I was meant to be apark of trail, sweet memories had surfaced, of one be less confined by clothes. I had been fishing a ranger, it is imperative that a stronger message long lost tale. Rebel minnow up toward the old fallen maple comes out. I spent 23 years in the U.S. Army A tale of a hunt for mantis or lizard, and nothing log that served a dual purpose as a bridge for and witnessed many beautiful places around could stop me, save praying or blizzard. daring cats to cross over to the other side and the world. I am grateful for this, but one of I looked at that treasure and felt love in my a harbor for stranded suckers in the summer my bucket-list entries remaining is to get an heart, breeding frenzy. This may be hard to believe as RV and travel this great country from top to A rekindled joy for my offspring to start. the season was not yet at that ripe time when bottom and side to side. America, as a world The scrapes on their knees and the dirt on their the big ones pulled and ran and pulled some leader with awe-inspiring resources, needs to pants, more, but something grabbed my cherished go forth at whatever level it can to preserve, I knew in my Seoul, was all worth the chance. lure and did just that. It was only a matter of monitor and cultivate this great land of ours. The dragonfly quest will always go on. seconds and the lure was gone, ripped from A common denominator I have seen in places They won’t be the last, nor will Jeffrey John. my hand/pole connection and mentally filed around the world is that we are all alike when An autumn day that was far away brought under “possible conquests” instead of “victo- it comes to one thing, that being the beauty something back out of the annals of a private library. ries” over the years. Within three months my that we are gifted with on this planet, whether I dusted a memory and placed it on shelf, tackle box was down to two treble hooks and it be natural, cultural or recreational flavor. But I’ll read it again, to share part of myself. sand particles. Keeping in mind that I was at Not only the awesome beauty, though, but an age when big spending was once a week and collectively or individually how we assimilate it was usually centered on a Suzy Q cake and it. As we continue to try to jumpstart world Jeff Reardon currently is assigned to National Capital a Hostess apple pie, requests to fill the tackle care in these matters, whether at Copenhagen Parks-East. He is a retired U.S. Army paratrooper and a stage and screen actor. He has been a tour guide for box usually fell on deaf ears because the money or in our community gardens right here at Fort needed to be “saved.” I have never been good Tampa Bay Ghost Tours and a mental health counselor. with that! Every attempt at recruiting help was His aspirations include acquiring a permanent NPS America needs to go forth position, where he is eager to blend his skill sets with countered with “You’ll shoot your eye out, at whatever level it can to a love of nature. He has two adult kids, Natalia and kid!” or a reasonable facsimile thereof. Jeff, and resides in northern Virginia with his faithful It turned out that I found that Rebel preserve, monitor and cultivate dog, Ronin. lure at the end of the forthcoming summer, this great land of ours.

16 t ANPRANPR • Association • Association of of National National Park Park Rangers Rangers information that could potentially upset the ANPR member takes aim at board inactivity, status quo. We need to be kicking doors in to be heard. We need to let these individuals in gives suggestions for projects and advocacy positions of power know that we mean business. We need to take these issues to them where it ANPR member Glenn Bailey sent this message in Congress? OPM? Perhaps lobby other agencies will get their attention (voters, stakeholders, late 2009 to Scot McElveen, ANPR’s president, in the department, and we need to throw the constituents, colleagues, media). I guarantee who then responded. Forest Service in here as well, to set up career that these issues will motivate membership and ladders for their park rangers and recreation perhaps attract a new member or two along ou and the past presidents of ANPR have professionals including maintenance person- the way. Yrequested ideas/perspective from members nel. NPS has already set up a model for career Let’s take the blinders off, quit whining and in respect to moving forward as an organiza- paths. It is time for ANPR to flex that muscle get to work. For me, the next two big issues are tion. There is apparently a belief (however and make it happen for the rest of us. health care reform and the ability to purchase misplaced) in the leadership that ANPR has In a recent article titled “Revitalization back all seasonal time as a temporary employee. run its course as an organization since its goals of ANPR” (Ranger, Fall 2009) one of the At this point in my career it is too late to go were met and perhaps it is time to dissolve as reasons cited for lack of enthusiasm within after management (NPS sister agencies) to set an organization. I believe nothing could be the ANPR family was the resolution of key up career ladders for recreation personnel, but further from the truth. Besides the value as a issues. The first reason given for resolution this issue is at the very heart of why ANPR networking organization, please consider the was the adopting of professional standards. was created. following paragraphs. We have some of that in NPS sister agencies Start by contacting the presidents of these Where was ANPR when NARFE president but certainly not to the extent that NPS has. other organizations. Next, put forth a united Baptiste (National Active and Retired Federal The next reason given for resolution of key platform to the various stakeholders. Get Employees Association) was testifying before issues were three employee issues. Pay/career membership energized about the issues. Pla- Congress on issues such as part-time employ- advancement is still an issue with NPS sister giarize the lobbying techniques of these other ment by federal government agencies of retirees agencies. We reach a glass ceiling at the GS7 organizations to present our issues, or when without cuts to their annuities? Where was level and career advancement does not exist, possible, piggyback with the other organiza- ANPR when Congress was debating the is- except, to some extent, for law enforcement tion on issues affecting us all. If the leadership sue of sick leave and FERS employees? Why personnel. We have similar issues as the NPS of this organization focuses on pushing these isn’t ANPR pushing Congress to allow FERS when it comes to system issues, which I am issues, increases in membership will take care employees the opportunity to purchase all of sure are unique to individual agencies. of itself. their temporary time back since Jan. 1, 1989, Member Fred Koegler did some great leg ANPR held its Ranger Rendezvous here (this is a biggie for me personally)? Where is work to get an insurance company to offer in Coeur d’Alene a few years ago (2006) and ANPR on the health care issue? Long-term health insurance to seasonal employees at a recruited a new member in the process. I care? Insurance premiums (mine will climb group rate, with strings attached, of course. observed a close-knit membership of profes- 28 percent this year)? Dental/vision insur- I know of at least three individuals who took sionals who gave me the impression that they ance? Life insurance? What are we doing for advantage of that (thanks again, Fred). Perhaps are very passionate about their profession even volunteers? The allowance for a non-monetary ANPR could use its muscle to get something into retirement. My advice to leadership is to award (for a volunteer) hasn’t been increased done in this arena to attract more insurance take that passion and focus it on these issues since dirt was discovered. The non-monetary companies to create a little competition. that affect its members. allowance is flat embarrassing. How about lob- What I am suggesting is for leadership of I wish that I could join you in Gettysburg bying Congress to allow temporary employees this organization to look over the hedge at in a couple of weeks but bureaucracy calls. the opportunity to participate in a 401k/403b some of these other agencies/issues. ANPR — Glenn Bailey, Park Ranger retirement account? I’m not advocating a was established to fight for these same issues Bureau of Land Management matching contribution, just the ability to within the NPS. Let’s elevate that to the next Coeur d’Alene, Idaho participate in a retirement system. ANPR level and go after Congress to allow FERS should be lobbying to do away with temporary employees the opportunity to purchase back ANPR President Scot McElveen’s response: “protection” park rangers completely within seasonal time acquired after Jan. 1, 1989. hanks for your ideas, and most, if not the NPS. If those positions are so important Let’s lobby for career ladders for recreation Tall of them merit consideration. But if that they are advertised every year then they professionals and their maintenance colleagues you reread the article I hope you’ll see that need to be at the very least, career seasonal in sister agencies. Let’s go after insurance we are asking for more than ideas alone. Your positions! companies to offer seasonal employees group words imply to me that you either missed or Believe it or not, park rangers in agencies health insurance coverage (if the only way that ignored the real plea that the article and the other than the NPS are treated as something is possible is through membership to a national current leadership makes, and that is for a new less than professional employees and, some- organization). Let’s team up with NARFE, generation of ANPR members to step up and times, less than the average employee. Outside CNPSR and NRPA to put on a united front do the work of the organization. of LEOs, there are very few park rangers in on issues that affect us all. I agree that we could do things that would the BLM above a GS7 level (I know of only When lobbying for change, no manager, energize membership and once that positive one and I have been with this agency for over director, secretary or member of Congress flow is started and maintained, then member- 25 years). Why not take up their cause before is going to go out of their way to request ship numbers take care of themselves. But doing

