Podcasts about chief ranger

Clay's interview with Walt Dabney, who worked for over 30 years in the National Park System, including serving as America's Chief Ranger for five and a half years in Washington, D.C. Mr. Dabney is lecturing around the country about the threat to public lands from those who would return them to the states or privatize them altogether. Mr. Dabney refutes three myths about public lands: first, that the U.S. Government has no right to own property; second, that the U.S. Government retains public domain for nefarious reasons; and third, that individual states were promised at the time of their statehood that public land would be deeded over to them. All demonstrably untrue, says Walt Dabney. Although he's worried about current moves to reduce the size of National Monuments and allow greater resource extraction on public lands, Mr. Dabney believes the public will rally to protect and preserve one of the best things about America: our National Parks, National Monuments, game preserves, wildlife refuges, and National Forests. This interview was recorded March 19, 2025.

In the three days ending 1862 and beginning 1863, Union and Confederate forces clashed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, resulting in the highest percentage of casualties for both sides of any major battle of the American Civil War. Garry Adelman, Kristopher White and Dr. Chris Mackowski are joined by special guest Jim Lewis, Chief Ranger of Stones River National Battlefield.

Wyoming State Park Rangers educate the public, enforce the law, and support conservation efforts, with the goal of protecting park visitors and protecting park resources for future generations. In this episode, Pathfinder Bruce chats with Chief Ranger, Mark Caughlan, about the varied duties of a Wyoming Park Ranger and about how rangers promote voluntary compliance with the law using the Ranger First philosophy. Learn more about Wyoming Park Rangers: https://wyoparks.wyo.gov/index.php/become-a-ranger

Daryl Miller has been a risk management role model of mine since I first heard some of his safety messaging based on 18 years as a Ranger and Chief Ranger with the Denali National Park. I visited Daryl at his house a few years ago and was so enthralled by his stories that I interrupted the conversation to ask if I could start a recorder. Daryl's path took him from Vietnam to the rodeo to a career as a Denali Ranger, where he initiated significant changes to the Ranger training and risk management strategies. Daryl was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000. I was interested to hear how Daryl managed the transition from a lifetime of rescuing others to being "just Daryl." Daryl was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2000. I was interested to hear how Daryl managed the transition from a lifetime of rescuing others to being "just Daryl."

The Wonders of Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium This episode of the 'Meet Me in Tennessee' podcast features a discussion with Tyler Wicks, the Chief Ranger, and Adam Thanz, the Planetarium Director, from Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium in Kingsport, Tennessee. They detail the park's attractions, including a 44-acre lake, hiking and mountain bike trails, a nature center, a state-of-the-art planetarium theater, and animal habitats. The dialogue covers the park's history, conservation efforts, unique wildlife, educational programs, and upcoming eclipse viewing. Additionally, the episode touches on light pollution, the importance of outdoor spaces for mental health, public engagement through volunteerism and educational outreach, and upcoming renovations and exhibits at the park. The park's significance for both locals and visitors seeking a connection with nature and astronomy is emphasized, along with encouragement for personal participation in conservation and enjoyment of natural spaces. 00:00 Welcome to Meet Me in Tennessee: Exploring Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium 01:33 Discovering Bays Mountain: A Unique Urban Wilderness 02:24 The History and Public Nature of Bays Mountain Park 03:06 A Deep Dive into Astronomy with Adam, the Planetarium Director 12:34 Eclipse Viewing Tips and the Magic of Totality 20:23 Exploring the Night Sky: Bays Mountain and Beyond 23:53 Nighttime Canoe and Kayak Adventures 24:24 Bringing Your Own Vessel: Rentals and Space Limitations 24:40 Preserving the Natural Beauty of Bays Mountain 25:21 Exploring the Rich Wildlife and History of Bays Mountain 25:56 Respecting Wildlife and Safe Practices for Visitors 27:53 The Role of Wolves in Ecosystem Balance and Education 31:05 Conservation Efforts and the Importance of Green Spaces 41:07 Promoting Astronomy and Nature Education 49:59 Engaging with the Community and Future Plans For more information visit northeasttn.org

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches along 42 miles of Lake Superior shoreline from Munising to Grand Marais. The year-round park covers roughly 114 square miles and includes 22 back country camp grounds, many circling the 10 inland lakes and 100 miles of trails. It's rugged and remote. So, what does it take to be Chief Ranger in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula? In this episode of Lake Superior Podcast, Walt Lindala and Frida Waara learn from Joe Hughes about the year-round responsibilities—including the work of the High Angle Rescue Team—covering the woods and waters of the country's first national lakeshore.

