THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS Volume V, Number 1 March, 1983 Expectations of Care: Setting Servicewide EMS Standards

John Chew, Shenandoah

Emergency Medical Service (EMS) in the United States has become a national phenomena. The concept of "appropriate pre-hospital emergency care", much like the computer business, is growing so fast that it borders on being out of control. Field skill levels are advancing at such a rate that certification and uniform stand­ ards can hardly keep up with them. There is so much sophisticated emergency medical equipment on the market now that supply catalogues take up several shelves in most EMT bookcases. Rescue squads no longer have plain old ambu­ lances; now, instead, they have mobile in­ tensive care units, crash trucks, basic life support vehicles. The days of the dual purpose ambulance/hearse are gone forever. A lot has happened since 1968, when eight physicians who recognized the potential of emergency medicine founded the American College of Emergency Phy­ sicians (ACEP). This group, which now numbers 11,000 doctors, met at their an­ nual scientific assembly last year and reported an interesting statistical profile of current emergency services in the United States. It counted approximately 15,000 board certified emergency doctors, 70,000 emergency room nurses, 430,777 registered Emergency Medical Techni­ cians (EMT's), 23,007 intermediate EMT's, and 32,074 paramedics. ACEP also reported that emergency rooms throughout the counry now handle about 82 million visits per year.

Tim Setnicka Emergency medical care and technical rescue of climber WOO' down the face of El Capitan In Yosemite. Continued on page 8 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Not all may agree with this perspective, Letters and many will think it's rather picky to Editor's Notes waste time writing about them, but we all Editor: You will notice a few changes in the need to be sensitive to the detrimental ef­ Newsletter as you read through this issue. Words and phrases often have hidden fects of ill-advised terminology. At least Since the Rendezvous, a continuous meanings that create problems for us all it's something to think about. when used without clear knowledge of the discussion has gone on among board members regarding the structure and effects of those meanings. Although an Jim Tuck outlook of the Newsletter. As a result of individual may be aware of the problems Cabrillo and not intend to convey a particular these musings, a consensus has been message, it is still important that we try to reached on the format of this publication. stay away from phrases and words that The Newsletter will be built around a are potentially damaging. Witness the use three-part framework: Association news and business, professional news and infor­ of the word "girls" when referring to Editor: "women" who work in an office. mation, and features on new ideas, cur­ rent topics and evolving philosophies. The At Rendezvous VI, Director Dickenson Gratitude followed astonishment this articles in this issue all fall within those said that we're presently in a time of morning as I learned of being made an three areas. Most of the general sections change, and suggested that the word honorary member of the Association of will be repeated in each issue, with the ob­ "threats" as it applies to the parks could National Park Rangers. I would ap­ jective of providing regular and timely in­ be appropriately replaced by the word preciate your conveying my sincere thanks formation to professional National Park "influences". "Threats" is a word that to the membership. Service rangers. reflects the perspective of Park Service I read, with great interest, that I, "Vir­ people and not that of more objective tually single-handedly...insured that the You'll also note a bit of advertising. observers. early publications were of the highest The board has mandated advertising in At the cooperating association con­ quality..." The record needs to be set order to make the Newsletter more self- ference, Dave Dame suggested that "in­ straight. First, there were many hands in­ sufficient, and there will be more of it in terpretation" might be more easily volved and most were busy pouring future issues. Specifics are still being understood by the public if we used the "refreshments." These intense editorial worked out. All advertising, however, will phrase "visitor services" instead. How sessions took place under Rick Gale's be kept to a minimum and limited to out­ many of us have been asked "What direction but it is only fair to acknowledge fitters and other suppliers of professional language do you interpret?" when we the contributions of Jim Brady, Rick goods and services. referred to ourselves with that fine phrase Smith, Tony Bonanno and others. They Those of you interested in contributing that means a lot to us but little to others? deserve as much credit as I do for the to the Newsletter should look at the Tony Bonanno feels very strongly that typos, miscredited photographs, crooked individual sections and the informative "law enforcement" should almost always pasteup, missed deadlines and budget content and style of the features as ap­ be replaced by "visitor protection" when overruns. propriate guides for both style and con­ tent. Contributors should contact the referring to Park Service activities in that Seriously, it was a pleasure to play a editor with ideas before making submis­ area. Most protection rangers also per­ small part in the enterprise. The ANPR sions. Please don't hesitate to write or call form safety, search and rescue and first has, in a short period of time, made a real if you have a possible article. The aid duties along with their more police contribution to furthering professionalism Newsletter relies heavily on contributors, oriented tasks. and esprit-de-corps within the National and will continue to do so for the Bill Dwyer suggests that the standard Park Service. It has provided a valuable foreseeable future. Park Service phrases "visitor protection" forum for generating ideas and translating and "resource management" should be them to workable solutions. And remember—the next deadline is May 5th. flipped to read "visitor management" I would like to think of my involvement and "resource protection" in order to in the newsletter as another example of more properly reflect what we in the Serv­ how cooperating associations can work ice do. with NPS employees to better serve the The words that give me problems in cer­ parks and the visiting public. Cooperating tain contexts are "ranger" and "inter­ associations, for over 50 years, have preter", particularly when used as played a significant role in helping the ANPR Newsletter mutually exclusive terms. The division NPS achieve its interpretive and educa­ that is insinuated and reinforced by that tional goals. I hope that cooperating Editor: Bill Halainen, Minute Man usage is not valid and creates problems for associations and the ANPR will retain a Composition: Vicki Waisnor many of us. There are rangers who do in­ close working relationship in the coming Published by Concord Press, terpretation and rangers who do protec­ years. Domino Drive, Concord, MA 01742 tion and probably many more who do Submit letters and comments to: both. "Ranger" should never be used as a T.J. Priehs Editor, ANPR Newsletter term that excludes those rangers who do Executive Director RFD#2, North Great Road another aspect of the ranger profession Southwest Parks & Lincoln, MA 01773, than visitor protection. Monuments or call 617-259-0397 Association If you have moved since receiving the last issue, please send old mailing label and new address to: ANPR Box 222 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190 Include your four-letter park code and your region.

2 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

resource management, employment ot computers, seasonal hiring, and revisions A MESSAGE FROM THE to 36 CFR. Some of these are problems that the Service and individual rangers had been grappling with for years without noticeable progress. The membership of the Association, by virtue of creative energy, dedication and a common bond, PRESIDENT has often been able to provide the Service with field insights, field solutions and strong field support in these areas which have not previously been available. But there are new problems and chal­ lenges on the horizon which will need our expertise and the forum which we can pro­ vide for their expeditious solution. Issues of concern that we as an Association have identified include dual career problems, revisions to NPS-9 and the case incident reporting system, evolution of the management identification and develop­ ment program, synthesis of the BEE and KSA systems, and future roles for the Association's regional representatives. In addition, we will be coming forth with a proposal for a suitable memorial for the It is a real pleasure for me to be serving as that there were many professional issues late John Townsley, superintendent of your president. The messages of support on the minds of those in attendance, and Yellowstone. Chairpersons for these work and encouragement which I've received this has become more and more apparent groups are identified elsewhere in this have been very heart warming, and will, Newsletter. If you signed up for a work I'm sure, serve to encourage me to work group at Fontana, your name will be for­ hard for you and for this Association. warded to the chairperson. If you were Since its inception in 1977, I have felt not at the Rendezvous but would like to that the Association has been the greatest become involved in any of these work thing going for rangers of all specialties groups, please contact the chairperson and in all locations. I have also been firm with your ideas and suggestions. in the conviction that as a group we have The idea that we as rangers are much tremendous creative energy to devote to like the fabled mountain men and women solving some of the communication and of the last century is not a cliche. Many of other problems that exist in the National us spend months in lonely assignments. Park Service today. I believe that we can We come together once a year for a few look back over the last five years and say days of learning, exchanging ideas, and that we have been successful in doing maybe a little imbibing. I believe that the some things that probably would not analogy fits, whether you happen to be have been done were it not for this assigned to a remote wilderness park or a Association. crowded urban park. The urban assign­ Of all our achievements, and I think ment, in fact, might in many ways be the that there have been many, perhaps the more lonely of the two. This Association greatest success that we have achieved has has and will continue to bring our diver­ been the bringing together of rangers gent interests and talents together for our from the East, West, North and South collective benefit. into one common social and professional I believe that we can all look forward to endeavor. Our social aspects have become the coming year with a great deal of hope, Ron Cornelius well known, and in some cases legendary. President Dick Martin, Yosemile. confidence, and optimism. As rangers, we Those of us who have experienced the have not in the past and will not in the spirit of the annual Rendezvous can attest future expect the National Park Service or to the positive and beneficial spirit of any other entity to solve our problems for cooperation and communication that we us. We're rangers, and to me that means have all felt as a result of the combined at each succeeding Rendezvous. The ma­ that we can solve most of our own prob­ social and professional interchanges that jor professional issues which we as an lems, that we have a lot of the answers, occur during these sessions. Association have addressed have included and that we can take care of ourselves. Although the first Rendezvous at the 025/026 issue, quarters management, I think that this is a great adventure, Grand Tetons was conceived as primarily defensive equipment and uniform poli­ and I look forward to working side by side social in nature, it soon became obvious cies, emergency medical service standards, with each of you in the year ahead.

3 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

water craft, and air and water categories IRS regulations on deducting rents from Washington for employees whose travel by those forms gross income and the legal citation sup­ of transportation depends upon com­ porting those regulations. Here they are. mercial or government scheduling and IRS regulation 1.119.1 (b) says, in part: convenience. Quarters rental rate adjustments The Association's proposal also calls "Lodging. The value of lodging fur­ for adjustments for invasion of privacy by nished to an employee by the employer radio as well as by telephone, and suggests shall be excluded from the employee's The Association has commented on iso­ gross income if three tests are met: lation adjustment factors and rental ad­ increased deductions above the current 10 percent rate. (1) The lodging is furnished on the justments for invasions of privacy in a business premises of the employer, Points for each type of intrusion would letter to George Gowans, chief of main­ (2) The lodging is furnished for the be as follows: official VIP visit (5 points); tenance and administrator of the Service's convenience of the employer, and, public visit (2 points); telephone call (1 housing program. (3) The employee is required to ac­ point); radio call (1 point); radio monitor­ The Park Service has been developing cept such lodging as a condition of ing (5 points per hour). Total monthly in­ isolation adjustment factors'to replace the his employment. old Unusual Transportation Cost (UTC) trusions of each type would be logged and the points tallied. For each sum a certain The requirement of subparagraph (3) adjustments as a more realistic way of of this paragraph . . . means that he is recompensing rangers who live in loca­ percentage could be deducted from the ranger's rent: required to accept the lodging in order tions that are in some degree remote or to enable him properly to perform the difficult to reach. These adjustments, Points Percent deduction duties of his employment." which OMB has said may not exceed two- 30 8 thirds of the monthly base rental rate, will The legal citation is "Boykin v. Com­ 35 10 be based on a system proposed by the missioner of Internal Revenue, 260 F. 2d 40 12 Forest Service. This system works as 249, U.S. Court of Appeals, Eighth Cir­ 45 14 follows: cuit, Oct. 30, 1958." 50 16 Employees living in isolated situations 55 18 are permitted an adjustment for one 60plus 20 round trip per week (average 4.33 per Management Efficiency month) to the nearest established com­ Here's an example of how this system Planning munity. Points per mile for remoteness would work: A ranger whose average are allocated in five categories: paved monthly after hours contacts included two For those of you not familiar with the roads (1 point); unpaved but improved VIP visits (10 points), ten public inquiries requirements of the important new roads, or roads that are hazardous at least (20 points), and twenty telephone in­ Management Efficiency Planning pro­ four months of the year (1.6 points); quiries (20 points) would have a total of 50 gram, here is a brief summary of its unimproved roads, or roads that are points, for an authorized deduction of 16 elements. hazardous at least six months per year (2.2 percent. The overall intent of the program, points); water travel (5 points); air travel Director Dickenson has stated, is "to (8 points). Deducting for required create new management and administra­ Miles traveled are multiplied by point occupancy tive mechanisms that will increase our factors, then added up as total one way opportunities for becoming more self suf­ points. This sum is multiplied by an isola­ Two items often sought after by rangers ficient." This trend, he has said, is "clear­ tion adjustment factor of 1.948, which filling out their income tax forms are the ly the direction of the future." was calculated by multiplying 2 (to give round trip distance) by 4.33 (trips per month) by $.225 (the current GSA per mile allowance). The end product is the amount deductible from the ranger's monthly rent. An example: A ranger living 65 miles by paved road and 10 miles by unpaved but improved road from a community, all of them hazardous more than four but less than six months, would have 75 miles in the 1.6 point category. This multiplies out to 120 total one way points; multiplied in turn by 1.948, the monthly adjustment comes to $233.76. The only additional provision is that total one way points must be greater than 30, and may not exceed a ceiling of 150 points. There is no minimum, however, for trips by water. The Association has suggested four ad­ ditions and adjustments to this system, all to be given 10 points valuation: a trail category for rangers who have to travel some portion of their trip by foot or Patty Scott horse, a water category for those who Housing at Channel Island. The proposed adjustments to quarters rental rates will apply to such must travel some portion by hand powered isolated locations.