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 17 those things takes grassroots organization and Update on Bill Supernaugh Memorial Scholarship Fund hours of work. ANPR has one paid contractor who splits time as editor of Ranger magazine Michelle Supernaugh Torok, daughter of new attendees. and as business manager. Anything else done the late Bill Supernaugh, has started off this “I can’t think of a better way to honor my by ANPR is done by volunteer hours, including year’s drive for the scholarship fund named for dad then to continue to fund the scholarship any of the suggestions you make. her father with a $100 donation. Rendezvous for as long as the Association can support Advocacy, communications, developing attendees at Gettysburg also donated nearly it. What a great way to ensure that the organizational positions, event planning and $700, although the money was split equally twinkle in my dad’s eye remains with us in execution, decision making, fund raising and between the Supernaugh Fund and the Rick spirit today! This memorial fund validates budget tracking all require someone willing Gale Fund. what was so important to my dad — to to do that work on their own personal time. The Supernaugh Fund provides scholar- encourage and support those who work for Board members have a loose, time com- ships to first-time attendees at the annual the National Park Service. He believed in mitment expectation of about 30 hours per Rendezvous, a gathering that Bill Supernaugh giving back to the Service and to ANPR. It week (combined), but there certainly is no enjoyed so much. is my hope that you will again pass the hat mechanism to hold each one to their part of Here is Michelle’s letter: to raise funds to enable more scholarships that time commitment as volunteers, especially “The Supernaugh family regrets that there is to next year’s Rendezvous. I am starting this since many of them had their arms twisted to no one in attendance at this year’s Ranger off with a donation from my sister, Victoria, be on the board in the first place. Rendezvous but we know that the spirit of and me for $100. Members who joined in the 1970s, 1980s Bill Supernaugh is very much a part of this “Thank you and I hope to see you next and early 1990s did their parts and volunteered room. I don’t have to be there to already year!” their hours of work to grow ANPR and keep know that the room is full of an ANPR fam- — Michelle Supernaugh Torok it active, both professionally and socially. It is ily that is excited to welcome the recipients now time to see that same time commitment of the Bill Supernaugh Memorial Scholar- u If you are interested in keeping this schol- in volunteer hours from members who have ship Fund for the second year in a row! I arship program going in Bill’s name, please joined in the last decade if ANPR is to sustain know that many of you were either friends, send your donations (payable to ANPR) to itself into the future. That is what the current colleagues or were mentored by my dad. I ANPR, 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB leadership is searching for. It is past time to want to thank the ANPR family for their 222, Golden, CO 80401. On the memo line pass the torch. generosity at last year’s Ranger Rendezvous, please designate the “Supernaugh Memorial Again, thanks for your ideas. Many of them which enabled ANPR to sponsor this year’s Scholarship Fund.” would be worthwhile if volunteers can be found to do the necessary background work and fol- low through to bring them to fruition. — Scot McElveen, ANPR President ANPR Reports Membership Services KUDOS LIST These people have either given a gift member- ship to a new member in recent months or recruited a new member or an old member to return to ANPR. Thank you for your membership help. Ed Rizzotto Kathy & Frank Betts Dwight Pitcaithley Sarah Jensen Martha Lee Brion Fitzgerald Greg Mockoviak Tom Schaff Mike Caldwell Erin Carroll A.J. Harrison Vicki Allen Jason Wickersty Flo Six Townsend Don Castleberry Clair Roberts Cindy Purcell Stacy Humphries Cathy & John Pete Peterson Wittenwyler Todd Bishop Deryl Stone Kale Bowling Deanne Adams Mark Christiano Tony Sisto Megan Gilles Sara Sprinkle Chris Olijnyk Daniel Dillon Ben Tholkes

18 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers were all there about a year ago with the in- the conference. A good administrative officer The Professional Ranger vention of the regional SHRO and MABO must be able to plan ahead, understand the concepts. The Servicing Human Resource park’s needs and have the ability to prioritize Administration Offices (SHROs) and the Major Acquisition — all strategic tools to bring to the manage- The Changing Role of an Administrative Buying Offices (MABOs) have centralized the ment table. I believe that an administrative Officer — Remember that common phrase functions of human resources and contracting. officer must have her ear to the ground, be about the only thing that is constant is change? Although this concept does have some great able to network and ask the questions that I have come to believe that this concept really benefits (I am a strong supporter of both need to asked. Perhaps then the title would applies to the world of administration today. concepts), it alters the supervisory role of an be “chief inquirer”? More than 140 National Park Service ad- administrative officer. This has left some parks There are days when there is a steady stream ministrative employees gathered Oct. 27-29, with fewer on-site staff or even burdened the of people in my office looking for a variety of 2009, in Albuquerque at a joint conference remaining administrative staff with duties that advice. Some come seeking answers to budget representing the Intermountain and Midwest were once collateral duties of the now-stream- questions. others come in to plan for a future regions. The majority of the audience was lined human resources and contracting staff. project or just need to talk to another supervi- comprised of administrative officers. With the removal of human resources and sor. Perhaps then the title that would apply is The three-day agenda was packed with contracting as one of the day-to-day functions “chief nurturer.” speakers from the WASO office, and many overseen by an administrative officer, the role Whatever the title given to the main super- of us were looking forward to hearing current of the administrative officer may need to be visor of an administrative staff, it must reflect news right from the chief program managers redefined. Perhaps we need a new job title? the recent changes in this field. I believe there themselves. Oversight of the park’s budget is still a major is still an important support role for adminis- As I took in the conference and talked to function of most administrative officers, so trative staff at every park. Who else to better my fellow administrative officers, a theme perhaps the title of chief finance officer could tackle the cumbersome programs that deal started to develop. It was becoming apparent apply. This title is easily recognized and under- with travel and payroll? to us that an avalanche of change was coming stood in the private sector and would put us These are my thoughts as I prepare to to the world of administration and that we more in line with running a park like a business, weather the storm and figure out how to ski had better prepare to embrace it because we a concept that continues to be brought up. triumphantly through the avalanche of change all know you cannot outrun an avalanche. Another title could be chief strategy officer as that we should prepare to embrace now. q The signs of the oncoming change express was suggested by a superintendent attending — Michelle Torok, Saguaro