Christine (Salisbury) Sammons joins the show to discuss her nine summers working in the Ranger department, three of which she served as Philmont's Chief Ranger.  Show notes link: 2023 Wrangler Reunion Philmont Experience:2004 - Trek participant2005 & 06 - Ranger2007 & 08 - Ranger Trainer2009 &10 - Associate Chief Ranger2009 - Fall autumn guide2010 - Fall autumn coordinator2011 - 2013 - Chief Ranger2014 - Outfitting Services ManagerNotable MentionsMark AndersonChris SawyerKirstin AndersonJada Day Eric MartinezJenna AndersonSupport the show

Shane Petty, retired Chief Park Ranger for the state of Tennessee, brings a unique law enforcement perspective to Between the Lines in Episode 17. As a horse-mounted ranger for 30 years, Petty recounts his involvement in numerous search and rescue operations and the challenges of being a K-9 handler in rough terrain. He breaks down the 2004 five-day manhunt for murder suspect Parker Ray Elliott, explains why you should never go hiking alone, and overjoys Mike with stories of dogs, horses, spiders, and being upstaged by a cow. Visit https://www.betweenthelineswithvirtualacademy.com (www.betweenthelineswithvirtualacademy.com) for more info about this episode. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this program are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. Mentioned in this episode: Virtual Academy At Virtual Academy, we are so much more than training. Visit www.virtualacademy.com today for more info.

At the heart of visitor safety and security in our Tennessee State Parks are the 250 commissioned Park Rangers. Our guest today, Shane Petty, has been the Chief Park Ranger for Tennessee for the past 25 years.  He oversees the hiring and training of this talented group of people.  Shane shares with us his career … Continue reading "Interview With Shane Petty, Chief Ranger, Tennessee State Parks" The post Interview With Shane Petty, Chief Ranger, Tennessee State Parks appeared first on Mark Fraley Podcast.

This week Stephanie K and Jay sit down with Dave Dwyre he is the Chief Ranger now at Genesee County Parks.  Mr. Dwyre has a long history in law enforcement and shares his excitement for working with the Genesee County Park System.  For more information visit https://geneseecountyparks.org/ 

Join us as Claudette, Kim, and Drew engage with another special guest. In this episode, Bill Reid, Chief Ranger of The Last Green Valley shares what makes our quiet corner of the world so special. 

Episode 35: Algonquin's Early Beginnings: The first Official Canoe Trips Summer-Fall 1893 In 1893 the Algonquin National Park Act was passed and soon after Peter Thomson was appointed Chief Ranger. In this episode I share his first report of his activities in the summer of 1893. As well is another provided by Mr. James Wilson Superintendent of Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park who was asked to tour ‘the territory' which he did via canoe during the late fall of 1893. His observations, descriptions and recommendations are for the most part just  as insightful today as they were when reported in early 1894.  This episode's musical interlude is called Forest Song from Dan Gibson's Solitudes' CD called Algonquin Suite. Many thanks to Digital Funding LLC, owners of the Dan Gibson's Solitudes copyright, who have granted permission for its use. Search using Dan Gibson's Solitudes' on your favourite music streaming site to listen too the entire CD. Source document is a compilation published by the Legare Street Press iin 2013, who "publish works that have been selected by scholars as being culturally important and are part of the ‘knowledge base of civilization as we know it." It is occasionally available on eBay for those interested in purchasing their own copy. 

In this week's episode, learn about the Paw Parade, Parks & Recreation's new Chief Ranger, Legends & Lanterns, and Parks & Recreation's Screen on the Green event.