4 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Six approaches to this objective have in Natural History suggesting innovative been defined—increased private sector In Print approaches to concessions management support, pursuit of contracted services, and the creation of national parks. employment of volunteers, establishment Beginning with this issue, the Newslet­ The June 1982 piece, "Free Enterprise of user fees and charges, promotion of ter will be providing the readership with in the Woods", examined the Park Serv­ opportunities for concessioners to "pro­ short summaries of articles, books and ice's experiences with concessioners, from vide needed and useful services", and the other publications of interest to profes­ James McCauley, who in the 1870's enter­ assessment of park operations for "pro­ sional rangers, who often do not have tained visitors at his hotel on Yosemite's ductivity enrichment." time to keep in touch with all sources of Glacier Point by tossing chickens over the The much-talked-about Santa Monica information available to them. If you see edge (they floated harmlessly to the Valley catalogue, a successful shopping list for articles that you think might be of conse­ floor), to the sophisticated operations of items to be donated by the public, was quence, forward them to the Newsletter; the conglomerate-owned businesses found prepared in accord with the guidelines if you have a possible book review, please in the larger parks today. established by this program. Many other contact the editor. While noting the potentially deleterious approaches have been suggested in the side effects that come as a "consequence director's memorandum, and a compre­ of unbridled free enterprise in the parks," hensive report on the implementation of Sax also expresses concern for the prob­ these programs is planned for a future Periodicals lems concessioners face in functioning Newsletter. "both properly and profitably" in a regu­ The strategies developed in the field will The November 1982 issue of the Jour­ lated environment. The only real alter­ be incorporated into the performance ap­ nal of Forestry has an article by Jay native to private operation would be praisal process. Each superintendent will Heinrichs entitled "Cops In The Woods", Service-owned and run concessions, have "one critical performance element which is an interesting examination of the which, he says, is not realistic because which specifies the accomplishment of Forest Service's growing law enforcement Congress has never been keen on getting management activities in the park" in problems and their attempts to come to involved in private business and the ac­ fiscal 1983. Regional directors will also grips with them. quisition costs would in any case be have one critical element relating to the At the heart of the problem, says prohibitive. accomplishment of the program's objec­ Heinrichs, is that Forest Service (and His proposed resolution of this dilemma tives in their region during the same BLM) rangers are "responsible for large, would be a return to the approach used by period. isolated tracts, (and are) facing down a Steven Mather in the Service's early years. growing threat with limited authority." Mather convinced businesses to build Uniform upgrading With only a few regulations aimed at high-quality hotels and "operate them as "social" problems and large areas under showcase examples of fine service at rea­ The Servicewide committee on uni­ proprietary jurisdiction, these rangers are sonable prices." Most were built by rail­ forms will probably meet this Spring, and facing increased crimes against people and roads, who ran the hotels at a loss but any ranger with suggestions for changes in environmental damage associated with made up for it on passenger fares. Large policy or uniform items should contact his wilderness marijuana farming, illegal tim­ corporations today have become impor­ or her regional uniform coordinator as ber harvesting, squatting and boundary tant patrons and sponsors of radio, public soon as possible. encroachment. Assaults against Forest television and the arts. Roger Siglin, Southwest regional repre­ Service employees increased fourfold be­ "May we not hope," he asks, "that sentative and committee member, has tween 1971 and 1980, when 147 cases were major companies can be persuaded to been exploring alternatives to the Class A reported, and the situation appears to be underwrite facilities—without direct ad­ dress wool pants, and has made two sug­ worsening due to hard economic times. vantage to their balance sheets—that gestions for changes to Linda Balotti, the The article then details a number of ap­ would offer visitors services of a quality Service's uniform coordinator. She has in­ proaches being made to rectify the prob­ and dignity suitable to the crown jewels of formed him that Bob Gates of R & R Uni­ lem: Increased law enforcement training America's landscape?" forms will be presenting some alternatives at FLETC and with local agencies; Sax contends that, with such an ap­ for consideration at this coming meeting. development of a comprehensive, com­ proach, the concessioners problems with puterized information and incident profitability, quality and appropriateness 36 CFR revisions reportings system called LEMARS (Law of activities could be handled in a manner Enforcement Management Reporting consistent with Congress' goals for the na­ The analysis of the nearly 2,000 public System); and federal support to cooper­ tional parks. ating agencies through the Cooperative comments made on the proposed revision Writing again in the August 1982 has been completed, and changes have Law Enforcement Program, which is now suffering from funding cuts. Natural History, Sax examines the French been incorporated into the document. The regional park concept in an article entitled A GAO evaluation of the Forest Service final rule is undergoing departmental "In Search of Past Harmony." and BLM, however, has called for the fur­ review, and it is expected that it will be He opens with an evaluation of Ameri­ ther escalation of law enforcement activi­ published on April 1 and made effective can attitudes toward wilderness. Because ties by those agencies, and has suggested on May 27. If the publication date of of our history of exploitation of nature, that they use the Park Service as an exam­ April 1 is not met, the regulations will be we have come to look upon national parks ple worth following. Money for upgrading published no later than June 30 and made as areas where, insofar as is possible, there operations is in short supply, though, and effective after Labor Day. should be "no evidence of human activity." Implementation materials and informa­ Agriculture, while admitting to the reported problems, has noted that law en­ "It hardly seems too strong to suggest tion on changes, new provisions and so that our parks are an act of expiation for forth are also being prepared and will be forcement can be upgraded only by taking money from resource budgets. our past sins," he says, and contends that distributed to the field along with the final this perspective has led to a philosophy of regulations. Joseph Sax, author of Mountains With­ management wherein conflicts develop out Handrails: Reflections on the Na­ between human activities and the need to Continued on page 19 tional Parks, has written a pair of articles protect nature.

5 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

As an alternative, he suggests an ap­ ments on the problems which protection demonstrated how interpretation can be proach in which "the basic task of park rangers have had with the shift in focus made self-supporting through the installa­ management is to harmonize those inter­ from the traditional ranger image to one tion of video game machines in visitor acting communities rather than treat the in which law enforcement is a major con­ centers. Along with his faithful sidekick, human presence as an intrusion and a stituent, and explains that "enforcement the mighty Thunderbear himself, Ryan threat." The French, in fact, have already rangers are still given broad discretion in has examined every aspect of the Park developed this idea into a very interesting enforcing the law" because of a need to Service and found nothing (including the regional park system. react to a wide variety of situations, from Secretary) too sacrosanct for his singular These parks (twenty at present) have frequent innocent violations of park regu­ analyses. been created in attractive rural areas that lations to the most serious felonies. Thunderbear can be obtained by send­ have been as yet substantially unindustri- The change in the Service's perspective ing $10 for 12 issues or $5 for 6 issues to alized. Communities there are already liv­ is detailed through an examination of the Thunderbear, Box 2297, Martinez, ing in "sustaining relationships with the problems which Yosemite has faced, California 94553. natural world around them," so parks beginning with the infamous Stoneman's have been created incorporating them into Meadow incident in 1970 ("the only riot the overall plan. Both natural resources in the history of the Park Service") and and traditional community life are thereby culminating in a description of Yosemite's protected. present sophisticated court system, where Books In these regional parks, local families 522 people were booked in 1980 on a provide lodging, thereby precluding the variety of serious charges. Making It Together as a Two-Career Cou­ need for visitor facilities. Trail systems Present and past Association presidents ple by Marjorie Hansen Shaevitz and pass through towns and farms as well as Dick Martin and Mike Finley are also Morton H. Shaevitz. Houghton Mifflin wooded areas. Traditional crafts, tradi­ quoted at length in the article concerning Co., 1980. tional agriculture, and historic restora­ the philosophy and future trends for law At Rendezvous VI, members directed tions are encouraged. A variety of low key enforcement in the Service. the Association to develop a position educational and interpretive activities are paper on the subject of dual-career Na­ provided to visitors. All these activities are If you haven't yet seen or heard of Thunderbear: An Alternative NPS tional Park Service marriages. Almost 60 supported and to some extent financed by percent of all American couples are now park managers. Newsletter, which is now up to issue number thirty, it's about time you got two-career couples, and information is While Sax acknowledges that the needed about the number of couples French model may not be entirely adapt­ yourself a subscription. P.J. Ryan, John Muir NHS, is writer, which exist in the National Park Service able to American realities, he believes that wherein both partners have significant there are some ways and places in which it editor and sole owner of this indispens­ able publication, which offers a view of commitments to Service careers. What ef­ could be implemented. fects do such commitments have on ad­ "Whatever the ultimate balance sheet the Service which is humorous, insightful and slightly less than orthodox. Over the vancement, mobility, and job or even shows, the establishment of the French marital satisfaction? intermediate parks is among the most last few years, Ryan has explained why God created the Department of Interior We need to identify resources to help challenging and innovative efforts of re­ employees and their spouses, supervisors cent decades to restore harmony in the and how you can raise supervisors "for fun and profit" (a continuing series), and and personnel specialists deal with these practical setting of living communities," unique problems, to analyze the benefits he says. "As harmony between people of dual-career Park Service marriages, and nature becomes increasingly a central and to suggest ways of removing any work need in park management, the achieve­ or attitudinal barriers which may exist. ment of that harmony must become an ex­ One resource which is presently available plicit mission of park managers." is Making It Together as a Two-Career Couple. Although a year and a half old, the In their book, the Shaevitzes discuss the September 1981 Police Magazine article problems of coping with the realities of a by Dave Johnston on "Keeping the Peace dual-career relationship—making deci­ in the Parks" is relatively unknown in the sions on job relocations, promotions, and Service and worth mentioning. new opportunities; resolving the problems Johnston, a reporter for the Los associated with rules concerning nepotism Angeles Times, has written a concise, in­ and conflicts of interest; and dealing with sightful look at the law enforcement prob­ the complexities of working in the same lems which the Service faces in the field or for the same agency. These special Eighties. challenges are different from those arising He opens by noting that reported from conflicts in managing the house­ serious crimes are up dramatically Service- hold, finding good child care, parenting wide from 5,545 in 1971 to 9,074 in 1980 and dealing with finances. and that even these figures are probably Practical suggestions on how to deal too low, since travelers are less likely to with all these issues are given. The authors report crimes than those at home. Most present a series of problem solving and occur in the larger parks and in the Wash­ decision making techniques, and describe ington, D.C. area (nearly 100 smaller various solutions that other dual-career units, in fact, reported no Part I crimes). couples have arrived at and employed. Johnston details the workings of Park The chapter dealing with career mobil­ Police and protection rangers, then points ity and the problems associated with out the differences between them in back­ M. Pardee working in the same field is probably the ground and perspective. He also com­ The mighty Thunderbear. one most relevant to the situation which 6 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Park Service employees find themselves The Cumbre National Monument was in. Research data and the authors' ex­ Rangers In Fiction not so gaudy an attraction as the Grand periences in counseling have convinced Canyon, nor so bear-ridden as Yellow­ them that opportunities to work in similar Park rangers—and their Forest Service stone. It sheltered a tiny, fortresslike In­ careers or areas will "tend to increase pro­ brethren—have cropped up in fiction dian village—abandoned since the twelfth ductivity in both partners and . . . from penny novels to the present. We century—and some cliff dwellings carved heighten their satisfaction in their work." have oft times been romanticized, occa­ into the soft sandstone canyon walls, A couple working in the same field will sionally villified and, now and then, where the Indians had holed up during likely share a variety of interests and the satirized. The following excerpt from raids . . . special empathy that comes from under­ Richard Bradford's So Far From Heaven The Ranger on duty that evening, a tall standing the kind of pressures generated (Pocket Books) is the first of a series of at knobby young man named Fletcher by each others' work. The authors con­ least two (anyone know any others?) ex­ Arbuckle, was adding a column of de­ clude that "working in the same field can aminations of how we are perceived in the pressing figures in his little office behind enhance career development for both popular imagination. the museum's display cases. His wife, partners (assuming barriers in the work Bradford's novel, set in Texas and New Betty, was pregnant. She was also, he environment can be dealt with)." Mexico, deals in part with regional dis­ feared, getting solitude-happy, the occu­ Partners further benefit by being part putes over land and its ownership. The pational disease of Rangers' wives. She of a social-professional network in which Park Service, as a land managing agency, had begun talking to herself, with con­ information is shared and in which each gets involved in a tangle of politics too siderable vivacity, and she had begun not can profit from the exchange of ideas and complicated to explain here. to talk to Fletcher. Sometimes she talked the testing out of each others' premises But the opening scenes take place in a to the unborn baby. and conclusions. Couples with common park sounding suspiciously like Bandelier, Fletcher's figures kept coming up careers can often share professional events and introduce a ranger who's familiar to $5,300 before taxes. Forty-eight hundred (such as a Rendezvous) and thereby have us all. of it was his salary. Betty's income, from more opportunities to be together. What follows is a short excerpt from a trust fund, was $500. That was the addi­ The book also helps to dispel obsolete Bradford's book: tion. The subtraction was the gloomy and counterproductive beliefs such as the part, including as it did the forthcoming conception that marriage between profes­ "Cumbre National Monument was a baby, another year of graduate school for sionals ultimately destroys the marriage twelve-mile ribbon of land along both Fletcher, some dental repair for Betty, and the professional advancement of each sides of a mountain stream in Cumbre and reweaving a pair of Fletcher's uni­ member. Canyon, one of a hundred streams that form trousers, which he had torn while This book gives basic information drained the Floridita Mountains. Two rescuing a terrified tourist from a seven- based on data developed from research Park Service Rangers and their families hundred-year-old grain-storage cubicle in and the authors' extensive discussions and lived there, as well as a permanent popula­ the cliffside. Unless Fletcher did without counseling sessions with two-career cou­ tion of mule deer. In the summer, a con­ fripperies like food, the subtractions ples. It is highly recommended reading. cessionaire sold souvenirs and soft drinks, amounted to $5,760. The book may be obtained by mail but she closed her shop at night and went Earlier that evening, a camper had order from the Institute for Family and home. Until the snow fell, there were knocked on the museum door to tell Work Relationships, 1020 Prospect, Suite always forty or fifty families of overnight Fletcher that a bear had raided his grocery 400, La Jolla, California 92037. The cost campers strung out along the creek bed, box. Fletcher walked back to the camping is $8.95 plus $.86 for postage and han­ burning frankfurters and getting wood- area with the man, shined his lantern dling. The Institute's number is smoke in their eyes, a privilege for which about the scene of the robbery, explained 619-459-0155. they paid the National Park Service a that bears seldom left porcupine tracks, Lea Tuck dollar a night. and returned to his office . . ." Cabrillo