Interpretation ing, but it involves changes in strategies and implement positive evolutionary change in A 21st Century Direction — The Second tactics as times change. We must continue to each park. Seeing this through at the ground Century Commission, sponsored by the Na- find new ways to support each other so that level should be one of our top priorities, and tional Parks Conservation Association, has we can support our collective purpose. it’s happening with varying degrees of success released a major report. It explores, defends It is easy in tough budget times to defend right now. and defines the role of the National Park one’s own divisional territory, but this knee-jerk Imagine what would happen if it were stan- Service as a provider of meaningful learning habit is counterproductive in the big picture. dard practice in all parks that superintendents and experiences for people around the world, Rather than engage in divisional tribalism, and division managers sit around the table and visitors come to parks in search of these which is still endemic on poorly led man- on a regular basis and get beyond day-to-day connections. Every employee should take the agement teams, I want to believe that each issues to instead discuss cooperative interdivi- time to read this report and think about how division leader in each park has the emotional sional 21st century goals? Discussions should we all add meaning to the visitor experience, intelligence to choose to think collaboratively, flow from stated goals, be led by an engaged and most important, that we work together weaving their respective roles into support for superintendent and be reflected in general to do it. that singular idea. We serve our visitors best management plans. This vision should be We all play a role in ensuring visitors find if we coordinate our actions and think about clearly articulated so that every staff member the meaningful connection they seek. Every and understand why we are here. To work understands not only what direction the park division in a park supports the visitor’s inter- without direction and friends is to work blind is going in, but also how each division and est, from interpretive programs and media and lonely. individual plays a role in the promotion of projects, to a law enforcement operation to I see many positive and hopeful signs in park resources and their meanings. Actively keep a resource from disappearing, a resource the exciting new messages and direction from managed collaboration will go far in facilitat- manager sharing information about a species our leaders in Washington. Now is the time ing the changes that will keep us as an agency under threat, cultural resource staff preserv- to embrace 21st century thinking servicewide healthy. ing something historic, or facilities folks who to provide direction and guidance as the NPS I sense that the NPS is fighting its way out design and maintain the infrastructure that charts a new course to a future of meaningful of the bramble patch of confusion, malaise, allows people to experience the resource. connections. and in some places, even mutual distrust to- The process of connecting visitors to mean- From the national level to regional level, ward a new period of positive collaboration ingful resources in parks is why the NPS and this thinking must be promoted. However, and forward movement. We must continue all of us are here. Everything our agency does for true success, we should expect all our su- to fight against the energy-sapping forces of flows from and supports the seeking of mean- perintendents to use their authority to actively inertia, reject the urge to give up and be cynical RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 19 about the future, and avoid the tendency to Protection education, emergency operations (to include find our strength only in memories of former The Individual Development Plan: A Tool to fire management, EMS and SAR), special glory. Guide the Future of Your Career — Where park uses, and recreation, backcountry and Unless we are adaptable, the challenges of do you want to be in three years? Or even five wilderness management. The OPM has identi- the 21st century will overwhelm this agency. or 10 years? How about when you retire? fied two additional essential competencies for Our audience is evolving and we must continue These are important questions that all rang- protection park rangers: legal, government to embrace new strengths and ideas to meet ers and other National Park Service employees and jurisprudence, and emergency medical our audience where they are, or our audience ought to be asking regardless of where we are in (similar to the NPS Emergency Operations will leave us behind. Relevancy comes from our career path. One available tool to help us competency). operations that are flexible, optimistic and open guide the future of our careers is an Individual These essential competencies are listed for to new ideas so that we target our work to the Development Plan, or an IDP. specific job titles and are in addition to the new eyes and ears yearning for connections to When things progress the way they are sup- eight NPS universal competencies, which apply parks. This will require many of us to let go posed to, new employees during their initial to all NPS job titles in all career fields. These of cherished but outdated priorities and tech- years of employment are educated about IDPs are mission comprehension, agency orienta- niques. That is not an easy thing. The ability to and the role they can play in guiding their career tion, NPS operations, fundamental values, fight institutionalized hopelessness, dismantle by their supervisors and possibly their human resource stewardship, communication skills tired management constructs, facilitate change resources folks. Many employees, though, may and individual development and planning. and build vibrant new managerial structures have several years of employment before they That last one proves to reinforce how im- is critical. We must assess our leaders by these hear the phrase IDP for the first time. portant IDPs are, so much so that the NPS measures. Don’t let this happen to you. Recognize that includes the concept as a universal competency In my view, the single unifying idea that you ultimately hold the reins of your career, that all employees must master. Moreover, one all employees should understand is that our and you are the primary guiding force in the of the five NPS core values is “excellence.” This visitors, our supporters and the promise of direction your career moves. A lot of factors means that as NPS employees, we are expected continued funding rests on how well we work exist that can influence your career, but in the to be professional, competent, highly skilled together to promote our meaningful resources, end, you decide where you want to go profes- and excellent at our jobs. If that’s not compel- value flexibility and innovation, and prioritize sionally and how far. ling enough, consider the Centennial Initia- the pursuit of continued relevancy. As we move By using an IDP, you can begin early on tive. Under it, the NPS director has outlined into the 21st century and figure out how our to steer your professional development toward several goals, one of which is to “develop the resources are relevant, we will continue to measurable, definable, realistic goals you set next generation of NPS leaders.” connect people to meaningful experiences if for yourself. The beautiful thing about IDPs We are part of the next generation of NPS we are open to new thinking. No matter the is they help to accomplish two things at once: leaders, and an initial step toward our develop- division or role, everyone should be working help individual employees guide their careers ment is to complete our IDPs. toward this inspiring goal and ask, “So what and help the NPS develop its workforce. To So how do we go about accomplishing that? can I do in a new way today?” quote the NPS Fundamentals curriculum, The steps are simple and begin with accessing This is my last column forRanger . I enjoyed which includes an entire section on IDPs, “they the actual IDP form. We can do this through writing in this space, but I have passed the torch provide a logical and structured framework for the InsideNPS website by conducting a search to others with ideas to share. I will dedicate my assessing and addressing both individual and for “Individual Development Plans” and click- time to a new interpretive project to continue organizational needs.” ing onto the link provided. Another way is to the work of interpretive change management According to the NPS Workforce Manage- enroll in the NPS Fundamentals curriculum, and agency evolution. ment Team, its mission is “to ensure that NPS complete Fundamentals I and II, then begin Thank you, and I hope that my columns has people with the right skills at the right Fundamentals III, during which IDP forms have provoked at least a few discussions. I have place at the right time. To achieve this, we are made available to us. used this column to pose tough questions to work to create an NPS culture that brings out Once the form is printed, schedule a time and challenge the status quo of current opera- the best in all NPS employees by fully aligning to sit down with your supervisor and fill in tions, warn about the pitfalls of inaction, and workforce management systems and processes the blanks. Begin by actually listing individual stay vigilant against thinking and actions that with the needs of the NPS to accomplish the competencies that need to be achieved. Next, harm our division. I hope the interpretive staff mission.” list different training courses and/or -devel keeps evolving and we all do our part to keep “People with the right skills.” That means opmental opportunities that will enable the the NPS a great agency. q people who have progressed along a certain employee to achieve the targeted competency. — Jeff Axel career ladder, developing specified skill sets Lastly, identify dates for the training courses Big Bend along the way. These skill sets vary with each and/or opportunities so that a timeline is es- job title and are known in NPS lingo as “Es- tablished. Be sure to make the timeline realistic sential Competencies,” those skills that are and achievable. crucial to the job. The IDP becomes a useful justification to For protection park rangers (which the Of- help us acquire needed training sessions and fice of Personnel Management has listed for the developmental opportunities in a competitive NPS as a mission-critical occupation), the NPS world. Once we attend the training or par- has identified six essential competencies: law ticipate in some other developmental exercise, enforcement, resource stewardship, resource we complete the blanks asking if we met the 20 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers competency. leaders who, according to the NPS Workforce Share your news! By staying true to a well-thought-out IDP, Management Team’s Vision Statement, are “a We want to hear from you. we can have a tangible means of guiding our diverse, highly skilled, motivated and effec- Take a minute to tell others own career and be able to answer the question, tive workforce capable of accomplishing the your news. Use the form on “Where do you want to be in x years?” with a NPS mission and carrying it into the next the inside back cover, send an e-mail to [email protected] or confident certainty, whether that destination century.” visit the ANPR website: www. is district ranger, FMO, special agent, chief Where do you want to be in 10 years? q anpr.org/family.htm. ranger, superintendent or beyond. — Kevin Moses Buffalo National River Better yet, we can know that we are on track ANPR’s award-winning to becoming part of the next generation of NPS ‘Lost . . . But Found, Safe and Sound’ video Resource Management Now available on DVD! New NPS Director Jon Jarvis has appointed tar sands, power plants, transmission lines and Designed to show Dr. Gary Machlis as the agency’s first science liquefied natural gas) and renewable (e.g., solar, children, ages 4-12, what adviser to the director. Creation of this posi- wind, geothermal, biomass, hydropower and to do if they become lost tion sends a strong message about the director’s coastal hydrokinetics) energy development in remote areas such as priorities and the importance with which he — send a summary to [email protected] or parks or forests. views the role of science. call him at 303-969-2364. n n n Dr. Machlis has outlined 10 goals. They The U.S. Animal Welfare Act calls for the DVD: $10 for ANPR members, $15 for oth- include advancing science delivery and literacy; establishment of an Institutional Animal Care ers; Video: $7 for members, $12 for others; engaging the scientific community to sup- and Use Committee to review investigator pro- also available in CD-ROM PowerPoint pre- port science for parks and parks for science; tocols and actions. To help ensure the highest sentation; quantity discounts available; credit establishing standards to ensure that science is standards of animal welfare in parks, the NPS card payment (Visa/MC) accepted relevant, rigorous, peer-reviewed and delivered Biological Resource Management Division has in usable form to managers; elevating and ex- hired an interim attending veterinarian/com- Order online at www.anpr.org/lost.htm panding the role of science in decision-making; mittee chair and appointed three additional Questions? work on defendable, defensible funding, look- members to serve on the committee. Immediate Contact ANPR’s business office: ing at education programs as an investment; priorities include working with each region 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222 training NPS leaders in how to incorporate to select representatives, and development of Golden, CO 80401 • [email protected] science into decision-making; developing a outreach, policy implementation and training diverse, professional science workforce; link- activities. q ing park science to education programs that — Sue Consolo Murphy contribute to visitor experiences; promoting Grand Teton USNPS science-based communication across boundar- Are you a resource manager interested in becom- ies, even international ones; and ensuring that ing a columnist in this space? Please contact the ROAD MAP for my heirs science is accountable and efficient. editor at [email protected]. Dr. Machlis earned graduate degrees in This ANPR-produced “Road Map” can assist forestry and human ecology, has authored family or friends in handling details when a several books, and is national coordinator spouse or loved one dies. for the Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit ANPR Calendar A notebook has fill-in-the blank forms Network. about: Ranger (Spring issue) Other resource news from the natural • your desires about final arrangements deadline...... Feb. 28, 2010 resource and science directorate — Pending • civil service, military & Social Security OMB approval, the NPS plans to solicit early details Ranger (Summer issue) public input, through a notice in the Federal • insurance facts, bank accounts and more deadline...... May 15, 2010 Register, to aid in developing proposed revi- • synopsis of life, obituary & family his- tory sions to its nonfederal oil and gas regulations Ranger Rendezvous XXXIII...... Oct. 30 - • list of disposition of personal items at 36 CFR Part 9B. Approximately 700 non- Nov. 4, 2010, Bend, Oregon federal oil and gas operations exist in 13 park • anatomical gift wishes • examples of durable power of attorney units, on private or state inholdings or split Coming next issue: NPS Operational estates. Leadership The NPS Geologic Resources Division is de- $10 per book, plus $4 for shipping and handling. veloping a comprehensive list of energy-related U.S. currency only. projects outside park boundaries that could impact park resources. If you know of an en- Make check payable to ANPR. ergy-related project near your park — existing Affordable health insurance through Send to: ANPR, 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222, Golden, CO 80401 and potential projects for conventional (e.g., ANPR and Aetna. See www.anpr. coal, oil and gas, coal bed methane, oil shale, org/insurance.htm