A letter from Howie to Leonora LaPeter Anton at the St. Pete Times   Dear Leonora,  Carole tells me that your recent questions have been directed at getting more views on exotic pet ownership and about the numbers of cats in the wild. Thank you for taking the time to do that.   There is one comment in one of your emails that I would like to address.  You may well have decided at this point the structure of your story and what you are going to include, so nothing I say may matter.  But I would like to make one distinction clear in case it is not.  The distinction is between mentioning Don's disappearance versus the mentioning the claims of Carole's involvement.  I believe in one email you suggested Carole might not like your mentioning Don's disappearance, and you made reference to her denying involvement.   Mentioning Don's disappearance is not really something with which Carole has a problem.  I'm not sure it would be a “big case” other than for the media circus that surrounded it, and I think that media coverage was generated not by the disappearance but by the false claims of Carole's involvement. I doubt if Don's disappearance would appear on your radar if it were not for these false claims and the hope of the breeders/owners that you will revive them. Those claims were not made by law enforcement, they were made by individuals who had something to gain.  Law enforcement did their investigation and the result is obvious.  But, it is a true fact that he disappeared, it is part of the history of the sanctuary and of Carole's personal history.   In contrast to mentioning the disappearance as part of the history, repeating ten year old lies like those groundless accusations is different.  It makes titillating reading for the masses.  But I believe it serves no journalistic purpose or public benefit.  It only serves the breeders/owners who make any effort they can to try to cause Carole pain, use up our time on their false complaints, and distract from the meaningful issues of extinction and captive animal ownership.   Carole mentioned to you some of the various ways in which the breeder/owners file false complaints with regulatory or accrediting bodies. This week we experienced a new one that I think is one of the best examples of what we are dealing with when it comes to the tactics and ethics of these people.  Carole received a call for “Carole Lewis” from a regulator saying Carole was behind in child support payments for her son.  Carole's only son was a stepson for whom she was never financially responsible who died in a car accident years ago.  The regulator who called concluded she must have the wrong Carole Lewis, not that uncommon a name, and we would have thought so too except for events later in the day.  Carole got to the sanctuary to learn that our manager's drivers license had been suspended for his allegedly failing to make child support payments.  Scott has never been married and has no children.  Think this is a coincidence?  I suspect there is some hotline where people can anonymously report child support violators and the breeders/owners used it, like their false anonymous claims to Workers' Compensation and others.   I did not ask you the content of the “tip” you said put this story on your radar.  But I can tell you one thing for sure.  The sole purpose of the tip, like these other actions, is to use you to cause Carole pain, try to discredit her, and use up our time to distract us from the work of changing the laws to protect the animals.  The justifications these people use for their selfish treatment of the animals generally do not find acceptance with the public, who show increasing concern over the treatment of animals.  So instead of intelligent debate on these issues, their primary tactic basically to “fight dirty” by spreading lies to try to discredit Carole since she is prominent in this effort and being effective in the trend toward tougher laws.   Whether you print the lies about involvement in Don's disappearance, or the other lies they spread about the sanctuary, is up to you. I believe you when you say you want to write something that is balanced and fair.  I don't sense you are going about this with malice like Chris Hawes clearly did.  When it comes to the issues of how animals are treated, there is a way to present sides of the argument with balance.  But I do not see how there is a balanced and fair way to repeat outright lies.  Simply printing them, no matter how they are framed, creates the innuendo and the shadow of doubt that the attackers desire.   There is certainly a human interest story in Carole's evolution of views and activities.  More significantly there are two really important issues - extinction of the animals in the wild, and their treatment in captivity - that are genuinely important to the world as a whole and an increasingly number of individuals.  