"There are some very dedicated, compe­ tent people with great skills who labor away in the realms of bureaucracy. And if you make that choice and you are a per­ son with ideals and values you will have to settle for very small achievements, very small gains. Nonetheless, the gains that you make are real gains." Poet Gary Snyder The Real Work

Palir Scoti Fletcher Arbuckle investigates the scene of the crime.

1 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

-Ambulance (EMT-A) program. In 1970, The National Park Service in the early Expectations of Care: the National Registry of EMT's was born. Seventies also recognized the need to keep With the Seventies came the EMS revo­ pace with the national trend in pre­ Setting Servicewide lution. Paramedic programs became com­ hospital emergency care. Through an EMS Standards monplace in the early years of the decade agreement with the United States Navy, in large metropolitan areas, and by the the Service in 1972 began sending rangers late Seventies, intermediate programs had to Camp Lejeune for EMT training. This Continued from front evolved in rural areas of the country. training was available until 1975, when the Since then, EMT II, EMT intermediate, administration of the EMS program was TV. Tech, Cardiac Tech and Shock- moved from the Office of Ranger Activi­ Trauma Tech have all developed as rela­ ties to the Office of Safety in WASO. Where does the National Park Service tively new health care specialties. By 1980, Other training opportunities were investi­ fit into the contemporary scheme of most states had passed pre-hospital care gated, but none developed. By this time, things? Have we kept pace with the cur­ legislation regulating ambulances and set­ many local agencies were offering EMT rent trends? Are we providing the appro­ ting minimum standards for EMT-A's classes of high caliber, and the parks priate pre-hospital care that the public has and, in some cases, paramedics. Only ten started taking advantage of the program come to expect—that "reasonable level of states, however, presently have legislation close to home. expectancy" we so often hear about? Are regulating advanced life support programs Early in 1975, the staff at Albright we clear on what the policy and philoso­ (that is, programs which utilize I.V.'s, Training Center, working with the Office phy of the Park Service is in regard to its medications and other techniques requir­ of Ranger Activities, put together the first responsibility for providing emergency ing the direction of a physician). Guidelines for Emergency Medical Care. medical service to visitors, employees and As EMS programs grew, governing This document, often referred to as concessioners? Do we have a handle on bodies recognized the need for more coor­ Freeman's Memorandum, was the first what we are doing and where we are dination. As a result, local governments in direction the field received specifically going? many areas established EMS councils. outlining levels of emergency care. In order to properly consider these Among other things, these councils, These guidelines established five levels questions, we first need to look at the which are made up of local health care of emergency care and set standards for evolution of emergency medical care in agency representatives, allocate federal certification. The Service's EMT program the parks. grant money, coordinate EMS at the was specifically established, and the door Emergency medical services in the na­ regional level, evaluate EMS systems, was opened for more advanced programs. tional parks date back to our very begin­ coordinate EMS training, and educate the Unfortunately, few programs were nings. The Army provided medical sup­ public on the EMS system. established between the EMT-A and para­ port for Yellowstone at Mammoth, and medic levels. Several parks recognized the for Yosemite in the Valley. They built the first hospital in the latter in 1912 and ran it until 1926, when Lewis Memorial Hos­ pital was built and staffed with civilian physicians. First aid, the term we used before EMS, has always been part of a ranger's job. We have always supported the concept that visitors are invitees within their own na­ tional park system, and that the Service has a responsibility for their well-being while they are in the parks. Historical records show that rangers have always provided first aid and transportation of the sick and injured, whether by horse­ back, buckboard, pickup or modular am­ bulance. In some areas, rangers have even pronounced death and buried the visitor's remains. First aid techniques and procedures in the parks remained essentially unchanged through the Sixties. For the most part, we parallelled what was going on in the local communities, doing the best we could with what we had. The "you call, we haul, that's all" principal of pre-hospital care was accepted practice throughout much of the country. EMS as we know it today began to evolve late in that decade. Para­ medic programs in Miami, Seattle and Pittsburgh received much recognition, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation training Bob Panko classes became widely available, and in Shenandoah EMT's employing MAST trousers, IV and airway to stabilize patient in cramped 1969 the National Highway Traffic Safety quarters. Administration developed under contract the current Emergency Medical Technician

8 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER need for intermediate programs and longer meet the needs of the Service, nor In 1975, when those guidelines were writ­ struck out on their own. The level five are they specific enough to be of much ten, it was hoped that the National standards were not specific and left a great value in administering today's programs. Registry would be universally accepted, deal up to local medical advisors. Several Most regions do not have EMS coordina­ but this has obviously not happened. parks, such as Mt. Rainier, Yosemite and tors, nor is there a coordinator in WASO. The problem is compounded when Sequoia/Kings Canyon, contacted local What is apparently needed is an EMS EMT's move to intermediate programs, as physicians, as directed in Freeman's guideline that would standardize curric­ no states mandate the Registry and only Memorandum, and began to build pro­ ula, certification, recertification, revo­ 13 use it to attain state certification for in­ grams based on their specific needs. cation and reciprocity throughout the termediate levels. The situation improves There was little effort to standardize an system. at the paramedic level, as 20 states employ intermediate program during the mid- Before the EMS revolution, first aid it to attain state certification. Except in Seventies. The content of these individual training revolved around Red Cross stand­ the 14 states which mandate the National programs was based largely on the interest ard and advanced first aid certification, Registry for EMT-A's, the Registry certi­ of the medical advisor and the enthusiasm and we had few problems. Classes were fication has little value in and of itself. of the participants. Strangely enough, standardized throughout the country, and Many rangers involved in EMS feel that when those involved in these programs an advanced first aid card was valid it is time for the Park Service to develop began communicating, they discovered everywhere in the United States. With the a full set of EMS guidelines similar in many similarities in their approaches. advent of EMT training, medical control structure to NPS-9 or NPS-18. There's Two parks, Yosemite and Sequoia/Kings became an issue and the states began also a strong feeling that the Service Canyon, joined forces and attempted to establishing specific standards for those should establish its own registry, which standardize what is now called the park who practiced within their boundaries. would set up standards, curricula and medic program. Unfortunately, there was little reciprocity. criteria for certification, recertification Many parks have since adopted this The National Registry of Emergency and revocation—in essence, an EMS program, yet there are still no Servicewide Medical Technicians was organized at the commission. standards. Any similarities are largely the request of the American Medical Associa­ Unfortunately, the Service has no clear result of individual efforts to create con­ tion (AMA) to establish national uniform authority for EMS within its areas. Title sistency within the Service. There are standards for EMS personnel and train­ 16 U.S. Code, Section 12, states that the several park medics who have now worked ing. However, the Registry has only been Secretary of Interior is authorized to aid in as many as three parks with on-going marginally successful at best. At this time and assist visitors in emergencies, and medic programs. there are some 30 different levels of train­ management policies offer some direc­ The establishment of local park medic ing across the country—either different tion, particularly in the transportation of programs has been facilitated by the fact levels or different names for similar levels. the sick and injured. But even these that some states are now offering EMT in­ If all the rangers in the Service worked policies have been contradicted by a re­ termediate training programs of one kind in one state and that state had a viable cent GAO decision which appears to or another. Where the original programs EMS program, we would not have much direct the Service to charge for emergency started from scratch, basic training may of a problem. We would assimilate their medical services. now be attained locally with additional standards, curricula and criteria for certi­ A Service-run EMS system would training offered in the drug and environ­ fication and have at it. The same would be resolve many of the problems which we mental disease module (i.e., frostbite, true if all 50 states utilized the National are now experiencing. A program in AMS/HAPE and hyporthemia, along Registry as the standard. It is the goal of which the Park Service had total control with more clinical time) to complete the many leaders in EMS throughout the over standards, training, curricula, cer­ 100-plus hour course. Enough intermedi­ country to do just that, but many feel that tification, recertification and revocation ate EMT programs have developed it is unrealistic to think that this is going to would certainly benefit the Service and the throughout the country for the National happen in the near future. Politics and visitor. Accomplishing this will not be Registry to offer official certification at difficulties over turf, revenue and control easy, and may not even be possible that level as of 1980. This certification all interfere with out ability to reach that because of our questionable authority and assures the proper core training for park goal. other political ramifications. medic certification. This problem is particularly apparent to But the problem needs to be consid­ It appears, then, that EMS in the Na­ the pre-hospital care professional who ered, and the issues raised in this article tional Park Service is in good shape. But moves by choice to another state to fur­ are now being addressed by an EMS task is this in fact the case? We can all take ther his or her career. That person may force. This group is attempting to gather pride in the fact that the visitor is well have to retake an EMT course, seek certi­ data, identify problems, and draft EMS cared for. Well-trained EMT's, park fication in the new state, and essentially guidelines which will allow the Service to medics and paramedics provide top quali­ start all over. This is not an insurmount­ manage a professional and efficient EMS ty care. Those involved in EMS are in­ able problem if you move once or twice in system. volved in it because they enjoy it—a labor your career, but we rangers live in a world If you have any thoughts or suggestions of love, so to speak. They study hard on where we continually transfer from state or can identify specific problems which their own time and are truly dedicated to to state. There are rangers currently in the should be addressed, please contact any of what they are doing. So what are our Service who have had no less than five dif­ the following members: problems and what are we doing to solve ferent EMT certifications, all requiring a Rob Arnberger Channel Islands them, or at least mitigate them? fee, all requiring an exam, all requiring a John Chew Shenandoah Our problems seem not to rest with the great deal of time. Sherry Collins Western Regional quality of care, but in administering an ef­ This is certainly not efficient, and does Office ficient program. The Service essentially not necessarily make for a better trained Paul Fodor Sequoia/Kings has no program, and parks which have EMT. The current Park Service guideline Canyon identified a need for one have struck out requires that EMT's be certified by the Erny Kuncl Grand Canyon on their own, with little or no guidance National Registry. This is fine for the 14 Terry Pentilla Glacier from the Service. The emergency medical states that mandate the Registry, but may Tim Setnicka Grand Tetons care guidelines promulgated in 1975 no or may not be of value for the remainder. Jan Wobbenhorst Indiana Dunes