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 21 Bolivia hosts IRF’s 6th World Ranger Congress 261 rangers attend from 43 countries By Tony Sisto that these parks and their rangers help protect. he first World Ranger Congress held in South America began on a hot Santa Focus on climate Cruz evening with a gala opening change Tceremony and dinner. From this Sunday eve- This congress, like others, ning, Nov. 1, 2009, the congress headed into was a hard-working one. a full week of conferences, plenary sessions, Plenary and break-out workshops, IRF business and just plain fun sessions focused broadly for the attending rangers. on climate change, special Latin America was well represented with values of protected areas, 164 rangers from 13 countries. Other coun- and the role of rangers. The tries with high participation included 22 from first full day began with Australia, 14 from the United States, nine from a climate change panel, the United Kingdom, nine from the Republic represented by Omar of Korea and five from Iceland. Rocha, general director of The congress was held at the Los Tajibos

biodiversity and protected Sisto Tony Hotel and Convention Center, a modern areas from the Bolivian Newly elected IRF president DeanneAdams, a life member of ANPR, resort in the heart of Santa Cruz. In a change Ministry of Environment is surrounded by rangers from around the world. from the urban location, mid-week saw most and Water, and Robert participants heading out on planned field trips Wallace, a director from the Wildlife Conserva- and was presented by Allen Putney, vice chair into Bolivia’s Amboró National Park, and to tion Society, United Kingdom. for World Heritage, IUCN World Commission similar regional parks nearby. This theme was followed two days later with on Protected Areas, U.S.; Guido Leonel Gil, Santa Cruz, a relatively new city located another plenary panel on the “Role of Rangers president of the Galapagos Rangers Associa- in the headwaters of the Amazon watershed, in Fire Management and Climate Change.” tion, Ecuador; and Carlos Espinoza, National serves as a gateway entry to the wild and Panel participants were Ian Christie, general Service of Protected Areas, Bolivia. This was diverse national parks of the Amazon Basin manager, Parks Victoria, Australia; Jim Gale, followed by concurrent panels on ranger and the northern Chaco regions of Bolivia, chief ranger, interpretation, Hawaii Volcanoes training, conditions of work, and country including Amboró, Noel Kempff Mercado National Park; and Damian Rumitz, director, presentations of ranger work. Much of the and Carrasco. Wilderness Conservation Society, Bolivia. effort from these sessions found their way Bolivia has protected approximately 35 Through these sessions and follow-up talks, into the drafting of the Santa Cruz declaration percent of its land area in some massive na- the congress was called upon to be a voice focusing primarily on the ranger profession tional parks, some nearly impossible for the for effective climate change policies by world and on climate change. average visitor to easily reach. Many are home governments and protected areas. As a result, As is often true with IRF congresses, this to indigenous peoples of the Amazon region. the congress crafted a separate Climate Change mixing of nongovernmental organization Although too far away for congress participants Proclamation to be included in the Santa Cruz representatives, managers, politicians and field to visit during the week, rangers from these Declaration. rangers in plenary and other presentations parks were present at the congress, and many provides a welcome diversity of opinion and rangers headed to these parks for post-congress Protected areas and the role of experiences that all learn from. It continues visits. Those who couldn’t visit, including this rangers to be one of the strengths of the congress author, vowed a return trip in the future to The well-received Tuesday plenary panel fo- format. explore the remarkable biological diversity cused on “Special Values of Protected Areas” Santa Cruz Declaration and a Climate Change Proclamation After Scotland three years ago, our big “In my 15 years of volunteering for ranger Groups worked hard behind the scenes family of rangers in the world is now associations and IRF, I have seen that it throughout the week to craft two documents “together again, this time in the opposite is the dedicated commitment of skilled, for approval by the membership. One is a hemisphere and in one of the most intelligent rangers like we have in this ecologically diverse countries on our room who will make a difference in Climate Change Proclamation, to be deliv- planet. [Bolivia] has a huge heart to protected area management. The strength ered by the Danish rangers to the delegates at welcome all of you.” that IRF brings is providing these forums the United Nations Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen. The other document is — Ana Carola Vaca Salazar, Bolivia Ranger that enable us to learn from each other Association and Executive Director, and advance our profession. the Santa Cruz Declaration that focuses mainly World Ranger Congress — Deanne Adams on the role and work of rangers around the Newly elected” IRF President world, and the importance for world govern- ments to provide legal recognition and support

22 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers Barbara Mertin of the work rangers do in protected area man- agement. These documents were developed by a team of rangers from several Latin America countries, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. Although previous congresses have rightfully focused on protected area man- agement, sustainable development and protec- tion issues, the Santa Cruz Declaration is the Clockwise from top left: first to focus mainly on the recognition and Congress attendees ford a support of rangers. stream during a field trip; Ronald Mora, Costa Rica (left) with Marion Flores, Thin Green Line Foundation Guatemala; Cambodian In the Fall 2006 Ranger, in writing about the rangers Khem Rong congress in Scotland, I specifically mentioned Den (left) and Thon the inspiring presentation by Australian ranger Soukhon, (right); others