Exploring these serves a true journalistic purpose and truly serves the public interest, which I would think is inherent in the mission of the Times.  Again, this is obviously your decision, but I don't see how reprinting ten year old lies serves these higher goals.   You will do as you see fit.  If you do choose to rehash the false claims that were made about Don's disappearance or the other claims the breeders/owners make, I can pretty well predict what will follow:   1. Yates and cohorts will gleefully be sending emails to each others patting themselves on the back for making you their latest agent in their disinformation campaign by getting you to revive the ten year old lies about the disappearance and any others they manage to get you to print.  And they will be laughing at you as well as at us for their success in this. 2. When I tried to meet with Mr. Yates to understand his views on exhibiting animals, on top of the papers he brought with him was the old People Magazine.  Now, he will have a copy of your article on top, trying to use the good name and reputation of the Times as support for his lies. 3. He and/or cohorts will start a new round of complaints to the accrediting bodies that we are approved by, sending your article as evidence of their claims.  This will further drain my time by having to respond to them.  As in the past, we will prevail, but they will have succeeded in making a nuisance of themselves to us and to the staff of these organizations.   Last, if you print the old lies, you of course cause some pain here just because it is painful to see this in print.  In some ways perhaps more for me than Carole, because it is probably harder when someone you love is unjustly attacked than when you are yourself.  And Carole, who has already been through so much over Don's disappearance and does not deserve more, will of course survive the hurt of having the old lies printed.  What will carry her, as in the past, is her strong will, her obvious knowledge of the truth, her passion for her mission and understanding that her role unfortunately includes being the subject of these attacks, and finally her strong faith and her belief that ultimately things happen the way they are supposed to.  And, despite the distractions, we will continue our work toward protecting the animals. The breeders/owners can cause pain and distraction with these attacks, but the cultural evolution in the way treatment of exotic animals is being viewed by the public across the nation and world will continue.  If you read this far, thank you, even if it makes no difference.   I'll part with two quotes I find interesting but not sure if you will.  One is the Ghandi quote I mentioned to you in our conversation and promised to send:  “You can judge the moral progress of a nation by its treatment of animals.”   The other comes from a book I just started called “A Game Ranger Remembers” by a man who spent his life as a ranger at the Kruger National Park in South Africa. He talks about the difference in the way animals were viewed when the park was founded many years before to the time he became Chief Ranger in 1983. His remarks reflect a transition that continues at an accelerated pace today. He says:   “When the Park was proclaimed by President Paul Kruger, attitudes toward animals were based on a very literal interpretation of the biblical injunction that God had given Man dominion over the birds of the air and the fishes of the sea.  By the  time the pioneers (i.e. founders of the Park) bowed out the world was coming to realize that such dominion meant not the conferral of a license to plunder but the assumption of a great and noble responsibility.”  Sincerely,  Howard Baskin   I've been writing my story since I was able to write, but when the media goes to share it, they only choose the parts that fit their idea of what will generate views.  If I'm going to share my story, it should be the whole story.  The titles are the dates things happened. If you have any interest in who I really am please start at the beginning of this playlist: http://savethecats.org/   I know there will be people who take things out of context and try to use them to validate their own misconception, but you have access to the whole story.  My hope is that others will recognize themselves in my words and have the strength to do what is right for themselves and our shared planet.     You can help feed the cats at no cost to you using Amazon Smile! Visit BigCatRescue.org/Amazon-smile   You can see photos, videos and more, updated daily at BigCatRescue.org   Check out our main channel at YouTube.com/BigCatRescue   Music (if any) from Epidemic Sound (http://www.epidemicsound.com) This video is for entertainment purposes only and is my opinion.