9 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Most visitors want to cooperate with pact. So do trampled down campgrounds Interpretation: our resource management policies and ex­ and pothunted archaeological sites. press a strong, often emotional sense of Management responds by allocating Two Perspectives value for the areas we manage and for our funds and people to reduce such prob­ on Future Directions role as conservators. In most contacts lems. Unfortunately, in the balance of with violators, a simple explanation as to management decisions the role of the in­ why we don't want downed wood burned terpreter is too often set aside as "nice" or potsherds taken home is appreciated. but not necessary. This is unfortunate, Managing Resources The typical response in such an encounter because interpretation can be used quite Through Interpretation is initial surprise that a negative act was effectively to reduce impacts to resources being performed, followed by a desire to and to accomplish management goals—if "do the right thing." it's used judiciously. Elizabeth Oster, Cabrillo A good example of this can be found in For interpretation to serve as an effec­ an incident reported by Gail Gensler in a tive agency tool, interpretive activities As the current economic situation study she prepared for the University of must mesh with management goals and becomes tighter and the management of Washington's College of Forest Resources. policies, translating administrative deci­ the Park Service focuses increasingly on Over a ten year period, visitors to one sions to the level of each park visitor so channeling funds into protection of park of Mount Rainier's meadows had criss­ that any deleterious effects of "enjoyment" resources, a real possibility has developed crossed the area with "social trails", some can be minimized. Well-coordinated dis­ that interpretive activities will be dramati­ of which ran straight up and down slopes semination of information can save cally reduced in the future. It is undeni­ and caused considerable damage due to dollars spent, for example, on repairing ably true that resource management and subsequent erosion. "Trail Closed" signs damaged areas and issuing citations, not protection are legitimate priority con­ and jute matting were installed to alleviate to mention other budgetary black holes. cerns, but it is also true that interpretation the problem without success. The role of the interpreter is that of an can be of vital use in accomplishing those "When park personnel asked visitors information specialist choosing the best goals. Protection and interpretation are why they were not obeying the signs, visi­ means to state the message so that it will not mutually exclusive ideas. tors replied that they did not understand be understood, accepted and adhered to. Interpretive activities have been con­ the signs and were therefore making their Specialists are needed to manage interpre­ ducted for as long as there have been park own decision on use," Gensler reports. tation for the same reasons that we personnel. Even though their job titles Some thought the jute was there to pro­ employ them in other park endeavors: it's didn't identify them as information vide better traction, some thought these a learned skill, requires training and ex­ specialists, those first horse-packin', trails were closed only to less able hikers. perience and takes time to do well. The tobacco-chewin' "Crown Jewel" rangers The signs were then changed to read fiscal clerk, sewage treatment plant interpreted park resources and the means "Closed For Meadow Rehabilitation", operator, and superintendent don't have for safely enjoying them to park visitors. brochures were printed to explain the time to do our job, nor we theirs. Then, as now, field contact people problems, and an alternative nature trail Interpreters are often justifiably criti­ operated on the principle that understand­ was set up. Rangers soon reported that the cized for serving up fun and frilly activities ing a resource is an essential concomitant problem had been "95 percent reduced." that hit regrettably wide of the effective to its prudent use. Most of our visitors act in good faith management mark. Protracted bouts of But even the most conscientious ranger while inadvertently damaging resources. "fern-feeling," it is said, lead to the can't watch over every visitor to ensure As the above example indicates, a development of enthusiastic and enter­ that necessary decaying vegetation won't "don't" unaccompanied by a "because" taining programs which are neither pro­ be fed into campfires, that historic struc­ can easily be misinterpreted or ignored. In ductive nor cost effective. tures won't be decorated with graffiti, this instance, however, a resource man­ It's an easy trap to fall into. We spend that bears won't be offered hand held agement message was transmitted in a so much time eliciting appreciative visitor dainties from the picnic basket. There are manner that stimulated willing compliance. responses to our areas that we get caught too many visitors, and in the volatile en­ Equally important from a management up in the process and forget to pay atten­ vironments of park areas too many unsafe perspective, the interpretive solution did tion to the sorts of results that manage­ or destructive situations in which they can not require deployment of salaried staff ment must look for. get involved. on enforcement patrol. There will no If we're going to prove our value as Of necessity, we resort to safety notices, doubt always be those who do as they members of the team, we've got to wayside exhibits, interpretive programs please in parks, undeterred from destruc­ remember that the best means for com­ and written material to communicate the tive and illegal acts by signs, interpretive municating management's messages may equally important messages of safety and displays or citations. But most of our not be either fun or glamorous. The most minimum impact. We can't expect all of visitors aren't like that, and will heed our effective means will depend upon the area our visitors to know the rules of "our" messages if we'll take the time to com­ and what is to be communicated. We've territory. Parks encompass to many possi­ municate them. got to choose our modus operandi care­ bilities that are outside of the average per­ An opinion held by many, with varying fully, and, when possible, demonstrate son's experiences. Survival in Wichita or degrees of intensity, is that interpretation results. New York or Los Angeles calls for an is "nice". Period. Things that are just In order to make correct choices, we've altogether different order of human- "nice" get the axe when funds are slim, got to keep our lines of communication environment interactions than those need­ and it's easy to see why. As a co-worker open. Any information specialist is only ed to cope with a pack trip to the bottom recently pointed out, people will likely as good as the data he or she has in hand. of the Grand Canyon. We also can't ex­ notice shortages in staff and materials in This means paying careful attention not pect the rules to be followed without divisions like maintenance and protection only to what visitors have to say, but also fostering a desire to comply on the long before they'll notice an absence of to feedback from members of other divi­ public's behalf. They've got to want to do interpreters. sions. Although we're the people who it because we can't be there to make them Dirty buildings and stolen purses have communicate as an express function, do it. an immediate, tangible and negative im­ we've got to remember that other staff,

10 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER Identifying and Reaching Visitors

Ann Rasor, Pecos

I don't think that anyone in the Park Service family disagrees with the need for interpretation as a prominent and integral part of the management scheme of things. Common sense dictates that a visitor who has been exposed to creative, informative and well-placed interpretation is a convert to our cause. I would like to suggest, however, that in most of our interpretive programs we are already preaching to the converted. Visitors attending programs, asking questions, and surrounding even­ ing campfires are often old friends of the parks, who know why the parks exist, what their purpose is, and why they Bill Halainen Traditional interpretive programs at Mesa Verde (above) and Minute Man (below). should be protected. George Price I am therefore somewhat concerned about the idea which has appeared in re­ cent interpretive papers concerning the need for evaluating the effectiveness of programs. If interpretive programs can somehow be evaluated and are then judged to have "failed" in preventing resource damage or in increasing public support and enrichment, it may be because we really don't know our visitors rather than that we have faulty interpretation. Enrich­ ment and public support often come from visitors who have never had contact with any member of a park's staff. Resource damage is often lessened by signs or the presence of a uniform nearby. In either case, interpretive programs have had no part in the result. If the visitors causing problems aren't the ones participating in programs, as seems to be the case, then we need to make more of an effort to find out who they are, what they think, what they ex­ pect, and why they're not attending pro­ grams. Then, perhaps, we could approach especially those in uniform, also spend a tection and interpretation can talk to each the problem from another angle. other and we can take advantage of lot of their time doing interpretation. Many parks know little about their opportunities to sit in, when possible, Law enforcement people, for example, visitors beyond generalities like "we get a with members of other divisions for learn­ are involved in field contact situations as lot of cars with Pennsylvania plates", or ing purposes. The opportunities do exist. much as interpreters. A great deal of "it seems like more visitors are speaking patrol time is spent explaining to visitors These comments no doubt remind you French these days." Perhaps we should how to safely and gently enjoy the park. of arguments which you've heard before. make an effort to find out about our Maintenance crews, cooperating associa­ In these cost conscious times, though, the visitors and attempt to reach them before tion staff, and concessions employees are role of interpretation in the Park Service they even get to the parks. Why not also involved in communicating resource mission has come under particular change the regional divisions of inter­ management messages. We can best help scrutiny, so it's important to again point pretation to divisions of sociology and them help the whole workforce by keeping out that interpreters do provide services education? Staffed with sociologists, the flow of information open, by not say­ for parks beyond entertaining visitors. media experts and professional educators, ing: "You don't need to know that; it's Because we deal in the intangible world it would be their responsibility to study not part of your job." In turn, we can fine of ideas and emotions, it's difficult to visitors and visitation patterns, determine tune our programs by eliciting their com­ demonstrate concrete results. We're most which groups cause problems, and then ments on what does and doesn't work in effective when things like vandalism and attempt to reach them at home before the field. resource destruction don't occur. Deter­ they visit the parks. Cross training is most beneficial in this rence is difficult to prove, effective infor­ endeavor. It's not practical or desirable to mation management even more so. But do send every interpreter to FLETC, but pro­ we make a difference? Unquestionably. Continued on page 22

11 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

leave the National Park Service in frustra­ The following are excerpts from our Update on Seasonal tion for "real" jobs elsewhere, this seemed report, submitted to the superintendent of to me to be a good way of helping to im­ Albright in May, 1981: Training Prospects prove the lot of seasonals throughout the system. "Historically, National Park Service Mike Sutton, Virgin Islands A task force was formed soon after the Management Policies have precluded course began, composed of myself, sponsoring formal training for seasonals, The problems that seasonals must con­ Maggie Johnston (Point Reyes) and Chris except on a limited, in-park basis. These tend with today are myriad, ranging from Ashby (Herbert Hoover). Dave and his opportunities have usually been restricted chronic job insecurity to inadequate or training specialists provided knowledge­ to orientation to a particular park and its nonexistent housing. One of the increas­ able input. Instructor J.T. Reynolds put administrative operations. Over the past ingly critical areas of concern, particularly the project into focus: "Seasonals are few years, the time devoted to this at the in these days of specialization, is the where the rubber meets the road in most beginning of each season has progressively general unavailability of Service-provided of the park system; let's see what we can diminished, leaving many parks today training. Those interested in acquiring law do for them." with little or no training for seasonals. enforcement commissions or other forms We went to work, holding evening Any other training seasonals have been of certification must find and pay for it on meetings with the ranger skills class, inter­ able to obtain has come at their own ex­ their own. viewing Grand Canyon superintendent pense, on their own time. To make mat­ While working as a seasonal at Richard Marks and members of his staff, ters worse, many supervisors neither seek Yellowstone in 1981, I wrote to Dave seeking input from seasonals, and con­ nor support training opportunities for Karraker, superintendent of Albright sulting the WASO training office staff. their subordinates who are seasonals, con­ Training Center, and asked if it would be We analyzed the need for training of sidering such to be a waste of time. possible for me to attend a ranger skills seasonals, looked at the kinds of training Thus, the National Park Service is course on my own time and at my own ex­ necessary, and began to formulate recom­ treading on thin ice. As budgets are re­ pense. He, in turn, made a proposal which mendations. duced, resulting employment seasons I couldn't refuse. We found that there were a wide variety grow shorter, and training programs for "We'd like to have you attend the of issues which concerned seasonal seasonals are cut back or eliminated. Ranger Skills VI course in April," he said, employees. The areas of selection, hiring, Seasonal employees begin to lose sight of "if you will agree to work on a special evaluation, and supervision fell largely their role in the National Park Service. As project while you're here." beyond the scope of our research. attitudes waver, job performance The project he wanted me to take on, However, we recognized that many of suffers... he explained, was to examine ways in those areas could be addressed in a com­ We have three suggestions that we have which the Service and the Training Center prehensive program of seasonal training. developed during our five weeks at the could better serve the training needs of Although not a panacea, we felt training Albright Training Center. We feel that seasonals. He felt that seasonals were be­ could help alleviate many of the frustra­ these recommendations are both practical ing left out of the training process, and tions of seasonal employees, while at the and necessary to relieve the current situa­ wanted to look at cost-effective ways of same time generating a tremendous return tion as regards the training of seasonals: rectifying the situation. Having recently on minimal investment for the Park seen a number of top quality seasonals Service. 1) We recommend that the National Park Service issue a policy statement on the role of seasonal employees in achieving the mission of the organiza­ tion. To our knowledge, there has never been a comprehensive statement recognizing seasonal employees as an integral part of the National Park Service. We call for a policy statement addressing the value of seasonal em­ ployees, selection and hiring practices, performance appraisal, supervision, and training. The document should be a clear statement of how seasonals fit into the National Park Service, what the organization expects of them, and the manner in which their services will be recognized and rewarded. 2) Second, we suggest that the Office of Training in Washington conduct a comprehensive survey of training needs for seasonal employees. The kinds of training that have been and are being received by seasonals should be established. The length, extent, and areas of deficiency in training should Mike Sutton Seasonals from Grand Teton and Yellowstone receiving training on rope management and knot lying.