Sean Wilmore of his travels around the world Sisto Tony unknown filming rangers at work. His draft documen- tary he showed at the time, “The Thin Green was particularly important because many of the in Bolivia. One tentative location would be Line”, has since evolved into a professionally International Executive Committee (the voting the YMCA of the Rockies, on the boundary produced 1 hour 20 minute documentary of members of the IRF board) were going off the of Rocky Mountain National Park. Such a rangers. As a result of the success of the film in IEC, and new members running for office. The congress would coincide nicely with the 100th raising more than $150,000 AU in donations election was run by Kristen Appel as a member NPS anniversary. for the IRF Ranger Dependents Fund, Sean of the IRF Election Committee. The Bolivia Congress was successfully closed established the Thin Green Line Foundation. Two long-term ANPR members were after a dance and dinner on Friday night, Nov. Sean was at the Bolivia Congress, and gave elected to IRF board positions. Past ANPR 6, and a final business session on Saturday several presentations of the work of the Founda- President Deanne Adams, retired NPS, was morning, Nov. 7. As always, after a week of tion, his recent work on distributing assistance elected as president. Jeff Ohlfs, Joshua Tree, being together with the world ranger family, it to families of rangers killed in Africa, and a was elected as North America representative. was hard to say goodbye. Many were continu- special plenary presentation of assistance to a The complete new IRF board for the next three ing with their travels in the rich ecosystems Bolivian family who lost a ranger in the line years is outlined on the next page in the IRF and national parks of South America; others of duty. Update. headed home to waiting jobs in their own IRF will continue working closely with Sean parks. and the TGL Foundation to provide mutual Next Congresses The next congresses will once again bring support in assisting families of rangers killed The IRF board is seeking to plan two congresses world rangers together. It is a unique oppor- in the line of duty. Currently the IRF president out, allowing both hosting countries to work tunity. Join in. USNPS sits on the board of the TGL Foundation. At together in planning for each congress. There the Bolivia Congress, the IEC voted to include is yet no country volunteering to host the next the executive manager of the TGL Foundation congress in 2012-13. Asia and North America on the IRF Board. are the only IRF regions that have not hosted a congress. Korea has in the past expressed ANPR members elected to IRF board some interest, and IRF is encouraging them Santa Cruz Declaration and the The IRF holds its main World Congress to submit a proposal. However, ANPR has membership meeting every three years at each applied to host a congress in 2016, for which Climate Change Proclamation: see World Ranger Congress. The Bolivia meeting a presentation was made in plenary session the IRF website, www.int-ranger.net

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 23 IRF Update International Executive Committee he International Ranger Federation holds elections for board positions The 6th World Ranger Congress of the Inter- addition, Kristen traveled on her own time T every three years at its World Congress. The national Ranger Federation was held Nov. 1-7, and money to Bolivia, as did Yvette, to assist International Executive Committee is made 2009, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. (See in getting agreements signed between IRF, up of four officer positions and six regional previous pages for details.) the Bolivian Ranger Association (Association representatives elected from member orga- Two longtime ANPR members were elected Boliviana Agentes de Conservacion), and the nizations. New members elected in Bolivia to IRF board positions. Past ANPR President Bolivian park agency, Servicio Nacional de in November 2009 are: Deanne Adams, retired from the National Areas Protegidas. They also helped with many Park Service, was elected president. Jeff Ohlfs other tasks. Deanne, as IRF vice president, Voting Members of Joshua Tree was elected as North America was the IRF lead for the congress, and worked International Officers representative. All members of the IRF board countless hours over the past three years, both President Deanne Adams, United States are listed at the right. from home and in Bolivia prior to the congress, [email protected] Organizing and preparing for any interna- to help assure its success. Vice President Wayne Lotter, South Africa tional congress takes a lot of work. In addition Finally, a special thanks goes to the ANPR [email protected] Secretary Elaine Thomas, Australia to Bolivian ranger Ana Carola Vaca Salazar, Board of Directors, which agreed to loan [email protected] who directed the congress organization in $2,000 to the Bolivian association early on as Treasurer João Manuel Dos Santos Correia, Bolivia, special recognition goes to Deanne seed money to get started. Without the extra Portugal, [email protected] Adams and Yvette Ruan, United States, and volunteer work of these rangers and of ANPR, Kristen Appel, Australia. These three helped the congress would not have happened. Thank Regional Representatives host travel by Ana Carola and others from you again. Africa: André Bothe, South Africa South America to meet in San Francisco on Travel well. q [email protected] Asia: Young-Deok Park, Korea two occasions to help plan the congress. In — Tony Sisto, International��������������������� Affairs [email protected] Central America: Cesar Augusto Flores Lopez, [email protected] Europe: Florin Halastauan, Romania [email protected] North America: Jeff Ohlfs, United States [email protected] Oceania: Tegan Burton, Australia Left, opening ceremony at IRF’s World Con- [email protected] gress in Bolivia; below, (left to right) Tunde South America: Ana Carola Vaca Salazar, Bolivia, Ludnai, Hungary; Alberto Dominici, Italy; [email protected] and Barbara Mertin, Austria. These members will serve for the next three-year term. All elected positions may be held for two terms. The non-voting, ex-officio members of the board are the past IRF presidents, and a new member added in Bolivia the xxecutive manager of the Thin Green Line Foundation.

Past Presidents Gordon Miller, England, [email protected] Rick Smith, United States [email protected] David Zellar, South Africa Sean Wilmore, Australia, Thin Green Line Foun- dation, [email protected] In addition, the board recognizes these volunteer staff positions: Bill Halainen, U.S.: Editor, Guardaparque news- letter, [email protected] Dana Dierkes, U.S.: Editor, Thin Green Line newsletter, [email protected] David Burns, Australia: IRF Web Manager [email protected] Michal Skalka, Czech Republic [email protected] Kveta Cernohlavkova, Czech Republic [email protected]

24 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers © Steve Tague/NorthWest Crossing Tague/NorthWest © Steve Rendezvous swings West to Bend, Oregon oin us for spectacular scenery in central the room block). The occupancy tax is about 20 minutes from Bend. Allegiant Air flies JOregon this year, Oct. 30 - Nov. 4, for the 10 percent. from Las Vegas, Nevada, and Mesa, Arizona, annual gathering of ANPR members. A planning group began working imme- at low cost but only on Mondays and Fridays. Program planning is underway to deliver diately after the 2009 Rendezvous to develop Round trip is possible for $100-$200 (includ- meaningful presentations and training useful a professional conference with strong appeal. ing tax). Monitor the Allegiant website to to a variety of employees at this 33rd annual As the agenda and program take shape, check determine how to get the lowest fares, which Ranger Rendezvous in Bend, Oregon. Enjoy the ANPR website (www.anpr.org) for updates. can change at anytime. United Airlines flies seeing old friends and learning something new Also check for the scheduling of several train- direct from Denver and San Francisco; Delta at workshops and training sessions. ing sessions of interest to NPS employees and files direct from Salt Lake City; Alaska/Horizon A new feature this year likely will have a park partners, possibly following a leadership Air flies direct from Seattle, Las Angeles and community service component. Organizers theme. Portland. are hoping to schedule a service project during Flights to central Oregon arrive in Red- Shuttle buses also travel from Portland or the Rendezvous, and a tentative idea involves mond (Roberts Field Airport, RDM), about Redmond. partnering with state and local parks to The ANPR photo contest will take place undertake trail construction at Pilot Butte once again to showcase your best images. State Park, about two miles from the venue SAVE So start digging through your photos or get hotel. The service project also could involve out there and shoot some new ones of your planting of native plants, building a split-rail THE DATE park or other parks. There are some excellent fence, thinning a juniper colony, general trail photographers in the ANPR ranks and here maintenance and litter patrol. Oct. 30 – Nov. 4 is a chance to show your work. Prizes will go The Rendezvous venue is The River- n n n to the top three photographers. More details house Hotel (www.riverhouse.com) on the will appear on the ANPR website and in Deschutes River. future editions of Ranger. Daily room rates are $90 for a standard Bend, Exhibitors will be on hand to display their room, $110 for a suite and $69 for a stan- products and services that interest parks dard room for members in the seasonal and Oregon employees. ANPR also will hold raffles as student category (capped at 15 percent of part of fundraising efforts. USNPS