On the next Outdoor Explorer, we will dive deep into the history, planning and development of Chugach State Park with guests Monica Alvarez with the Department of Natural Resources, Ben Corwin the Park’s Chief Ranger, and Ryan Yelle, the Chairman of the Park’s Citizen Advisory Board.

During this pandemic, most of the day our eyes are glued to our screens as we continue to work from home. This hour, we challenge you to look outside as we talk about bird watching in our state!  Sales of bird feeders and bird seed have skyrocketed this year. If you are one of the many people that have picked up birding, look out for cardinals and woodpeckers! And this year, we have seen an inundation of yard rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks so this is a great time to watch for owls and other birds of prey.   Are you doing any backyard birding? Tell us what birds you’re seeing! GUESTS: Ken Elkins - Community Conservation Manager for Audubon Connecticut and Audubon New York Bill Reid - Chief Ranger, The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Mary-Beth Kaeser - Owner, Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

During this pandemic, most of the day our eyes are glued to our screens as we continue to work from home. This hour, we challenge you to look outside as we talk about bird watching in our state!  Sales of bird feeders and bird seed have skyrocketed this year. If you are one of the many people that have picked up birding, look out for cardinals and woodpeckers! And this year, we have seen an inundation of yard rodents such as squirrels and chipmunks so this is a great time to watch for owls and other birds of prey.   Are you doing any backyard birding? Tell us what birds you’re seeing! GUESTS: Ken Elkins - Community Conservation Manager for Audubon Connecticut and Audubon New York Bill Reid - Chief Ranger, The Last Green Valley National Heritage Corridor Mary-Beth Kaeser - Owner, Horizon Wings Raptor Rehabilitation & Education Support the show: http://wnpr.org/donate See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A writing marathon is an opportunity for writers to gather, write, walk, talk, explore, and grow through shared experience. It is a beloved practice of many Writing Project teachers, whether face-to-face or online, and has spread to classrooms and national parks across the country. Join Morehead Writing Project teachers and National Park Service colleagues for this discussion about the possibilities and details on how to design your own. This event was part of Write Out 2020, a partnership with the National Park Service. More info along with writing marathon resources can be found at https://writeout.nwp.org/writeout-writing-marathon/. Guests Deanna Mascle, Professor, Morehead State University; Director, Morehead Writing Project Stacie May, Teacher, Rowan County Middle School Abigail Thomas, Teacher, Montgomery County High School Dorothy Luongo, Librarian, Hudson Valley Susan Cook, Chief Ranger, Niobrara National Scenic River

We pre-recorded today's conversation via Zoom with Kary Haun from Shenandoah County Tourism, Tom Stevens, Chief Ranger at Seven Bends State Park in Woodstock, and David Brotman, Executive Director of Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. Ranger Tom walked us through all the activities available for visitors to Seven Bends State Park. We talked about the hiking trails, the river access (in two locations) as well future plans for the park's growth. David explained how the Friends organization came to fruition and talked about the important role volunteers play in both clean-up efforts as well as programming. For more information about Seven Bends State Park, visit their website: https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/seven-bends and follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vaspsevenbends/ For more information about Friends of the North Fork of the Shenandoah, visit their website: https://fnfsr.org/ and follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FriendsNFSR/

Rachael Robertson is a leadership expert who is also the youngest and only second female expedition leader at Davis Station, Antarctica and the youngest ever Chief Ranger. Since returning from Antarctica, she has spoken at over 1500 national and international conferences and events. Rachael is the best-selling author of Leading on the Edge: Extraordinary Stories and Leadership Insights from the World's Most Extreme Workplace (which has sold over 25,000 copies), which offers a deeply honest and humorous account of what it takes to survive and lead in the harshest environment on Earth and her newest, Respect Trumps Harmony: Why Being Liked is Overrated and Constructive Conflict Gets Results which is out on Amazon Right Now! Watch Jade's interview with Rachael and learn Rachael's small life hacks to that will change your life. Don't forget to grab your free "How to Take Control When Life Doesn't Go as Planned" here at https://www.lifehack.org/thelifehackshow-breakfree =====FOLLOW US===== Website: https://www.lifehack.org/ YouTube Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYgC IG: https://www.instagram.com/lifehackorg/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/lifehackorg/

Chief Ryan Levins tells us about what it takes to be a Park Ranger, and fills us in on the adventures he has had over the years.  Podcast sponsored by www.justthefreakingrecipe.comFor recipes with no nonsense.  Just ingredients and Just instructions for simple meals.www.brackenspainting.comCommercial and residential painting in West Virginia and VirginiaCity National Bank www.Bankatcity.comBackground music is provided by Peter Clark After Dark on www.Soundcloud.com

Rachael Robertson is an International conference and event speaker, Best selling author of "Leading on the Edge - Extraordinary stories from the most extreme workplace on the planet", Antarctic expedition leader, Youngest ever Chief Ranger at 32 (Victorian National Parks), and has an MBA. I think you’ll agree she’s quite extraordinary.Rachael’s work is in response to a massively growing demand in the business world to get real, practical tools backed up by solid theory from someone who has actually led, and led successfully.After 15 years leading diverse and remote teams and business units, she took the jump and lead the 58th annual expedition to Antarctica. It was a tough, gruelling and exhausting year, but ultimately extremely rewarding and fruitful. The intensity of this leadership role, where the leader is on-duty all day, every day, for 12 months with no respite, gave her the opportunity to road test her leadership ideas the hard way - without the luxury of peers, a desk or any way out! It was a ‘leadership laboratory’ in the most extreme, hostile environment on Earth.This is an awesome chat with someone who is so authentic and engaging and very humble!We chat about:Her role as leader on the 58th expedition to AntarticaTips for leaders to successfully navigate through this Covid-19 crisisHer new book Respect Trumps HarmonyWhere her fierce determination comes fromYou'll love this chat!Link:Rachael Robertson