12 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER be determined. Finally, seasonals and A great deal of confusion exists today the Service. In September, 1982, a depart­ their supervisors should be questioned as to the role of seasonal employees in the mental manager trainee assigned to the as to the kinds of training they feel National Park Service. As expressed by a Division of Training reviewed the task necessary and desirable. Grand Canyon seasonal interpreter, T force report and made comments and sug­ 3) Third, we recommend the develop­ cannot stress too much the importance of gestions. In November, I responded with ment of training programs for seasonal making the employee feel an important clarification of the task force's position employees by the staff of the Horace part of the total organization,, instead of on several points. M. Albright Training Center. Although a cog in the wheel.' We feel that imple­ A great deal still remains to be done. the specific content of these programs mentation of the recommendations out­ Our first recommendation, that a policy should await the results of the survey lined above will have significant influence statement on the role of seasonal suggested above, we feel that two main on the job performance, attitude, employees be issued, has received categories should be addressed: awareness, and understanding of unanimous support but has not yet been seasonals." implemented. A survey of randomly- A) Orientation to the National Park selected seasonal employees through Service and System: We suggest direct mail questionnaire needs to be ac­ that the Albright Training Center The task force report went to complished. The tremendous volume of prepare a curriculum of training Washington in mid-1981, where it received data on existing seasonal training pro­ which can be presented within the the full support of the directorate. In the grams, received in response to the Garrett parks, using the permanent staff of fall of 1981, Associate Director (Ad­ memorandum, needs to be fully analyzed. each park as instructors. This might ministration) Garrett sent a memorandum The development of training programs take the form of written materials, to regional directors, requesting com­ has yet to be initiated, though WASO is films, and/or videotapes. The em­ ments on the report from all parks in­ leaning towards written self-study phasis would be on reduced cost, no volved with seasonal employees. Garrett materials and videotapes. travel expenses for trainees, and also asked for descriptions of successful training which takes advantage of seasonal training programs and significant In the words of the task force report: the considerable expertise of park problems encountered in the training pro­ "Within the National Park Service, we personnel. cess. Finally, the memorandum asked for have a force of talented, capable, and ways in which WASO could assist in motivated seasonal employees who have B) Special Skills Training: We sug­ relieving the problems and deficiencies in proven willing to give more than 100%. gest that the National Park Service seasonal training. Through the medium of training, the Na­ provide seasonal employees the op­ The associate director's memorandum tional Park Service has an opportunity to portunity to prepare a Career went a long way towards accomplishing reward and reinforce these qualities, while Development Plan similar to the the task force's second recommendation, simultaneously raising the standards of IDP for permanent employees. This a survey of training needs for seasonal visitor service." will be particularly important to employees. Meetings and discussions were You can show your support for the those employees who have had held in many parks to put together development of training programs for several seasons of experience and responses to the request from Washing­ seasonal employees by writing: desire special skills training of some ton. By the end of 1981, a great deal of Mr. Al Werking, Acting Chief kind. We do not necessarily expect useful information had been received in Division of Training the National Park Service to pro­ the Division of Training, WASO. It National Park Service vide special skills training for became obvious that many Service 1100 L Street, N.W., Room 5101 seasonal employees, but only to employees felt strongly enough about Washington, D.C. 20240 make the opportunities for such seasonal training to throw their weight If you would like to help with the ongo­ training known to those who are in­ behind the recommendations of the task ing seasonal training project, please write: terested. This could be done force. Most parks overwhelmingly ap­ Michael Sutton through a "List of Training Oppor­ proved it with various modifications and ANPR Seasonal Concerns tunities for Seasonal Employees", suggestions of their own. developed and issued several times Study Group each year by the Regional Training In 1982, little progress was made on the Virgin Islands National Park Officers. We have found that sea­ project. This was due in part to staffing P.O. Box 110 sonals are quite willing to devote constraints in WASO, and the untimely St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands their own time and finances to death of Clementine Pinner, chief of the 00830 training that will enhance their per­ Division of Training. Associate Director formance on the job as well as their Garrett, who had also been strongly com­ career potential. We feel that the mitted to the project, transferred out of National Park Service should, in turn, make an effort to help these seasonals get the kinds of training they desire and have identified on their Career Development Plans.

13 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

In all our fervor to do so, however, we sionally, what they really require is Visitor Management must not lose sight of the need to expend management, especially when they ad­ our energies in a fashion which will actual­ versely impact the parks' resources. Such and ly do some good, and to delineate the management generally takes the form of Resource Protection areas where we can have an impact from interpreting rules and policies, enforcing those where we cannot. Let's take a sec­ regulations and laws, and "teaching" ond look at the four types of threats to the visitors to use parks wisely. In our judg­ Bill Dwyer, Memphis State parks, this time in the form of a table. ment it appears that in doing so, rangers Bill Supernaugh, WASO are engaging primarily in visitor manage­ ment and not resources management. Ranger Source of Threat What about box four, the threats to our It was very clear to those of us who at­ Impact resources which come from nature but tended Rendezvous VI that, for the Na­ Man Nature over which we have some measure of con­ tional Park Service, the 1980's will prove I 1 trol? In this area fall such efforts as to be a decade of renewed involvement in Politics, Nature in animal relocation, herd thinning, prairie our primary mission: the preservation of None lobbies, its unaltered dog poisoning, exotic species removal, the natural, historic and cultural resources letters to course Congressmen habitat restoration, rebuilding sand over which we have been appointed as dunes, planting plastic seaweed at Cape stewards. As people and their demands Hatteras, and controlled burning. for space, energy and opportunities to ac­ 3 4 quire wealth become more plentiful and Resource Restoration and These types of activities, which have the resources available to fill these Some protection manipulation recently fallen within the purview of the (and visitor newly anointed category of employee demands continue to dwindle, the Na­ management) tional Park system, as well as all other known as the resources management federal special purpose lands, are certain specialist, focus on the long term effects to become targets for exploitation. of human intervention in natural pro­ cesses. The term "manage" means "to It would appear to us that as employees These "threats" to the parks as they are have under effective control," and while of the National Park Service our energies called by some, may actually be classified the argument could be made that a pois­ should be concentrated in boxes three and into four distinct categories: threats oned prairie dog or a shocked fish has four. caused by people over which NPS person­ been managed, it is our opinion that, We can certainly become indirectly in­ nel have little or no control, such as acid taken as a whole, these sorts of activities volved in the political arena (box one) on rain, mineral development on adjacent fall more appropriately under the general such issues as mineral development, urban lands, factory waste water discharge and heading of resources protection. other commercial enterprises which im­ sprawl, radio active waste dumping, and Resources management specialists, pact upon park environments; threats dam building, but not in our roles as Park therefore, are really resources protection caused by nature over which we have little Service employees. As employees we may, specialists. They are engaging in activities of no control, such as Mt. Saint Helen's however, provide responses to letters and aimed at preserving, restoring, conserving eruption, droughts and floods, and star­ meet the public, all the while stressing the and protecting the resources and ecolo- fish on reefs; threats caused by people ecosystem approach to management ac­ logical values for which the national park over which we have some control, like tions. And we can all hope for the best system was created. People in visitor pro­ poaching, grazing, arson, overuse of when nature chooses to make herself felt tection on the other hand, are actually facilities and resources, vandalism, illegal (box two), partially by minimizing our engaging in visitor management, with the timbering, and oil and gas exploitation in planning and design errors. goal of providing visitors with a quality park units; threats caused by nature over But it is in the remaining two areas park experience, while at the same time in­ which we have some control, such as (boxes three and four) that we as rangers tervening to protect the parks' resources animal over population, exotic species, can actually have the greatest impact. The from their potentially destructive activities. coastal erosion near Cape Hatteras question then becomes one of whether or lighthouse, deterioration of the Statue of not this impact will come through what we Thus, the old concept of visitor protec­ Liberty, sand dune erosion, spruce bud conventionally call "resources manage­ tion and resources management should be worm infestations, and forest fires started ment." rephrased as visitor management and by lightning. Box three involves what might be resources protection. It sounds more com­ termed ongoing human assaults on the fortable, doesn't it? It sounds like some­ All indications are that there is a clear thing we can all participate in, even movement within the National Park Serv­ parks. Such assaults include poaching, tree cutting, vandalism, overuse of areas, though we may not all be "specialists," ice to gear up for the battle to preserve our and thereby successfully tackle the threats resources. Such indices include the crea­ waste dumping, littering, souvenir hunt­ ing, cactus stealing, sand dune trampling, to the parks' resource base noted in the tion of the resources management special­ boxes three and four. ist and resources management trainee scaring wildlife with motorized convey­ As for boxes one and two, we are sure positions, the proposed changes in the ances, and polluting the air with exhaust that politics, lobbies and nature will con­ educational requirements for 025 posi­ fumes. In dealing with these problems, the tinue to have their impact on the parks. tions to include more natural sciences, ranger is not so much a resources manager Nevertheless, we must be cognizant of and the decreased rhetoric about law en­ as a visitor manager. We now refer to the these influences and be able to respond to forcement and visitor protection. All of task of dealing with park visitors, how­ the political process with scientifically these point to a renewed effort to return ever, as "visitor protection." Although sound information. And we must be will­ to our roots as protectors of our nation's visitors do need to be protected occa­ ing to interpret nature's processes, even cultural and natural heritage. though they may occasionally run counter to our own particular notions of preservation.