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 25 Welcome to the ANPR family! Here are the newest members of the Association of National Park Rangers:

Maria Abonnel...... Courtlandt Manor, NY Library, Jefferson Nat’l Jeffrey Roney...... Kihei, HI Lynn Aderholt...... Seward, AK Expansion Memorial...... St Louis, MO Shelley Roy...... Baton Rouge, LA Andrew Albright...... Berea, OH Tim Jobe...... Glen Shaw, PA Evangelina Rubalcava-Joyce...... Gettysburg, PA Jason Allen...... Hamilton, MT Gary Kaiser...... Salt Flat, TX Shawn Salley...... Las Cruces, NM Colgan Allen...... Berlin, MD Jeremy Kaufman...... Washington, DC Christine Salomon...... Flagstaff, AZ Scherry Allison...... Liberty, TX Andrew Keller...... Fairbanks, AK Eric Schreckengost...... Butler, PA Monica Arjev...... Takoma Park, MD Harold B. Kelly III...... Pigeon Forge, TN Sam Sehman...... Ellicott City, MD David Astudillo...... Wappingers Falls, NY Brady Kirwan & Amanda Wilson...... Arcata, CA Richard Sellars...... Santa Fe, NM Leland Barker...... Slippery Rock, PA Liesl Klicker...... Slippery Rock, PA Daniel & Britt Sheehan...... Bloomington, MN Gary Battel...... Laurel, MD Lester Kloss...... Klamath Fall, OR Jessica Sheffield...... State College, PA David Bednar...... Slippery Rock, PA Kyle Knight...... Burghill, OH Robert Todd Shelton...... Hite, UT Bud Beets...... Avon, IN Katharine LaCroix...... Sanbornton, NH Paul Shevchuk...... Gettysburg, PA Tom & Beth Betts...... Los Alamos, NM Daniel Landgrebe...... Bemidji, MN Erik Simula...... Hovland, MN Todd Bishop...... St. Augustine, FL Cynthia Langguth...... Estes Park, CO Ryan Six...... Kirkland, WA Alex Black...... Lewis Run, PA Lauren LaRocca...... Fort Collins, CO Jenna Skogg...... Arlington, VA Daniel Blankenship...... Flamingo, FL Lucy Lawliss...... Fredericksburg, VA Joseph Smith...... Old Station, CA William Bolger...... Mount Holly, NJ Rob Leighton...... Dallas, TX Christopher Stechmann...... South Hadley, MA Kevin Brandt...... Hagerstown, MD Michael Leon...... Broomfield, CO James Stotler...... Valencia, CA Jeff Brown...... Durango, CO Tracey Lightcap...... Jackson Center, PA Fred Stover...... Centre Hall, PA Joseph Camisa...... Medora, ND Elise Liguori...... Washington, DC Elson Strahan...... Vancouver, WA Mike Campbell...... Slippery Rock, PA Jack Lisco...... Cranberry Twp, PA Billy Strasser...... Fayetteville, WV Nona Capps...... Holland, IN Dr. Maureen Loughlin...... Aptos, CA Kimberly Szewczyk...... Phoenixville, PA Nicholas & Andrea Jonathan Ludwick...... Lebanon, PA Barbara & Clark Tallman...... Davenport, FL Capps-Henke...... Vincennes, IN Tim Lutterman...... Duluth, MN Jamison Taylor...... Erie, PA Joseph Carlson...... Twentynine Palms, CA David Martin...... Carmichael, CA Miriam Taylor...... El Portal, CA Brian Carlstrom...... Hagerstown, MD Gilbert Martinez...... New York, NY Rachel Vegors...... Jackson, TN Tim Cassidy...... Martinsville, IN Rosemarie Meany...... Hackensack, NJ Gabe Vicente...... Union, NJ Don Castleberry...... Little Rock, AR Cathy Meigel...... Butler, PA Scott Warner...... Mt. Desert, ME Susan Christy...... Tulelake, CA Justin Meinert...... Slippery Rock, PA Randy Watkins...... Petersburg, VA Steve Cooke...... Honeoye Falls, NY Richard Miller...... Vowinckel, PA Kyle Weatherman...... Denver, CO Jim Dahlstrom & Christy Baker...... Bayfield, WI Jennifer Moore...... Edinboro, PA Julie Weir...... Philadelphia, PA Shannon Dennison...... Los Alamos, NM Tim Moore...... Washington, DC Michelle Wenz...... Virginia Beach, VA Dana Dierkes...... Germantown, MD Paul Motts...... Akron, OH Mark Wenzler...... Washington, DC Raymond Drutis...... Pittsburgh, PA Dylan Mroszczyk-McDonald...... Woodstock, VT Brendan Wilson...... Norwalk, CT Katie Ehler...... Solvang, CA Brian Nemec...... Columbus, OH Scott Wittenwyler...... Mazomanie, WI Daniel Engel...... St. Louis, MO Kat O’Hara...... Landisburg, PA Tami Wolf...... Washington, DC Elizabeth Evans...... Visalia, CA Tim Pagano...... Glen Ridge, NJ Shawn Wolfe...... Manchester, TN James Facazk...... Matawan, NJ Edward Page...... Thornhurst, PA Peter Wong...... New York, NY Flagstaff Areas...... Flagstaff, AZ Melanie Parker...... Washington, DC Tracy Fortmann...... Vancouver, WA Nicola Pearson Allen....Denali National Park, AK Michele Fowler...... Boulder City, NV Teri Peasley...... Genesee, PA All in the Family Alexander Fraser...... Dundalk, MD Jessica Pilkington...... Seekonk, MA Rick Kendall is the new superintendent Larry Frederick...... Estes Park, CO Cory Pindroh...... Cranberry Twp, PA Jim Gale...... Hawaii National Park, HI Jason Pinter...... Newcastle, WY of Saint-Gaudens National Historic Site Will Gallus...... Nelsonville, OH Sam Piper...... Lower Waterford, VT in Cornish, New Hampshire. He recently Christina Garton...... Las Cruces, NM Randy Pitstick...... New Castle, PA completed the NPS Bevinetto Congressional Megan Gilles...... Kihei, HI Andrew Podany...... Moab, UT Fellowship in the Washington Office. As part Thomas Grant...... Rochester, PA Martha Raymond...... Alexandria, VA of the fellowship he spent 2008 working as Leslie Green...... Baker, NV Jeff Reardon...... Quantico, VA a member of the legislative staff on the U.S. Dan Hall...... Brookfield, CT Wayne Reeb...... Zelienople, PA House of Representatives Committee on Kathryn Harrison...... Cheyenne, OK Tim & Charissa Reid...... Yellowstone NP, WY Natural Resources. In 2009 he served as the Kristofer Head...... Chico, CA Curtis Reynolds...... Mercer, PA liaison between the director and the assistant Leslie Henry...... Cody, WY David Reynolds...... Davis, CA Meghan Heuser...... Roselle, NJ Laurel Ridge...... Andover, MA secretary of the interior for fish and wildlife Bill Hewitt...... Gettysburg, PA Richard Ring...... Bethesda, MD and parks, working on national issues for the Jake Hoogland...... Alexandria, VA Jim Roach...... Gettysburg, PA NPS and the Department of the Interior. He Justine Hubler...... Morrisdale, PA Elizabeth Rogers...... Plattsburgh, NY began his NPS career in the backcountry of- Kyle Hudick...... Carlsbad, NM Heather Rogers...... Seattle, WA fice at Olympic. He also has worked at Lake Stacy Humphreys...... Fredericksburg, VA Linda Rokosz...... Irene, SD Roosevelt, Death Valley and the USS Arizona Jennifer Jaworski...... Interlochen, MI Ryan Romanchuk...... Plattsburgh, NY (continued on page 28)