For the first time in its 85-year history, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park will have a female chief ranger! Lisa Hendy, a Tennessee native, steps into her role as chief ranger of the park in April. We have all the details on the new chief ranger of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: First […] The post Great Smoky Mountains National Park Gets First Female Chief Ranger appeared first on Visit My Smokies.

Our conversation today is with Marc Yeston. He is a consultant, instructor, and trainer that for Safety 2 or Human Organizational Performance. Previously he was a Park Ranger and a Chief Ranger ​to mention a few positions. He has real world life or death experience implementing HOP, and he speaks about it today on Safety FM.

Our conversation today is with Marc Yeston. He is a consultant, instructor, and trainer that for Safety 2 or Human Organizational Performance. Previously he was a Park Ranger and a Chief Ranger ​to mention a few positions. He has real world life or death experience implementing HOP, and he speaks about it today on Safety FM.

The ranger that was killed by poachers at the Kruger National Park last week, Respect Mathebula, has been honoured for his contribution in the fight against poaching at the park. This comes as the park marks World Rangers Day today. Mathebula was buried over the weekend and is the first ranger to be killed by poachers in 50 years at the Kruger Park. Sakina Kamwendo spoke to Chief Ranger at the Park, Nicholas Funda.

The Coffee Break is the daily Christian talk and local events program on Hope Radio KCMI 97.1FM serving the Scottsbluff, NE area. Tune in for interviews with authors, musicians, pastors, and others in the Christian community and our local area! Visit our website: www.kcmifm.com Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/kcmifm   Theme Music: "Life of Riley" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Cam Sholly joins the Park Leaders Show to offer a look at the National Park Service from a Region perspective. Cam is the Region Director for the Midwest Region of the National Park Service. In this episode, Cam explains how the Region offices offer support to parks throughout the region by putting Parks First.  Cam discusses his experience as a ranger in the field as a Chief Ranger and Park Superintendent and moving into positions in Washington DC and a Region office.  This episode will give you an understanding how the National Park Service operates from a Region level to a Park level. You will also gain insight on how a seasonal National Park Service can work towards a permanent position.  We also discuss the impact parks can have on local economies and how parks can work with community partners to protect and enhance a park while boosting local tourism. 

Big Bend National Park is one of the most remote parks in the lower 48 states. Allen Etheridge, Chief Ranger at Big Bend, shares the experience of working at such a remote park. Allen explains the lifestyle of living and working in a remote park. A remote park fosters a tight group who work together and play together. It becomes even more important to involve everyone on the team socially and in work. Ranger Etheridge also discusses the role of a Chief Ranger. He provides purpose, motivation, and direction to the staff at Big Bend. A Chief Ranger needs to know, understand, and explain the message of the superintendent, as well as bring forth issues of the staff to the superintendent. We also discuss interviewing and what to look for as you talk to job candidates. Reading a wide variety of leadership books is important for anyone in a leadership position. Entreleadership by Dave Ramsey is one book Allen Etheridge recommends.

This is Marc Yeston.  He is the Chief Ranger at the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park.  Marc Yeston is a long-time student of Human Performance and High Reliability, but from a much different approach, Marc gets the chance to practice these skills and approaches almost every day.  Marc talks about his experience in leading teams doing heli-rescues, high-angle rescues, and tons more interesting - high-risk/high-value operations.  Perhaps what is most important about this episode is Marc's ability to talk about the responsibility in leading this type of worker.  Marc talks directly about what he has learned (and who he has learned from) about field leadership and high functioning - high risk work.  You are going to love this podcast.  Learn much!