14 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

A suitable logo was needed, so an It's interesting to note, however, that Blue Ridges's Park employee contest was sponsored with a larcenies decreased approximately 34 per­ $25 award. Landscape architect Harry cent from 1981 to 1982, and vandalism Watch Program Baker's entry, an eagle's head with the was down about 26 percent over the same words "Park Watch" enclosed in a circle, period. There was also a 22 percent was selected by the committee. decrease in motor vehicle accidents, and a Tony Bonanno, Blue Ridge Parkway Employee participation was stressed. drop of 54 percent in associated fatalities. Maintenance workers, interpreters, These decreases occurred despite essen­ Seeking ways to more actively involve VIP's, campground hosts, dispatchers, tially the same manpower levels and an visitors and neighbors in Blue Ridge campground and patrol rangers—all actual increase in visitation of approxi­ Parkway's protection program, a commit­ needed to understand how to handle mately five percent from 1981 to 1982. tee was established last Spring to deter­ reports to ensure that the information Park Watch seeks to encourage the mine the feasibility of a program to keep a received from the public was properly public to help us protect both the visitor closer eye on activities within the park. processed. Interpreters played a critical and the resource, but one of the more in­ The result of the deliberations of this role in informing the public about Park teresting aspects of the program is how group, composed of representatives from Watch, primarily through evening pro­ favorably its message affects individual each of the park's divisions, was the crea­ grams and visitor centers. Park conces­ behavior. It is our belief that the program tion of the Park Watch program, which sioners assisted by displaying posters and is an effective safety and preservation has been active at Blue Ridge since June brochures. message in itself. of last year. Educating the public is a major aspect The program is similar to others of the program. The longer it remains in developed by numerous towns and cities effect, the greater its impact will be. It's across the nation. Known by names such conceivable that several years from now as "community watch" and "crime the Park Watch concept will be as familiar watch", the idea behind these programs is to the public as other community watch to encourage residents to keep an eye on programs. their neighbors' property and to report The Park Watch program has a great any unusual or suspicious activities to the deal of potential as an inexpensive, pre­ local authorities. Everyone makes a com­ ventive protection program which can mitment to look out for each other's easily augment existing programs. The welfare, thereby strengthening the com­ premise that the general public is willing munity's bonds and helping law enforce­ to take a more active part in protecting ment operations. their park appears to be valid. Park Blue Ridge's program is similar to Watch is a program which requires a team these. The objective of Park Watch is to effort on the part of the park staff. encourage both park visitors and neigh­ Although methods to objectively measure bors to take a more active role in protect­ Harry Baker its impact are still needed, those of us who ing and preserving their park. Park Watch The Park Watch logo. have been involved with Park Watch at asks the public to be alert not only to Blue Ridge Parkway feel that it is worth­ crime and vandalism, but to other park while, and we would certainly encourage protection problems as well, such as safety Several things have become apparent as other Park Service areas to consider im­ hazards and fires. Posters, brochures, a result of a season's experience working plementing similar programs. roadside signs, interpretive programs, and with the Park Watch program. One of the radio and television spots all encourage most difficult tasks still facing us is learn­ visitors and neighbors to report informa­ ing how to evaluate the effectiveness of tion to any park employee or office. the program. When a visitor in the park Telephone numbers are also provided stops along the roadside to report an with instructions to stop at the nearest unusual activity or hazard to a main­ phone and call collect in case of an tenance man, how do we determine emergency. whether or not that visitor's behavior was prompted by an elevated awareness and The successful implementation of Park concern as a result of Park Watch? Long Watch required both team and individual distance collect telephone calls can usually approaches. Its success depended on all be screened as Park Watch calls, but it's the divisions working together, and the harder to link local calls to the program. program was put into effect with the full And it's difficult to isolate its impact on cooperation and support of each of them. our protection activities because Park Administration dealt with the phone com­ Watch is just one aspect of Blue Ridge's pany and assisted with other logistical overall protection program. problems. Interpretation helped layout the brochures and posters. Maintenance prepared roadside signs. The cooperating association (Eastern National Parks and Monuments Association) assisted in print­ ing costs for the publications. Protection worked with everyone in drafting the text for materials, training employees, and working with the news media.

15 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Regional representatives were polled The Rendezvous coordinator will be Association Notes after a number of members suggested a Dennis Burnette of Sequoia, and John change, and the majority voted to make Earnst of Gettysburg has been named pro­ the move. The board expresses its appreci­ gram coordinator. Those people with ation to the staff at Grand Canyon and ideas for work groups or other programs Albright Training Center for putting in so on the agenda are urged to contact John New much effort in preparing for Rendezvous directly. Jim Tuck, vice-president West Rendezvous VII Location VII, and extends its apologies to anyone and chief of interpretation at Cabrillo, has who has been inconvenienced. extended a challenge to fellow interpreters Las Vegas was chosen for the conven­ to come up with "relevant, current and Responding to various problems with ience and low cost of transportation, the useful workshop ideas in the field of the initial choice of location for this year's low cost of rooms and the ease of working interpretation" for the Rendezvous, Rendezvous, the executive board has out meeting space. The Showboat, where pointing out that "your interest in a par­ changed the location to the Showboat the 1982 Western region superintendents ticular subject is what will get it on the Hotel, Casino and Bowling Center in Las and concessions conferences were held, program." Vegas, Nevada, and has moved the dates offered the best deal. to Sunday, October 9 through Thursday, The room rate will be $26 per night, October 13. single or double occupancy. Advanced The decision to change was not made registration and reservation information lightly. Members raised several questions will probably be mailed in the Spring. The about the Grand Canyon location. It tentative schedule for Rendezvous VII fol­ Rendezvous VIII would have been the first Rendezvous in a lows the very successful format of Ren­ Planning for Rendezvous VIII, which national park area, an idea that was re­ dezvous VI: jected by the membership some time ago. will be held in the New England area in Gambling is prohibited by 36 CFR, which • Sunday, 10/9—Executive board the Fall of 1984, is well under way. Asso­ would probably have meant cancellation meeting, registration and evening ciation members are reviewing sites in and of the raffle, which has been a major social around Boston, Cape Cod, Acadia Na­ money raiser at past Rendezvous. Trans­ • Monday, 10/10—General sessions tional Park, Lake Placid, and the portation into Grand Canyon is potentially • Tuesday, 10/11—Workshops Vermont-New Hampshire mountain very expensive and time consuming, • Wednesday, 10/12—Membership areas. which might price some members out of meeting and evening dinner and The present time table calls for the attending. And rooms for workshops dance listing of specific sites (with cost informa­ would have been inconveniently located. • Thursday, 10/13—Departure tion and pros and cons) for publication in the June Newsletter. Regional represen­ tatives will poll members and the board will hopefully have a site picked with an information packet ready to go by the September issue of the Newsletter. Picking a Rendezvous site is a difficult and time consuming task and the board needs help from the membership. Let your regional representative know your preferences on locations and your require­ ments concerning travel and lodging. Direct contact can also be made with Rendezvous coordinators Stan Robbins or Bill Halainen.

Election Results The December elections and an inter­ regional transfer have led to changes in the composition of the Association's board of directors. Dick Martin of Yosemite has assumed the presidency of the Association, and has since appointed Rick Gale of Santa Monica to complete his term as Western regional representative. Laurie Coughlan of Gettysburg has The Showboat Hotel, selected as the new location for this year's Rendezvous. become secretary, and Bill Orlando and

16 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Bryan Swift are the new regional represen­ BEE/KSA Synthesis tatives for National Capital and Alaska Work Groups regions. Ginny Rousseau's transfer to Group members will evaluate ways of As a result of membership votes and Sequoia/Kings Canyon left Southeast combining the old BEE (Bureau of board decisions at the last Rendezvous, region unrepresented, and Dick has ap­ Employee Evaluation) and current KSA ten new or continuing work groups were pointed Carl Christensen of Gulf Islands (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities) systems approved to study key issues of concern to to complete her term. into one which will combine the strengths park rangers. President Dick Martin has of each method of rating and selecting Several incumbents were returned for named the following people to chair these second terms. Debbie Trout of Great rangers for available positions. groups. Membership participation in Contact Sue Hackett, RD#1, Box 73 Smokies continues as treasurer, and three work groups is encouraged; those in­ regional representatives remain in their Markleysburg, Pennsylvania 15459; terested should get in touch with the ap­ 412-329-5373 (home). positions—Stan Robbins of Acadia in propriate chairperson(s). Results and North Atlantic, Sue Kylander of Indiana recommendations will appear in the Housing and Quarters Dunes in Midwest, and Tim Setnicka of Newsletter report on Washington activi­ Grand Tetons in Rocky Mountain. ties, beginning with this issue. This continuing work group will ad­ The Association extends sincere thanks dress ranger concerns on housing and to retiring board members for their hard Incident Reporting System quarters, and will work with George work in ANPR's behalf, and welcomes Gowans, chief of maintenance and hous­ the new officers and regional representa­ (343's) ing in Washington, on related matters. tives on board. This group will look at possible ways of Contact Bill Blake, Box 381, Elkton, improving the reporting system by up­ Virginia 22827; 703-298-1675 (home), dating the 343 and making it responsive to 804-985-7293 (work). various ranger functions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, EMS and Seasonal Interests resource management. International Member Group members will attempt to identify Contact Sue Kylander, 726 Howe and prioritize problems of concern to Road, Chesterton, Indiana 46304; The Association has reached another seasonals, including training, and will 219-926-5464 (home), 219-926-7561 x450 milestone in its continuing rapid growth. then examine ways of dealing with these (work). J.D. Tiberi, a ranger in Hamilton, Ber­ problems. muda, has become our first international Contact Mike Sutton, Box 110, St. member. Arrangements are now being Roles of Regional John, Virgin Islands 00830; 809-776-6201 made to provide for mailing outside the Representatives (work). States, as the Newsletter cannot be sent to such locations on our bulk mail permit. Group members will work on defining regional representative roles and will Townsley Memorial The Association welcomes J.D. to its develop guidelines for the expenditure of membership, and encourages rangers Rangers interested in finding a suitable seed money allocated to them for local from other nations to join and come to commemoration for John Townsley, late activities. the Rendezvous this fall. superintendent of Yellowstone, will look Contact Rick Smith, 16441 SW 292nd at various possibilities for accomplishing Street, Homestead, Florida 33030; this. 305-245-0762 (home), 303-247-6211 Contact Bill Wade, Box 456, Bushkill, (work). Pennsylvania 18324; 717-588-7189 (home), 717-588-6637 (work). Correction NPS-9 On page 12 of the December (Rendez­ The group will develop an Association Rendezvous Management vous issue) Newsletter, Dick Newgren was response to the draft revisions of NPS-9, This work group will develop ways and listed as an honored recipient of The the Service's law enforcement guidelines, means for insuring the long range identifi­ Wimp Award which was given to "those which should be out in April. cation of specific Rendezvous sites so that notables whose failure to attend the Contact Janice Wobbenhurst, 64E the Association's needs can be planned Rendezvous called for special acknowl­ Dunes Highway, Chesterton, Indiana well in advance. edgement." Since Dick was in fact at the 46304; 219-926-7561 (work). Contact Ginny Rousseau, Sequoia/ Rendezvous, it seems only fair to reclaim Kings Canyon NP, Three Rivers, Califor­ his award and hold it in readiness for a Management Identification nia 93271; 209-565-3361 (work), future candidate. and Development 209-565-3479 (home). Responding to a predicted loss of many Dual Careers top managers by retirement in the near future, this group will develop an Associa­ Rangers involved with this committee tion position on the identification and will examine the problems facing married development of managers to replace those people with careers, at least one of which who will be leaving. is in the Service, and will develop a posi­ Contact Maureen Finnerty, 2837-D tion paper on their findings. South Wakefield Street, Arlington, Vir­ Contact Cherry Payne, Flamingo Ranger ginia 22206; 703-998-6330 (home), Station, Flamingo, Florida 33030; 202-343-4874 (work). 305-245-4965 (work), 815-695-3104 (home).