26 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers Yellowstone, Yosemite, Everglades and Grand his final chapter Lowry “. . . readily admit[s] In Print Canyon. These four case studies, Lowry says, that any extension to other issue areas will Repairing Paradise: The Restoration illustrate the more general changes in policy necessarily be preliminary.” He then goes on to required to help restore all national parks. The apply his framework to a few other examples, or Nature in America’s National major issues that he chose are reintroduction most notably climate change. Parks, William R. Lowry, Brook- of eliminated species, reducing automobile While this book is well worth reading ings Institution Press, 2009, ISBN: traffic, replenishing fresh water supplies and and enjoyable, there are times that Lowry’s 0815702744, 287 pages, hardcover, restoring natural water flows. academic background and perspective leave $28.95 His book perpetuates the myth that the out some of the real-world issues that park large, highly recognized natural areas in the managers deal with. Recognizing the author’s Reviewed by Ken Mabery system are drivers for the entire system. He limitations, the reader can glean much from Scotts Bluff fails to recognize that the 350+ small- and this book. I doubt that it will become a staple had not read any of William Lowry’s pre- medium-sized units of the System make up the volume of long merit, in the class of, say, Rich- Ivious three books (one on national parks, bulk of the parks. Among these are nationally ard Sellars’ Preserving Nature in the National The Capacity For Wonder: Preserving National significant issues requiring policy shifts. Chaco Parks. q Parks). When I learned that he is a professor of Culture National Historical Park, as a case Ken Mabery is superintendent at Scotts Bluff National political science and this book was published in point, would meet most of his categories Monument in Nebraska. by the Brookings Institution, I thought it for inclusion as a case study, except that it is would be another academic treatise on the neither large nor a natural area. The absence A Park Ranger’s Life: Thirty-two of a cultural park leaves a substantial gap in state of the parks. Years Protecting Our National Parks, I was pleasantly surprised. This book is read- his claim of looking at policy changes to help able for business or pleasure. Lowry’s style is all national parks. Bruce W. Bytnar, Wheatmark, Decem- not conversational, but certainly not academic. In each case study Lowry suggests how the ber 2009, ISBN: 1604943459, 250 He visited many national parks on numerous status quo equilibrium might be changed to pages, paperback, $18.95 occasions and peppers his text with personal favor the necessary change. Using sound social, Reviewed by Warren Bielenberg anecdotes. The stated purpose of the book is political, economic and scientific principles he ruce Bytnar’s life as a park ranger began to use four national parks as surrogates for the frames each issue in multiple positive ways to as a seasonal at Fort McHenry National restoration challenges of the entire national achieve environmentally friendly outcomes. B Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, park system. For example, eliminating cars from Yosemite Maryland. In 1977 he received a permanent He speaks eloquently to the needs of parks: Valley might be accomplished by framing the position at Fort McHenry and then in Sep- “In the closing decades of the twentieth argument in terms of enhancing the natural tember 1977 he transferred to Fredericksburg century, many Americans realized that tradi- beauty and reminding everyone that’s why and Spotsylvania National Military Park. In tional natural resource policies had resulted they want to go there. In the final chapter, he January 1981 he transferred to the Blue Ridge in substantial and often negative impacts on extrapolates from the case studies, generalizes Parkway where he spent 28 years as park ranger, the environment.” He consistently makes the the lessons learned and presents a theoretical assistant district ranger and district ranger. case for not just preservation, but restora- framework for addressing other issues. His book chronicles interesting supervisors tion. Lowry understands that “the country’s Lowry asserts that external influences on and park visitors, adventures in training and treasured national parks, while remaining agencies and “a persistent, patterned way of travel, intriguing cases, searches, fires, and the immensely popular tourist destinations, were thinking” on the part of agencies either leads joys and frustrations of being a National Park not immune to the damage.” This book does to an apathetic or antipathetic culture toward Service ranger. Through his stories you can see not discount the effects of loving the national change. Only occasionally does he cite the ef- how the job of a ranger has evolved since the parks to death—of too much visitation—but fects of supportive and nonsupportive admin- mid-70s. makes the case that national policies have done istrations when it comes to effecting positive While never working in a western “crown more to impede park preservation. Therefore, environmental change. He does acknowledge jewel” park, his experiences are every bit as nothing short of a shift in national policy is that “. . . the commitment of political leaders exciting and varied as a ranger in Yellowstone necessary to restore national parks. is crucial to the outcome of change efforts.” or Yosemite. OK, no 3,000-foot vertical He makes a fine argument for picking Overall, he gets it right. As he points out, the rescues or bison stories, but many well-told four national parks to serve as surrogates for American democratic system is not condu- tales of rangering that some of us could only the ills of the entire system. He chose places cive to effecting big changes; only through imagine. that are known to millions of people, not just effective coalitions can effective change be Much of the book reads as if Bruce were U.S. citizens; on the world heritage list; some accomplished. telling his stories to you over hot coffee or a of the most precious resources in the world; That seems to be the bottom line in this cold beer. I would recommend this book to high-profile repair projects; cases that are “quite book: Build strong coalitions that can craft and anyone interested in seeing how varied a na- similar in many ways”; and parks that enjoy deliver strong, consistent messages using social, tional park ranger’s job can be, or for you old support from the world environmental com- political, economic and scientific principles to rangers, to compare Bruce’s stories with your munity. Finally, the “restoration projects at all effect positive environmental policy change. own. q four parks require significant departures from Because he only uses natural areas, we don’t get past practices,” and require significant changes a full opportunity to see how he might frame Warren Bielenberg is an NPS retiree living in Ten- in public policy. Lowry chose to concentrate on a large, cultural resource restoration issue. In nessee. RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 27 Fall Fund Campaign shows strong numbers All in the Family (continued from page 26) ANPR members once again gave generously to the annual Fall Fund Campaign from October through December 2009. The total came to $8,470.62, nearly the same as last year. The funds Memorial. He holds a bachelor’s degree in ar- will be used for ANPR’s operating costs this year. We appeciate the outstanding support. chaeology from the University of Georgia and a master’s in archaeology from the University Ranger Level — under $25 Scot McElveen of Arizona. He and his family (wife Laura and Christina Mills Amy Brown two children, ages 6 and 3) have moved to the Rob Burrows Neal Niiyama Alec Chapman Steven Olijnyk Upper Connecticut River Valley area. Carol Coy Tim Oliverius Christopher Davis Cindy Ott-Jones Sean McGuinness is the new superintendent Colleen Derber John Reynolds of Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational Kathy Dodd Cordell Roy River. He will assume his new post in Febru- Roger Goldberg Bill Schappell ary. Previously he was deputy superintendent Woody Harrell Helen Scully at Fire Island. He began his NPS career in Casey Horrigan John & Joanne Stockert 1977 as a seasonal river patrol ranger at Grand Charles Strickfaden Jerry Kasten Teton. He also has worked at Wrangell-St. Shirley Knutson Cheryl & Steve Thede Robert Laine Flo Six Townsend Elias, Natchez Trace Parkway, Crater Lake and Christy Moerbe Mojave. He completed a two-year assignment Brian Nemec Yosemite Level — $100+ in the Department of the Interior, Washington Karen Newton Vaughn Baker Office, with the Office of Law Enforcement Frank Platt Page Bourland and Security. A native of Buffalo, he grew up Sara Sprinkle Dennis Burnett in Lake View, New York, a small town on Wendy Watson John Case the shore of Lake Erie. He graduated with Mark Colburn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New Shenandoah Level — $25+ Joseph Evans York State College at Fredonia. His interests Mitchel Fong Michael Bilecki include paragliding, backcountry travel, sail- Fred & Debbie Koegler Daniel Blankenship ing, family and friends. Gregory Broadhurst Bob Krumenaker Jennifer Champagne Bruce & Georjean McKeeman Deny Galvin Gregory Mockoviak Longtime ANPR member and career ranger John Haines Rick Mossman Lee Shackelton, 80, died Nov. 7, 2009. He Rick Kirschner Johann Ott spent his life serving his country as a soldier Ruthann Knudson Noel Poe in the United States Army and as an NPS Jim LaRock Ed Rizzotto park ranger. His park career took him to Se- Rick LeFlore Ginny Rousseau quoia-Kings Canyon, Death Valley, Hawaii Bill Sanders Jan Lemons Volcanoes and Yosemite. He was the chief Tom Schaff Noemi Margaret Robinson of law enforcement from 1971 to 1992 at Alan Maynes Richard Sellars Kevin McCarthy Glenn Smith Yosemite. He attended and graduated from Dylan Mroszczyk-McDonald Rick Smith California College of the Arts, and married Olav Olsen Gilbert Soper Ti in 1953. He remained active in retirement, Bill Overby John Townsend enjoying activities such as writing short stories Raymond Palmer Victor Vieira and working as a private investigator. He was Jason Pinter Lee Werst also an active member in many corporations Dwight Pitcaithley Dennis Young and clubs, including Lions Club and Rotary. JT Reynolds He was a man of many talents, including Bill Schappell Everglades Level — $200+ his abilities as an elaborate storyteller, artist, Gilbert Soper Dick & Mary Martin singer and chef. Jennifer Treutelaar Gregg Fauth & Jenny Matsumoto Al Veitl Rick Erisman Cynthia VonHalle Rebecca Harriett Cindy Von Halle has moved to a job as chief Nancy Ward Wendy Lauritzen of intepretation at Klondike Gold Rush. She Robert Peterson transferred from Joshua Tree as interpretive Grand Canyon Level — $50+ Ron & Sara Sprinkle operations supervisor. She and husband Karl Jerry Case Michelle Torok welcome NPS families to visit their new home Tim Duncan & Ruby Newton Meg Weesner in southeast Alaska. [email protected] q Dana Dierkes B.J. Dunn Yellowstone Level — $500+ Affordable health insurance Carol Hegeman Deanne Adams & Tony Sisto John Henneberger Stacy Allen through ANPR and Aetna. See Warren Hill Bill Wade www.anpr.org/insurance.htm Marilyn & Donald Irwin