Last December, the National Park Service announced the formation of a law enforcement liaison program, as part of a joint initiative with NHTSA. John Hughes was named the first NPS LEL. A 29-year veteran of the NPS and Chief Ranger of Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas, Hughes is building the program from the ground up. He and Dan Whitcomb, a U.S. Park Ranger with the Blue Ridge Parkway, sat down with us at this year’s Lifesavers Conference to discuss what led to the creation of a federal LEL position, the initial reception he has received from his peers in the LEL field, the challenges of building a LEL program among diverse entities and at a national scope, and how he’d like to see the program develop in the coming years.

Each year, the National Park Service asks Rangers to single out one ranger who epitomizes the Ranger ethic. Believe me, there are so many rangers who could be help up as an example of excellence on the job. So when one ranger is selected to receive the Harry Yount Award for Excellence, you know this is someone special. My guest today, Tom Betts, is the most recent recent recipient Harry Yount Award. Tom Betts is the Chief Ranger at Bandelier National Monument in New Mexico. If I were to exaggerate everything you think of a Park Ranger, I would almost be able to describe Tom. Tom has protected park visitors and resources during volcano eruptions, wild land fires, earthquakes, floods, snowstorms, wildlife encounters, and search and rescue missions. He has conducted patrols via foot, truck, boat, helicopter, raft, ATV, skis, snowmobile, horseback, and airplane. Stephen Mather, the first director of the National Park Service, said this about park rangers, "They are a fine, earnest, intelligent, and public spirited body of men, these rangers. Though small in number, their influence is large. Many and long are the duties heaped upon their shoulders. If a trail is to be blazed, it is 'send a ranger.' If an animal is floundering in the snow, a ranger is sent to pull him out; if a bear is in the hotel, if a fire threatens a forest, if someone is to be saved, it is 'send a ranger.' If a Dude wants to know the why, if a Sagebrusher is puzzled about a road, it is 'ask the ranger.' Everything the ranger knows, he will tell you, except about himself." I am convinced he was talking about Tom Betts. Now, I know Tom would not want me saying this about him. When I first asked him to be on the Park Leaders Show, he told me he has spent the last 32 years trying to stay out of the spot light. He was gracious enough to be a guest on the Park Leaders Show and now his secret is out. Tom talks about his career with the National Park Service, the story of meeting his wife at the Grand Canyon, and offers advice to up and coming leaders in the park system. If you are reading this in email click here to listen to the episode.

Marty Huseman is the Chief Ranger at Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area. Her career with the National Park Service has taken her all over the country. As she began her career, she was advised to take a job at a park most people have not heard of. She followed that advice and became a Park Ranger at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. Marty's interest in developing the next generation of Park Ranger's led her to become involved in the Park's Law Enforcement Academy with Bill Overby. Marty was a founding member of  the National Park Service Honor Guard. In this interview Marty talks about her career and path to becoming a Chief Ranger. She also outlines the structure of National Park and the roles of different staff. We also discuss whether parks is a man's world and the challenges Marty has faced being a female Park Ranger. Resources • OPM Leadership Competencies

I know Park Leaders is on a roll when I end up talking with someone like Richard Rojas. It is a sign to me the dots are starting to connect. I was introduced to Mr. Rojas through Jose Gonzalez of Latino Outdoors. I was introduced to Jose through John Griffith of the California Conservation Corps. Unexpectedly talking with Richard Rojas was like stumbling onto a treasure chest. He is a wealth of knowledge and wisdom about park management, and the issue parks are faced with. Richard Rojas had a 32 year career with California State Parks. He rose through the ranks, beginning as a Park Ranger, promoted to Supervising Ranger, Park Superintendent, Chief Ranger, and finally served as District Superintendent for the Channel Coast District from 2000-2007. We talk about diversity, of course since Richard came to be known as the "diversity guy" in California State Parks. But it would not be right to stick to a single topic when talking with someone who has as much experience and wisdom as Richard Rojas. We talk about hiring and managing staff, the need for parks to be more flexible, and what other park systems can learn from the California State Park system. Richard also shares what question he would ask a job candidate if he could only ask a single question. You don't want to miss his answer. He also challenges us to consider what our legacy will be. Resources • California State Parks • Latino Outdoors • Parks Forward