17 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Hal is also developing an ANPR bro­ Rocky Mountain Regional Reps chure, since no such printed information Report is currently available for distribution to Representative Tim Setnicka, Grand potential members. It will include a brief Tetons. Address: Box 26, Moose, Wyo­ history of the Association, its goals and The following reports from regional ming 83012. Phone: 307-733-2880 (work), objectives, and the advantages of becom­ representatives on activities going on or 307-733-8220 (home). ing a member. projected within their regions were re­ Tim feels that the primary job of the ceived by press time. Further activities and regional representative is to continue to follow-ups will be reported in June. National Capital sell the Association on a one-to-one basis Representative Bill Orlando, Antietam. with non-members, and to support the Address: Route 1, Box 41, Sharpsburg, ideas of the regional membership. The North Atlantic Maryland 21782. Phone: 301-432-6043 idea of selling the organization is not (home), 302-432-5124 (work). based on a need for increasing member­ Representative Stan Robbins, Acadia. ship, but on the need for providing in­ Address: RFD 1, Box 1, Bar Harbor, Bill is proposing several regional activities: creased input into the organization in Maine 04609. Phone: 207-288-3133 order to better assist the director and staff (home), 207-288-3360 (work). • arranging to have a current member of the Association at each park in with accomplishing the Service's mission. Stan is working on the development of He feels that it's important that emphasis Association contacts in the parks in North the region as a contact person, which would enable him to pass remain on continuing the support ANPR Atlantic region. First steps have also been has given management since its inception, made in selecting a site for a regional ren­ along current Association news for local dissemination and would be and continuing the fine working relation­ dezvous, and the most likely possibility ship which we have with them. The Asso­ seems to be a meeting at a central location useful for developing new members; ciation has already made significant in late September (possibly on Cape Cod). contributions to the Service in the few • arranging to meet with the regional By meeting just before the Rendezvous in short "serious" years which have fol­ director to offer him the assistance Las Vegas, members not able to make it to lowed the initial three development years. of the Association on Service Nevada will have an opportunity to relay In order to continue to be a dynamic matters; their ideas and concerns to the overall organization, "we must strive for as wide • talking to many regional and park membership. Stan is looking into the and varied input as possible so that we can employees about the Association establishment of regional work groups to continue to seek solutions to the many while attending meetings and train­ focus on local aspects of national issues, challenges of the Service." such as the proposed "on call and standby ing sessions in this small region status" policy. A considerable amount of where many contacts are possible. Tim feels that regional reps should not his energy is going into screening locations be perceived as a "layer" between the for the 1984 Rendezvous, and he wel­ Midwest membership and the officers when it comes comments and/or assistance from comes to communications and input. The members. Representative Sue Kylander, Indiana idea of an organization where you can Dunes. Address: 726 Howe Road, Chester­ pick up the phone and call the president or ton, Indiana 46304. Phone: 219-926-5464 editor or secretary is still a good one. (home), 219-926-7561 x450 (work). Regional representatives should work on Mid-Atlantic Sue reports a number of inquiries by specific problems, or act as facilitators Representative Hal Greenlee, Gettys­ both new and current members expressing when necessary. They also might get in­ burg. Address: Box 632, Gettysburg, concerns over government housing, volved in setting up mini-conferences or Pennsylvania 17325. Phone: 717-334-5679 NPS-9 requirements and the case incident researching into situations or problems. (home), 717-334-1124 (work). reporting system, and says that the cor­ Tim looks forward to talking to as Hal's first order of business has been to respondence is appreciated and that "it is many members as possible during the develop in-park contacts for each park in essential that current concerns and infor­ year, and seeing everyone at the next the region. These contacts will primarily mation continue to flow between regional Rendezvous. be long-standing members, who will sup­ representatives and the membership." By port the Association on the one-to-one maintaining good communications, mem­ basis not available to the regional repre­ bers will keep updated on activities and sentative. These contacts will also serve as the Association will stay aware of field Southwest in-house information sources for the problems. Representative Roger Siglin, Southwest regional representative, and will make The issue of group health and accident Regional Office. Address: 530 East Garcia Newsletters, membership applications and insurance for seasonals is being discussed; #11, Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501. Phone: other publications available to their park's several insurance companies have been 505-982-8308 (home), 505-888-6371 staff as well as interested parties. contacted, and a package of prospective (work). He is exploring the possibility of a group policies is being compiled. Input Roger has been soliciting ideas for the regional rendezvous this Spring at Gettys­ from the membership regarding benefits is expenditure of regional funds, but no burg, which is at the approximate physical requested in order to further investigate commitments for their use have been center of the region. The planned two-day possibilities. A group policy for seasonals made to date. Ideas mentioned so far are: meeting would afford current and new will provide good benefits at a much • a regional rendezvous at a centrally members an opportunity to get together, reduced rate of payment. located area such as Davis Moun­ provide ideas for activities, and address Midwest region will be the site of the tain State Park in Texas; topics of concern within the region. This 1985 Rendezvous. Since the process of ar­ • the sponsorship of one or more pro­ would be a particularly valuable meeting ranging a Rendezvous is long and compli­ fessional workshops; for those not able to go to the Rendezvous cated, initial contacts need to be made • the purchase of tapes, films, and this Fall, and will make it possible for him right now. Members with ideas for sites related items for use by all in­ to present a consensus on their concerns at should inform Sue as soon as possible so terested parks in conducting local the Las Vegas meeting. inquiries can be made. training sessions;

18 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

• the promotion of information ex­ ing on three possibilities for the coming age participation by any person interested changes by funding the transcrip­ year: in challenging himself and the organiza­ tion, typing and mailing of • a social gathering in the Spring, tion to do better work—designers, secre­ transcripts of conferences, work­ perhaps in April or May, with date taries, engineers, planners, graphic artists, shops and meetings of interest to and time to be announced; archeologists, concessions specialists— the membership; • a Fall working session "to generate and those in parks or central offices who • the placement of an ad publicizing thoughts and concerns that can be share our concerns." the Association in some national taken to the Rendezvous;" The founders group has since drafted magazines, subject to the approval • a field session to be held in one of articles of incorporation and by-laws, and of the board of directors. the Alaska parks wherein people planned to meet on March first to approve Roger is also considering the possibility can share their knowledge and skills the by-laws, consider a name for the that "putting more money into an ex­ in resource management and visitor organization, and vote on officers. A panded newsletter might best serve all protection. board of directors already exists to help members and attract new ones." Bryan is also drafting a letter to the administer the Gathering's programs and membership in Alaska that will solicit provide information to people in their ideas, get some feedback on potential ac­ respective areas who are interested in the tivities, and encourage contributions to organization. West the Newsletter. ANPR members and others interested Representative Rick Gale, Santa in The Gathering should contact the ap­ Monica Mountains. Address: Apt. D, propriate director for further info: 2680 Pierpont Boulevard, Ventura, The Gathering West—John Reynolds, assistant superin­ California 93001. Phone: 805-653-5969 tendent at Santa Monica; Central—Bob (home), 213-888-3440 (work). Inspired by the same desire to get Yerout, Denver Service Center; East— Rick will be contacting former members together for social and professional Terry Carlstrom, associate regional direc­ of the Association throughout the region reasons that led to the creation of ANPR, tor for professional services at National to "get them back into the fold," and will a number of Park Service people associ­ Capitol Region. Newsletters may be avail­ also make a major effort to get as many ated formally or informally with the able from Doug Cornell at Service Center, Western region seasonals as possible to Denver Service Center have created an presuming there are still some left. join ANPR and get them to the Rendez­ association called—at least at present— The Gathering is very interested in in­ vous. Members in the region should get in The Gathering. teractions with ANPR; many people, in touch with Rick on any concerns they Now in its fourth year, The Gathering fact, belong to both. There will be some have rather than call Jim Tuck or Dick was founded by Ken Raithel, currently small meetings in the Denver area during Martin. assistant manager of the Western team at the year, but current plans call for the the Service Center, as a place "to ex­ main Gathering to be held with us in Las change design and planning ideas, renew Vegas in October. Pacific Northwest old friendships, and nurture a spirit of good will" among planners, landscape Representative Noel Poe, North and building architects, scientists, sociol­ Cascades. Address: Box 85, Stehekin, ogists, engineers, superintendents and Washington Washington 98852. Phone: 509-682-4404 others with similar interests. Although Continued (work and home). many of the members are working or have Noel has been communicating with worked at the Center, the Gathering is not NPS-9 guidelines Association members about the possibility limited to professionals from that office; of setting up a regional workshop in early anyone interested in the groups objectives The law enforcement guideline is now Spring, for which there seems to be con­ is free to join. undergoing final Service review. Com­ siderable interest. Subjects for the The original idea, which came up dur­ ments will be incorporated into the docu­ workshop have been narrowed down to ing a lunchtime conversation that Raithel ment and distribution will probably be either computer programming or a had with a friend back in 1980, was to get made in April. "Chautauqua-style" course on some facet together old friends now scattered of recreation management to be taught by throughout the Service. About 25 people 025/026 standards one of the area's universities. A workshop got together in Vail for the first Gathering or special activity for spouses during this that year, and have since met again in Work continues on the resolution of the session is also being considered. Informa­ Aspen and Keystone, Colorado. The ranger and technician series' differences, tion concerning these possibilities was sent Keystone meeting, held in November of but it's not yet possible to say when it will to regional members in early February, last year, brought together "people who be completed. Discussion is currently go­ and final plans will be made and distri­ really wanted to shape an organization," ing on concerning qualification standards. buted based on the responses that are says Raithel. Additional information has been sub­ received. A newsletter put together by Doug mitted to OPM for their consideration, Cornell and Sue Edelstein came out of and it is "seriously being looked at and that meeting, and summed up the feelings considered." Under particular scrutiny Alaska of the participants: "At least one strong are the academic requirements for entry consensus came through: the desire for an personnel and the definition of what con­ Representative Bryan Swift, Denali. organization made up of friends dedicated stitutes specialized experience. OPM is Address: Denali NP, Box 9, McKinely to excellence in the provision of planning, also analysing the relationship of the Park, Alaska 99577. Phone: 907-683-2294 design, construction, research and related GS-1810/1811 criminal investigator series (work). professional services for park manage­ to the ranger series. Although only in office for about a ment. This year's participants decided to When more definitive results are week when contacted regarding plans for make it a formal organization with activi­ known, they will be published in the regional activities, Bryan has been work­ ties the year round, and to further encour­ Newsletter.

19 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

philosophy and guidelines for SAR program for park dispatchers on Results of and disaster operations, rethinking techniques for searching, retrieving our current SET teams organization and manipulating information to Association Surveys with a reorientation toward a multi- assist in managing protection versed incident command system incidents; for all emergencies, the development • development of a Servicewide of emergency operations plans for trainee program on cultural Protection Workshop all Service units, and means for resource protection management recovering SAR and EMS costs; specialties; Jim Brady, MARO • improve supervisory and program • increased opportunities for ranger management skills for those direct­ skills training at Albright and Two workshops on park and visitor ing protection operations, with em­ Mather. protection in the 80's were conducted at phasis on developing goals and Rendezvous VI. At each, those attending objectives for each protection unit were asked to respond to this question: which involve employees in that Marketing "What do you see as the leading issues work unit and developing specific Tim Setnicka, Grand Teton and concerns for protection in the 80's?" techniques for supervising emergen­ Of the 115 who attended, from season­ cy service personnel; al to superintendents, 42 submitted Remember late last year when you sent • develop and improve standards for responses in writing. The top ten concerns in your "ANPR Membership Profile" internal audits, investigations and and/or recommendations identified from form? Well, the results are now in, and related concerns, with more defini­ both these responses and from workshop they produced some interesting statistics tive means for evaluating the emo­ discussions are listed below: —and some fire and smoke. tional and psychological stability of A few members were upset by the form • develop and implement a Service- candidates for commissions and of the questionnaire. Their complaint was wide ranger activities information standardized guidelines on dis­ that it did not lend itself to tallying a true source which would be available to ciplinary actions and suspension professional profile of Association mem­ the field ranger, would include up­ procedures; bers, as it was designed for traditional dates on trends and issues and • adopt mission-oriented recruitment rangers alone and not for scientists, reviews of case incidents that all qualification standards for entry researchers, resource managers or others. could learn from, and would be level rangers with basic require­ To set the record straight, the form was similar in style to maintenance's ments for resource management and not properly named. It wasn't meant to be Grist and interpretation's In Touch; a ranger generalist emphasis. a membership profile, but rather a survey • reestablish and implement a Service- Along with these ten primary concerns, of the membership in which primary job wide incident reporting system participants in the workshops listed a skills were unimportant. The purpose of employing micro-computers which number of other areas where they would the form was to show pre-selected groups would allow data to be retrieved and like to see changes or actions taken: of manufacturers what a broad and analyzed at the field level, and in­ • full spectrum orientation training potentially lucrative market the member­ clude a means for information for seasonal employees; ship represents, thereby convincing them exchange, review and analysis be­ • accelerated efforts to obtain concur­ to buy some advertising with us or getting tween park units and between the rent jurisdiction and identification them to offer members product discounts. Service and other Federal and state of techniques of implementation; The form evolved into a pseudo member­ agencies; • standardization of SCUBA equip­ ship survey and got misnamed along the • establish a Servicewide NPS Emer­ ment; way. It really doesn't matter what your gency Medical Services program • added variability in in-service law job is, because we are looking at what with standards of care and training, enforcement refresher training, in­ your interests are to better define the applicable as needed in all Park Serv­ cluding emphasis on facility security product market. ice units and coordinated with (but alarm systems and self-defense The results of the survey are interesting, independent of) state certification; training; to say the least. At a time when total • develop job-related emergency serv­ • standardization of supplemental membership was around 700, 1 received ice fitness standards (cardiovas­ law enforcement reports Service- back exactly 250 questionnaires. Not a cular, strength and flexibility) that, wide; bad return. These were completed by 203 at a minimum level, would be man­ • standardization of the format for (81.2%) males and 47 (18.8%) females. datory Servicewide for personnel in­ writing 343's; Of these, 64.6% were married. The educa­ volved in law enforcement, EMS, • development of Servicewide stand­ tional, income and age breakdown of the structural and wildland firefighting, ards for specialized protection respondents is as follows: SCUBA and related ranger activities; equipment such as boots and bullet­ Education • provide the means to increase in­ proof vests; High school: 2.8% volvement of field rangers with • uniting the best of the BEE and cur­ Four years of college: 41.2% resource protection and manage­ rent vacancy announcement Over four years of college: 56% ment activities through training in systems; Income monitoring techniques, job struc­ • allowing rangers to compete for Less than $5,000: 0 turing and emphasis in law enforce­ regional law enforcement specialist $ 5,000— 7,999: 0 ment curricula; positions; $ 8,000— 9,999: 2.4% • update structural fire protection • development of additional guide­ $10,000—14,999: 13.2% standards in training, certification, lines for concession security forces; $15,000—19,999: 14.8% fitness, equipment and techniques; • development of an emergency $20,000—24,999: 22.8% • overhaul our current emergency response channel in all NPS port­ $25,000—34,999: 24.8% response capabilities, including ables and standards for their use; $35,000—49,999: 16% emergency operations authority, • development of a directed studies $50,000 or more: 6%