28 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION — Association of National Park Rangers  New Member(s)  Renewing Member(s) Date ______Name of ANPR member we may thank for encouraging you to join ______

Name(s) ______4-letter code of park / office where you work ______(Retiree=RETI, Former NPS Employee=XNPS, Student/Educator=EDUC, Park Supporter=PART) Address ______Home phone ______City ______State ______Zip+4 ______Personal e-mail address ______ANPR will use e-mail as an occasional – but critical – communication tool. We will not share your information with any other organization. It is our policy not to conduct ANPR business via NPS e-mail or phone. Payment by Visa or MasterCard accepted: Type of Membership (check one) Visa ______MasterCard ______NOTE: The annual membership renewal notification is each fall with an annual membership period of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31. Membership for those who join Oct. 1 or after will last the entire next year. Card # ______

Active Members Expiration date ______current & former NPS employees or volunteers Name on Account______Individual Joint • Seasonal/Intern/Volunteer  $45  $85 Signature ______• Permanent or Retiree  $75  $145

Associate Members Please mark your job discipline: not an NPS employee or representative of another organization ____ Protection • Sustaining  $70 ____ Interpretation • Full-time Student  $45 ____ Administration

____ Resources Life Members (lump sum payment) ____ Maintenance ACTIVE (all NPS employees/retirees) ASSOCIATE (other than NPS employees) Individual  $2,500 Individual  $2,500 ____ Concessions Joint  $3,000 Joint  $3,000 ____ Park Partner ____ Other – list: ______OR life payments made be made in three installments over a three-year period. Rates are $850 per year for individual or $1,025 for joint. If full payment isn’t received by the third installment due date, the amount paid shall be applied at the current annual membership rates until exhausted. At that point the membership will be Special Supporters lapsed. Check here if you want to make payments in three installments ______. Contact the president or fundraising board member for details on special donations. Check the website  Gift Membership $35 (please gift only a new member other than yourself, one year only) at www.anpr.org/donate-ack.htm Name of person giving gift ______

Library / Associate Organization Membership (two copies of each issue of Ranger sent quarterly)  $100

It costs ANPR $45 a year to service a membership. If you are able to add an additional donation, please consider doing so. Thank you! Return membership form and  $10  $25  $50  $100  Other ______check payable to ANPR to:

TOTAL ENCLOSED: ______Association of National Park Rangers 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222 Membership dues in excess of $45 a year may be tax deductible. Consult your tax adviser. Golden, CO 80401

Send news to: Teresa Ford, Editor Share your news with others! [email protected] or Ranger will publish your job or family 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222 news in the All in the Family section. Golden, CO 80401 or visit ANPR’s website: www.anpr.org and Name ______go to Member Services page Past Parks — Use four-letter acronym/years at each park, field area, cluster (YELL 96-98, GRCA 99-05) ______New Position (title and area) ______Old Position (title and area) ______Address/phone number (optional — provide if you want it listed in Ranger)______Other information ______

RANGER • Winter 2009-10 u 29 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage PAID Association of National Park Rangers Golden, CO 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222 Permit No. 158 Golden, CO 80401

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Printed on recycled paper

Directory of ANPR Board Members, Task Group Leaders & Staff

Board of Directors President Membership Services Task Group Leaders Scot McElveen, Retired Gregg Fauth, Sequoia-Kings Canyon International Affairs 288 Letner Road, Helenwood, TN 37755 47050 Generals Highway 27, Three Rivers, CA 93271 Tony Sisto, Retired (423) 286-8644 • [email protected] (559) 561-4749 • [email protected] 1348 Glen Drive, San Leandro, CA 94577 (510) 633-1282 • [email protected] Treasurer Professional Issues Bill Schappell Mike Anderson, Southeast Regional Office Rendezvous 3231 Key Largo Drive, #102, Las Vegas, NV 89120 51 Oak Shores Drive, Newnan, GA 30265 Dan Moses, Retired (484) 332-1521 • [email protected] (770) 253-2902 • [email protected] 418 Lafitte Way, New Bern, NC 28560 (252) 626-9692 • [email protected] Secretary Seasonal Perspectives Emily Weisner, Arlington House Tom Banks Retirement 250 11th St., SE, Washington, DC 20003 PO Box 419, Pioneer, CA 95666-0419 Frank Betts, Retired (614) 406-9400 • [email protected] (508) 579-2521 • [email protected] 1326 Catalpa Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80521 (970) 226-0765 • [email protected] Past President Special Concerns Lee Werst, Women’s Rights vacant Ranger Editorial Adviser 604 Ellington Court, Camillus, NY 13031 Mark Herberger, WASO (315) 487-0842 • [email protected] Strategic Planning 2111 Jefferson Davis Highway, #1110 N Stacy Allen, Shiloh (571) 926-1509 • [email protected] Education and Training 290 Residence Circle, Shiloh, TN 38376 Rebecca Harriett, Harpers Ferry (731) 689-3451 • [email protected] Staff 265 Old Plantation Road, Rocky Mount, VA 58854 ANPR Business Address (540) 489-4893 • [email protected] 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222, Golden, CO 80401 (303) 526-1380 • [email protected] Fund Raising Activities Teresa Ford, Membership Services Director Kendell Thompson, Lincoln Boyhood USNPS [email protected] Financial Operations Bill Schappell Internal Communications Stay in touch 3231 Key Largo Drive, #102, Las Vegas, NV 89120 Eric Leonard, Chickasaw — www.anpr.org — (484) 332-1521 • [email protected] Route 1, Box 222A, Wynnewood, OK 73098-9749 (405) 665-6331 • [email protected] News, features, Ranger Editor, ANPR Website Coordinator member services — and more Teresa Ford 25958 Genesee Trail Road, PMB 222, Golden, CO 80401 Home office & fax • (303) 526-1380 • [email protected]

30 t ANPR • Association of National Park Rangers