20 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER

Age Search and rescue anent experience, educational back­ Under 18: 0 equipment: $ 615.07 ground, time in each grade, and equal op­ 18—25: 4% Climbing equipment: $217.50 portunity factors such as age, sex, race 26—29: 16.4% Interpretive equipment: $970.52 and marital status. 30—34: 40.2% And, finally, the following information Comments have been solicited, and 35—39: 24.8% was elicited concerning members: should provide useful information. A 40—44: 0 number of superintendents have shared 45—49: 8% 73.2% possess law enforcement their thoughts about what the future may 50—54: 4.2% commissions bring in responses already received: 55—59: 1.9% 57.6% are EMT's ". . . I suggest you caution your Over 60: Less than .5% 71.2% possess Red Cards 29.6% hold Scuba certification readers not to worry too much about The following percentages of 41.2% own a kayak, canoe, boat, statistics. A lot more important than respondents indicated that the activities or raft what positions a person aspiring to a listed were significant parts of their cur­ 84% pass along the Newsletter superintendency occupies is what the rent daily jobs (and it is here that the form to others individual does with them. My biggest should have been broader): 65.2% are in the 025 series complaint about NPS employees . . . 19.2% are in the 026 series is the tendency towards parochialism Job Activity and a narrow circle of responsibility Law enforcement: 66.4% 5% are not NPS employees 7% are seasonal employees . . . Persons aspiring to a position in EMT: 50.4% management must constantly stretch Scuba: 22.8% 9% are NPS employees in other than the 025 or 026 series and broaden themselves and their Boating: 30.8% jobs." Search and rescue: 51.2% As a result of the information obtained Wildland fire: 48.8% through this survey, we hope to bring in "A number of superintendents of my Structural fire: 36.4% some advertising money and membership vintage were appointed to their posi­ Office and administrative: 71.6% discounts. Revenues from advertising and tions during the heady expansionist Climbing: 15.6% Association sponsored products will go days of the 60s and 70s. I don't see the Interpretation: 44% directly back into the Association and into same opportunities available today . . . Cross country skiing: 18.4% the upgrading of the Newsletter. An For better or worse the Service reflects Downhill skiing: 6.4% ANPR belt buckle employing the new the economic times; the whole logo is currently in the works, and ANPR transfer/promotion system has slowed The following percentages of members patches and membership plaques will down. Realistic goal setting will help had either purchased the below listed follow. All products are and will be ap­ reduce frustration and boost morale." equipment or are heavily involved in these proved by the executive committee to in­ The "Entry Level Ranger/Technician/ activities on and/or off the job: sure that they are in keeping with the Aid Hiring Authority Questionnaire" is Activities traditions and goals of the organization. an attempt to get at the age-old problem Stereo equipment: 32% Your comments and suggestions are of how one achieves "status" by thread­ Photography equipment: 57.2% welcomed. ing through the maze of OPM obstacles. Camping/hiking: 93.6% Parks are sending in information about Fishing: 44.8% the OPM offices which maintain 025/026 Cycling: 42.8% registers for their use, the number of times Downhill skiing: 35.2% those registers have been open, and infor­ Cross country skiing: 64.8% mation about how to determine when Running: 64.8% Superintendents and these registers do open. Climbing: 28.8% Personnel Staffs Comments from personnel offices have Scuba diving: 26% not been any more optimistic than one Boating: 53.6% Jim Tuck, Cabrillo would expect. They all are dealing with Vacationing: 81.6% both increased competition and OPM of­ Responding to frequent requests for fices that don't open their registers very The following amounts of money are more information from members, the often because the Service doesn't fill that the average Service dollar amounts that Association is conducting a pair of surveys many positions through them. Many sug­ each member spends directly or indirectly —one for those career employees with the gested attaining status through other less (i.e., through a supervisor) on the listed goal of becoming superintendents, and competitive series, and also mentioned ac­ activities: the other for seasonals and other potential quiring varied experience through any Average NPS Money Spent permanents who would like more infor­ means possible. Per Member mation about how to obtain "status". Almost all personnel offices that Law enforcement These surveys are receiving excellent sup­ responded said that they would be willing equipment: $2,350.99 port from both superintendents and per­ to contact a central "open register clear­ EMT equipment: $762.24 sonnel offices, with an almost fifty ing house" with information about Wildland fire percent return rate within one month of register openings. We hope that the Asso­ equipment: $4,509.80 their mailing to 270 areas. ciation will be able to offer something like Structural fire The "Survey of Superintendents' Back­ a 24-hour recorded message of informa­ equipment: $3,040.24 grounds and Qualifications" should pro­ tion about such registers. The number Office equipment: $1,152.13 vide information about how present would be made available to anyone who Running/exercise superintendents got to their positions and wanted it, and could be called during the equipment: $78.82 should also provide a yardstick with which low rate hours of the day. Success of such Boating equipment: $1,297.84 to measure your own progress if such is a system would depend on personnel peo­ Scuba equipment: $379.04 your goal. The end result will be a series of ple and others sharing such information Ski equipment: $80.80 percentages related to seasonal and perm­ so that all could benefit. The people in

21 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER personnel that have responded have shown very strong support for this idea. Visitors never summer LEADING EDGE DISTRIBUTORS Comments about either of these surveys Continued would be appreciated. We're particularly offers ANPR members substantial interested in hearing from anyone who There are a number of possible ap­ savings in Goretex & pile clothing. has ideas about how to share the OPM proaches. If it is determined that most register information more efficiently. The visitors to Yosemite are from Los $3150 next issue of the Newsletter will carry a Angeles, it might be possible to take out Pullover or thorough analysis of both surveys. an ad in the Los Angeles Times: "Visiting zipfront. Yosemite? Call us before you go! The toll Grey, navy, free number is...." If the visitors to It. blue. Southwestern parks prove to be from Texas, winter courses could be set up on the parks in Houston or other cities where visitors originate. Evening continuing Field Reports education courses are popular these days; why not classes on the national parks in a For catalog & price list write: A recurring suggestion by members has region, focusing on camping techniques, been that a section of the Newsletter resource management, hiking skills and so never summer should be set aside for reporting incidents forth? p. o. box 4513 • estes park, co 80517 in protection worthy of being passed on to National and international exposure Never Summer was formed by two park others in the field. The following report, might also be effective. Perhaps a Satur­ rangers tired of paying inflated prices for submitted by Roger Siglin, Southwest day morning cartoon show for children on protective weather gear. The primary regional representative, is the initial sub­ visiting the parks ("The Smurfs Visit clothing line consists of fleece jackets and mission for this section. The Newsletter Glacier") or a multi-part series on PBS on pants, polypropylene underwear and actively solicits reports from other "You and Your National Parks". sweaters, and Goretex jackets and pants. members on incidents of considerable Articles by Service employees on the In addition to discount prices offered to consequence that may help other rangers Grand Canyon and other major parks ANPR members, Never Summer will anticipate similar problems. could be published in Japanese and other make a yearly donation to the Association On January 11, 1983, a male accom­ foreign travel magazines. More of our based upon the fleece jacket sales. When panied by two small children was observed general literature can be translated into ordering, please include your ANPR carrying a rifle near the Boquillas Tunnel other languages and put on display in na­ membership number (found on your mail­ in Big Bend National Park. The first tional and international airports. ing label). ranger on the scene attempted to com­ With informed visitors coming to the municate with the subject, who refused to parks, we interpreters would be able to talk and fired a shot towards a nearby hill. aim higher in our interpretive goals. We More rangers and several customs officers could get past the basics and help visitors arrived and took up positions around the better understand themselves in relation subject, who fired several more shots in to the park story and to their world com­ the general direction of both rangers and munity. All too often we interpret on the customs personnel. The customs officers lowest common denominator principle returned fire, then one rushed the subject and let others slip by. Instead of the basic and apprehended him without injury. A "Indians lived here—they grew corn" or board of inquiry, chaired by the regional "This is a rotting log—count its rings", law enforcement specialist, concluded we could give challenging interpretation. that the incident was handled very well, It would be a welcome change to have but pointed out the need for better radio visitors realize that parks are important communications between the two agencies and keep going to programs because involved and the need for a more detailed they're both challenged and entertained. memorandum of agreement spelling out Visitors knowledgeable about the parks agency roles. During the incident, it was before they arrive would be more open to very difficult for all involved to com­ interpretation and more likely to attend municate because of incompatible radio programs. equipment. Pie in the sky? Sure. Expensive? This is the official/unofficial NPS/EMS Definitely. But even a small attempt at patch. It costs $3.25 postpaid. If you'd reaching out and researching our visitors like one or more, send a check or money might make for fewer problems and give order made out to the Association of Na­ our law enforcement, maintenance and tional Park Rangers to John Chew, resource management people a breather. Shenandoah NP, Luray, VA 22835.

22 THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS NEWSLETTER ANPR Board of Directors Mailing label Officers Questions have arisen about the meaning President Dick Martin Yosemite of symbols found on the mailing label. Vice President, East Maureen Finnerty WASO Below is a sample label and explanation: Vice President, West Jim Tuck Cabrillo RAN0001 10/82 RMR YELL Secretary Laurie Coughlan Gettysburg Simon T. Ranger Treasurer Debbie Trout Great Smoky Mountains Box 000 Past President Mike Finley Assateague Mountain WY 66666 Regional Representatives: Deciphered, this breaks down as follows: North Atlantic Stan Robbins Acadia • RAN0001: Identification number Mid-Atlantic Hal Greenlee Gettysburg • 10/82: Subscription expiration date National Capitol Bill Orlando Antietam • RMR: Regional code Southeast Carl Christensen Gulf Islands • YELL: Park code Midwest Sue Kylander Indiana Dunes Southwest Roger Siglin SWRO All correspondence regarding member­ Rocky Mountains Tim Setnicka Grand Teton ship, change of address and so forth should Western Rick Gale Santa Monica include your identification number, if pos­ Pacific Northwest Noel Poe North Cascades sible. Missing or incorrect information Alaska Bryan Swift Denali should be brought to the attention of the Secretary. Support: Associate and non-NPS members will EO Coordinator Ginny Rousseau Sequoia/Kings not have a park code assigned unless re­ Marketing Coordinator Tim Setnicka Grand Teton quested. Life member expiration dates are Editor, ANPR Newsletter Bill Halainen Minute Man presently coded as MO/99.

Association of National Park Rangers • New Membership Application • Renewal

Date:

Name Title

Address _ NPS Employees: City/State Park (4 letter code, i.e., YELL). Region (i.e., RMR)* Zip Code _ *(WASO use NCR)

Type of Membership (Check one) New Renewal (1) Active—all NPS employees (permanent or seasonal) • $ 10.00 • $ 15.00 (2) Associate—individuals other than NPS employees • $ 10.00 • $ 15.00 (3) Sustaining—individuals and organizations • $ 50.00 • $ 50.00 (4) Life—open to all individuals* • $200.00 D $200.00 (5) Subscription to newsletter only • $ 5.00 • $ 5.00 *Life membership may be paid in four installments of $50.00 each within 12 months. RETURN TO: ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS P.O. Box 222 Yellowstone National Park, WY 82190

Received $.

By Association of BULK RATE National Park Rangers U.S. POSTAGE RFD#2, North Great Road PAID BOSTON, MA Lincoln, Massachusetts 01773 PERMIT NO. 59736

ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED