Podcasts about washington state parks

We're launching a two-part mini-series focused on the State of State Parks, starting with the incredible system of Washington State Parks. With over 140 parks, trails, marine areas, and historic sites, Washington offers a diverse range of outdoor experiences waiting to be explored.In this episode we welcome back Sarah from Washington State Parks. If you missed her first appearance on Episode 57, The Future of Washington State Parks, it's well worth a listen.In this new conversation, Sarah shares: her top five waterfront state parks as well as her personal favorite state parks,recent updates to the state parks reservation system and a preview of Washington's soon to be (down the road) newest state park, Miller Peninsula.If you love Washington State Parks, are curious about the direction the state parks are headed, or just want to simply find a new place to camp then be sure to tune in to part one of this mini series on the state of our state parks here in the Pacific Northwest.Send us a textPlease follow the show so you never miss an episode. We ask that you also kindly give the show a rating and a review as well. Learn more about RV Out West over on our website at www.rvoutwest.com Join in on the conversation via social media:InstagramFacebook

Washington State Parks is expanding its same-day reservation system, making it easier for visitors to secure campsites without the uncertainty of first-come, first-served availability. Read more at https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/state-parks-expands-same-day-camping-reservations-to-all-campgrounds/ on www.ClarkCountyToday.com #localnews #ClarkCountyWa #camping #WashingtonStateParks #outdoorrecreation

What role does interpretation play in helping state parks achieve their goals and serve visitors? Emily Jacobs of Washington State Parks and Rob Barrett of Tennessee State Parks join NAI's Song Stott and Paul Caputo to discuss.

Celebrate the new year with First Day Hikes at Washington State Parks. Listen to learn more about the events and how to participate. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/reminder-more-than-30-state-parks-will-offer-first-day-hikes-on-new-years-day #FirstDayHikes #WashingtonStateParks #outdooractivities #hiking #nature #NewYearsDay #Vancouver #ClarkCounty #ClarkCountyWa #localnews

Washington state parks need to be more accessible to people with disabilities. That's the conclusion from a U.S. Department of Justice investigation – which prompted a deal announced earlier this month to bring state parks into compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Guests: Laurel Demkovich, Washington State Standard reporter Syren Nagakyrie, Founder and Director of Disabled Hikers Related Links: Washington to fix accessibility violations at its state parks - Washington State Standard U.S Department of Justice and Washington State Parks resolve complaint over Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) violations  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission (Parks) has announced its same-day reservation pilot program has expanded to 26 parks across the state. https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/same-day-camping-reservations-now-available-at-26-state-parks/ #WashingtonStateParksAndRecreationCommission #SameDayReservationPilotProgram #ParksAcrossWashington #SameDayCampingReservations #Campers #Campsites #VancouverWa #ClarkCountyWa #WashingtonState #ClarkCountyNews #ClarkCountyToday

Jody Mayberry Joins Donald Forgione on the Tailgate to discuss a presentation that Jody lead at the National Association of State Park Directors Annual Conference. Jody is a former Park Ranger for Washington State Parks and is the host of the popular podcast, The Park Leaders Show.  www.parkleaders.com donald@tailgate-talks.com 

The first lighthouse in the Pacific Northwest was established in 1856 on the north side of the entrance to the Columbia River at Cape Disappointment, in the state of Washington. High land blocked the view of the light from the north, so Congress appropriated funds for a second lighthouse at North Head, just two miles north of Cape Disappointment. North Head Lighthouse, a 65-foot-tall brick tower with a sandstone base, began service in 1898 with its light 194 feet above the water. North Head Lighthouse, courtesy of Washington State Parks In 2012, Washington State Parks took ownership of North Head Light Station, which is within Cape Disappointment State Park. The lighthouse has undergone a major restoration in recent years. The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center stands high on the cliffs of the state park, and on display in the center is a first-order Fresnel lens that served in both of the local lighthouses at different times. The first-order Fresnel lens on display in the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont. Stephen Wood is an exhibit project specialist, and Alex McMurry is a historic preservation planner for Washington State Parks.

Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission urges Fourth of July beachgoers to prioritize safety, protect wildlife, and reduce trash as the annual beach cleanup collected over 35,000 pounds of garbage last year, equivalent to the weight of four adult orca whales. https://tinyurl.com/37wb54jh #WashingtonStateParksAndRecreationCommission #FourthOfJuly #Parks #Beaches #PublicLands #Wildlife #IndependenceDay #Celebrations #TrashLeftBehind #Garbage #OceanBeaches #BeachCleanup #WashingtonState #VancouverWa #ClarkCountyWa #ClarkCountyNews #ClarkCountyToday

I posed a question on social media. If you could ask Washington State Parks a question, what would you ask them? Well You delivered. In this episode, we chat with Sarah, of the Washington State Parks, and we dive into the future of the State Parks. We chat about upcoming new parks, the debacle of the reservation system, and so much more. Sarah shares with us the Top 5 most visited State Parks as well. Curious to know what was the very first State Park? We've got the answers. 

"Take the leap and never stop making a difference - that's what Tailgate Talks is all about!" - Jody Maberry Welcome to Tailgate Talks with Donald Forgione. This podcast will be an inspiring and insightful journey about taking an active role in conservation and recreation. In this first episode, Donald welcomes Jody Maberry, an experienced podcast host and park leader. Together we explore the power of meaningful connections and our work with parks. Donald Forgione became a park ranger in 1983. His career flourished, eventually leading him to become the director of the Florida Park Service. Now, he has developed Tailgate Talks to provide consulting, training, and speaking to cities, counties, states, and nonprofit organizations around the world.   After working as a park ranger with Washington State Parks for eight years, Jody went back to school and got an MBA. He started his podcast, the Park Leaders Show, to bring lessons from parks into the business world. He's now done more than 1700 podcast episodes over many years across many shows. In this episode, you will learn: How a former Coast Guard's skills can be applied to park rangers The perspective of the only director to start as a park ranger in Florida Techniques that can be found in Dr. Vincent Magnini's book, the Ecotourism Providers Handbook Join Donald Forgione on more episodes of Tailgate Talks as he shares real-world experience and knowledge on conservation, parks, and leadership from around the world. "What's in it for you is that it's another perspective. It's not right or wrong, and it's not greater or lesser than what you're thinking or what you're doing. It's just simply another perspective." Episode Highlights [00:03:07] When you are entry-level, you are with people all the time. As you rise up you spend less time with the people there recreating. It is still fun in different ways though. [00:06:02] Donald was an airframe aircraft mechanic and would pass a state park twice a day. He took a leap of faith and became a Florida park ranger. In the end, he rose from park ranger to park director, the only one in Florida to do that. [00:11:48] There are 50 states, of course, and many different agencies that could really use the experience. The podcast is the vehicle to get us to where they are so we can help. [00:13:09] Every week on Tuesdays, we will release a 30-minute segment for you. On Thursdays, we will share a short three to five-minute episode. [00:14:37] What's in it for you to listen to Tailgate Talks. Connect With Donald https://tailgate-talks.com/

This episode features a visit with John Tillison, also known as Park Ranger John. John grew up in a military family, and moving to Washington state as a kid, he quickly fell in love with the state. He describes himself as the kid that was always outdoors. John spent time in Boy Scouts, achieving Eagle (and yes, our producer Todd agrees that Citizenship in the Community merit badge was a pain). The monthly camping trips with the Scouts introduced him to the many parks and wilderness areas of the state. First day at work for the Washington State Parks? 101 degrees cleaning up garbage after a raccoon attack. Here's what I cover with John Tillison in this episode: 1. Exploring the Secret World of Park Rangers: A Day in the Life  2. Uncovering the History Behind National Parks and Affiliated Sites  3. Surviving Rattlesnake Bites and Other Outdoor Dangers John has a wonderful website with tons of information about parks and special sites around Washington. Check it out at https://www.parkrangerjohn.com. Connect With Us

Billy Frank Jr. led protests for tribal fishing rights across Washington in the 60s and 70s. He was arrested more than 50 times starting at age 14. And his efforts helped lead to a landmark supreme court decision that honored tribal treaty rights. It's why today several Northwest tribes, schools and public agencies celebrate him today, which includes Washington State Parks.

This podcast hit paid subscribers' inboxes on Jan. 13. It dropped for free subscribers on Jan. 16. To receive future pods as soon as they're live and to support independent ski journalism, please consider an upgrade to a paid subscription.WhoJim van Löben Sels, General Manager of Mt. Spokane, WashingtonRecorded onJanuary 9, 2023About Mt. SpokaneClick here for a mountain stats overviewOwned by: Mt. Spokane 2000, a nonprofit groupPass affiliations: Freedom Pass – 3 days each at these 20 ski areasReciprocal partners: 3 days each at Mt. Ashland, Mount Bohemia, Great Divide, Loup Loup, Lee Canyon, Snow King, White Pass, Ski CooperLocated in: Mt. Spokane State Park, WashingtonYear opened: 1938Closest neighboring ski areas: 49 Degrees North (1 hour, 45 minutes), Silver Mountain (1 hour, 45 minutes), Schweitzer (2 hours, 10 minutes) – travel times may vary considerably in winterBase elevation: 3,818 feetSummit elevation: 5,889 feetVertical drop: 2,071 feetSkiable Acres: 1,704Average annual snowfall: 300 inchesTrail count: 52 (15% advanced/expert, 62% intermediate, 23% beginner)Lift count: 7­­ (1 triple, 5 doubles, 1 carpet)Why I interviewed himPerception is a funny thing. In my Michigan-anchored teenage ski days any bump rolling more than one chairlift uphill seemed impossibly complex and interesting. Caberfae (200 acres), Crystal (103), Shanty Creek (80), and Nub's Nob (248 acres today, much smaller at the time) hit as vast and interesting worlds. That set my bar low. It's stayed there. Living now within two and a half hours of a dozen thousand-plus-footers feels extraordinary. In less than an instant I can be there, lost in it. Teleportation by minivan.Go west and they think different. By the millions skiers pound up I-70 through an Eisenhower Tunnel framed by Loveland, to ski over the pass. Breck, Keystone, Copper, A-Basin, Vail, Beaver Creek – all amazing. But Loveland covers 1,800 acres standing on 2,210 vertical feet – how many Colorado tourists have never touched the place? How many locals?It seems skiers often confuse size with infrastructure. Loveland has one high-speed chairlift. Beaver Creek has 13. But the ski area's footprint is only 282 acres larger than Loveland's. Are fast lift rides worth an extra 50 miles of interstate evacuation drills? It seems that, for many people, they are.We could repeat that template all over the West. But Washington is the focus today. And Mt. Spokane. At 1,704 acres, it's larger than White Pass (1,402 acres), Stevens Pass (1,125), or Mt. Baker (1,000), and just a touch smaller than Summit at Snoqualmie (1,996). But outside of Spokane (metro population, approximately 600,000), who skis it? Pretty much no one.Why is that? Maybe it's the lift fleet, anchored by five centerpole Riblet doubles built between 1956(!) and 1977. Maybe it's the ski area's absence from the larger megapasses. Maybe it's proximity to 2,900-acre Schweitzer and its four high-speed lifts. Probably it's a little bit of each those things.Which is fine. People can ski wherever they want. But what is this place, lodged in the wilderness just an hour north of Washington's second-largest city? And why hadn't I heard of it until I made it my job to hear about everyplace? And how is Lift 1 spinning into its 67th winter? There just wasn't a lot of information out there about Mt. Spokane. And part of The Storm's mission is to seek these places out and figure out what the hell is going on. And so here you go.What we talked aboutFully staffed and ready to roll in 2023; night skiing; what happened when Mt. Spokane shifted from a five-day operating week to a seven-day one; a winding career path that involved sheep shearing, Ski Patrol at Bear Valley, running a winery, and ultimately taking over Mt. Spokane; the family ski routine; entering the ski industry in the maw of Covid; life is like Lombard Street; Spokane's long-term year-round business potential; who owns and runs Mt. Spokane; why and how the ski area switched from a private ownership model to a not-for-profit model; looking to other nonprofit ski areas for inspiration; a plan to replace Spokane's ancient lift fleet and why they will likely stick with fixed-grip chairlifts; the Skytrac-Riblet hybrid solution; sourcing parts for a 67-year-old chairlift; how much of Lift 1 is still original parts; which lift the mountain will replace first, what it will replace it with, and when; the virtues of Skytrac lifts; parking; the Day-1-on-the-job problem that changed how Jim runs the mountain; why Northwood lift was down for part of January; what it took to bring the Northwood expansion online and how it changed the mountain; whether future expansions are possible; Nordic opportunities; working with Washington State Parks, upon whose land the ski area sits, and how that compares to the U.S. Forest Service; whether Mt. Spokane could ever introduce snowmaking; how eastern Washington snow differs from what falls on the west side of the state; glading is harder than you think; where we could see more glades on the mountain; the evolution of Spokane's beginner terrain; why Mt. Spokane tore out its tubing lanes; expanding parking; which buildings could be updated or replaced and when; whether we could ever see lodging at the mountain; why the mountain sets its top lift ticket price at $75; why Mt. Spokane joined Freedom Pass; exploring the mountain's reciprocal pass partnerships and whether that network will continue to grow; and the possibility of joining the Indy Pass.Why I thought that now was a good time for this interviewIn August, Troy Hawks, the marketing mastermind at Sunlight and the administrator of the Freedom Pass, emailed to tell me that Mt. Spokane was joining the Freedom Pass. I asked him to connect me with the ski area's marketing team for some context on why they joined (which I included in this story). Then I asked if Jim would like to join me on the podcast. And he did.That's the straight answer. But Mt. Spokane fits this very interesting profile that matches that of many ski areas across the country: a nonprofit community hill with dated infrastructure and proximity to larger resorts that's been pushed to the brink not of insolvency but doors-bursting capacity despite successive waves of macro-challenges, including Covid and EpKon Mania. Weren't these places supposed to be toast? As a proxy for the health of independents nationwide, Mt. Spokane seemed like as good a place as any to check in.There's another interesting problem here: what are you going to do with a Riblet double built in 1956? The thing is gorgeous, tapering low and elegant up the hillside, a machine with stories to tell. But machines don't last forever, and new ones cost more than some whole ski areas. Mt. Spokane also has no snowmaking and dated lodges and too little parking. Will it modernize? If so, how? Does it need to? What is that blend of funk and shine that will ensure a mountain's future without costing its soul?In this way, too, Mt. Spokane echoes the story of contemporary independent American skiing: how, and how much, to update the bump? Jim, many will be happy to learn, has no ambitions of transforming Mt. Spokane into Schweitzer Jr. But he does have a vision and a plan, a way to make the mountain a little less 1950s and a little more 2020s. And he lays it all out in a matter-of-fact way that anyone who loves skiing will appreciate.Questions I wish I'd askedI'm so confused by Mt. Spokane's trailmap. Older versions show the Hidden Treasure area flanking the main face:While new versions portray Hidden Treasure as a distinct peak. Again:Meanwhile, Google Maps doesn't really line up with what I'm seeing above:While I love the aesthetic of Mt. Spokane's trailmap, it seems wildly out of scale and oddly cut off at the bottom of Hidden Treasure. The meanings of the various arrows and the flow of the mountain aren't entirely clear to me either.Really, this is more a problem of experience and immersion than anything I can learn through a knowledge transfer. A smart professor made this point in journalism school: go there. I really should be skiing these places before I do these interviews, and for a long time, I wouldn't record a podcast about a ski area I hadn't visited. But I realized, a year and a half in, that that would be impractical if I wanted to keep banging these things out, particularly as I reached farther into the western hinterlands. Sometimes I have to do the best I can with whatever's out there, and what's out there can be confusing as hell. So I guess I just need to go ski it to figure it out.What I got wrong* I intimated that Gunstock was a nonprofit ski area, but that is not the case. The mountain contributes revenue to its owner, Belknap County, each season.* I stated that Mt. Spokane didn't have any beginner surface lifts. In fact, it has a carpet lift.* Jim and I discussed whether Vista Cruiser was the longest contiguously operating chairlift in the United States. It's not – Hemlock has been serving Boyne Mountain, Michigan, since 1948. It's a double that was converted from a single that originally served Sun Valley as America's first chairlift in the 1930s. Still, Vista Cruiser may be the most intact 1950s vintage lift in America. I really don't know, and these things can be very hard to verify what with all the forgotten upgrades over the years, but it really doesn't matter: a 67-year-old chairlift is a hell of an impressive thing in any context.* While discussing reciprocal agreements, I said, rather hilariously, that Mt. Ashland was “right there in Oregon.” The ski area is, in fact, an 11-hour drive from Mt. Spokane. I was vaguely aware of how dumb this was as I said it, but you must remember that I grew up in the Midwest, meaning an 11-hour drive is like going out to the mailbox.Why you should ski Mt. SpokaneLet's start here:How many 2,000-vertical-foot mountains post those kind of rack rates? A few, but fewer each year. And if you happen to have a season pass to any other Freedom Pass ski area, you can cash in one of your Mt. Spokane lift tickets as you're floating through.As for the skiing itself, I can only speculate. It looks like typical PNW wide-open: wide runs, big treed meadows, bowls, glades all over. Three hundred inches per winter to open it all up. I mean there's really not much else that's necessary on my have-a-good-time checklist.Podcast Notes* Jim mentioned that Schweitzer was working on adding parking. More details on their plan to plug 1,400 more spaces into the mountain here.* I was shocked when Jim said that Mt. Spokane's $75 lift tickets ($59 midweek) were the second-most expensive in the region after Schweitzer's, which run $110 for a full-day adult pass. But he's correct: 49 Degrees North runs $72 on weekends and holidays and $49 midweek. Silver Mountain is $71 on weekends (but $65 midweek). And Lookout Pass is $66 on weekends and $55 midweek. I guess the memo about $250 lift tickets hasn't made its way up I-90 just yet.* The best way to support Mt. Spokane, which is a nonprofit ski area, is to go buy a lift ticket. But you can also donate here.* Here's a bit more Mt. Spokane history.* And some stoke Brah:The Storm publishes year-round, and guarantees 100 articles per year. This is article 4/100 in 2023, and number 390 since launching on Oct. 13, 2019. Want to send feedback? Reply to this email and I will answer (unless you sound insane, or, more likely, I just get busy). You can also email skiing@substack.com. Get full access to The Storm Skiing Journal and Podcast at www.stormskiing.com/subscribe

Fred Meyer workers sue parent company Kroger over missing pay. Salt & Straw considers moving its headquarters out of Southeast Portland. Give the gift of a scenic getaway at lodges and inns across Oregon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're looking to walk off that Thanksgiving dinner or avoid shopping malls like the plague, there's another tradition for you: Green Friday. Celebrated by state parks in both Oregon and Washington on the day after Thanksgiving, and sometimes called Autumn Day or Native American Heritage Day, the fee-free holiday waives all parking fees at parks where they're normally charged. While park fees, which run from $5 to $10 per vehicle, are pretty nominal compared to the price of gas needed to get to those recreation areas, it's a nice gesture and a good excuse to get outside. On this week's episode of Peak Northwest, we have a few suggestions for those interested in celebrating this year. Here are some highlights from this week's show: The history of Green Friday in the Pacific Northwest. Which Oregon state parks normally charge fees? A few of the best state parks in Oregon to check out this season. Washington has plenty of amazing state parks, too. Subscribe to Peak Northwest on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to podcasts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I had a chance to sit with past AL!VE Impact Award winners regarding their experience and what it meant to them. See below to learn more about each winner!  Susan began working for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education in 1996. She manages an over 1200 volunteer base for the Foundation's statewide programs. She is a graduate of the ASU Lodestar Non-Profit Administration program and has earned her National Certification as a Volunteer Administrator. She was the lead in the Foundation receiving certification by Points of Light as a Service Enterprise which states the Foundation strategically leverages volunteers to achieve operational efficiency and greater social impact. Her background covers over 35 years of working with non-profit organizations, including volunteer administration, training, victim assistance, and serving on various boards of directors, both locally and nationally. She served as President of the Association of Volunteer Administrators of Central Arizona and currently serves as Treasurer. She is also a member of AL!VE. Connect her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-nusall-8643641a/ Carrie Hart has been in the field of Volunteer Management for 20 years. Starting at a local museum as the Educator, she quickly discovered her love of working with volunteers. From there, she served with the State Office of Volunteerism, overseeing the annual Delaware Week of Service, managing volunteers at the 2012 Governor's Ball, and the annual Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. In 2015, she moved to Bayhealth to lead the volunteer services department. Ms. Hart has her Certification in Volunteer Management, is a Fellow in Patient-Centered Care, and serves on the board of the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators. Connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehart/ Marcia Hale, CIG, CVA is currently providing leadership for the Volunteer Engagement efforts of the Hillsboro Public Library in Hillsboro, OR (just west of Portland). She has been involved in the non-profit world for over 20 years most of the time spent developing and managing volunteer programs in science museums, a brief stint in social service, managing a volunteer center, and an RSVP program before joining a city government department with the library. She loves designing and facilitating training having provided a variety of workshops on volunteer management for the Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Volunteer Administrators, Washington State Parks and Recreation Association, and for the University of Oregon Festival and Events Management certificate program among others. She is the incoming board co-chair of education for the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG), a member of the Northwest Oregon Volunteer Administration Association, and AL!VE. When not designing elaborate Christmas trees for auction for Providence Hospital Festival of the Trees, she and wonder dog Murphy love exploring the beauty of the Northwest on hikes and hanging out at a beach or waterfall. When she retires in a few years she hopes to put her Certified Interpretive Guide skills to use at a state park somewhere on the west coast inspiring others to love the natural wonders of the region. Award-winning Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) with over ten years of experience in the non-profit and local government sectors serving vulnerable populations and engaging citizens in service. With my strengths of empowering others, implementing efficient systems, and working well in high-pressure, complex situations, she recognizes the gifts of others and connects their passion to meaningful opportunities that create impact at the individual and organizational level. Connect with her at 

I had a chance to sit with past AL!VE Impact Award winners regarding their experience and what it meant to them. See below to learn more about each winner!  Susan began working for the Arizona Foundation for Legal Services & Education in 1996. She manages an over 1200 volunteer base for the Foundation's statewide programs. She is a graduate of the ASU Lodestar Non-Profit Administration program and has earned her National Certification as a Volunteer Administrator. She was the lead in the Foundation receiving certification by Points of Light as a Service Enterprise which states the Foundation strategically leverages volunteers to achieve operational efficiency and greater social impact. Her background covers over 35 years of working with non-profit organizations, including volunteer administration, training, victim assistance, and serving on various boards of directors, both locally and nationally. She served as President of the Association of Volunteer Administrators of Central Arizona and currently serves as Treasurer. She is also a member of AL!VE. Connect her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-nusall-8643641a/ Carrie Hart has been in the field of Volunteer Management for 20 years. Starting at a local museum as the Educator, she quickly discovered her love of working with volunteers. From there, she served with the State Office of Volunteerism, overseeing the annual Delaware Week of Service, managing volunteers at the 2012 Governor's Ball, and the annual Governor's Volunteer Service Awards. In 2015, she moved to Bayhealth to lead the volunteer services department. Ms. Hart has her Certification in Volunteer Management, is a Fellow in Patient-Centered Care, and serves on the board of the Delaware Association of Volunteer Administrators. Connect with her at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriehart/ Marcia Hale, CIG, CVA is currently providing leadership for the Volunteer Engagement efforts of the Hillsboro Public Library in Hillsboro, OR (just west of Portland). She has been involved in the non-profit world for over 20 years most of the time spent developing and managing volunteer programs in science museums, a brief stint in social service, managing a volunteer center, and an RSVP program before joining a city government department with the library. She loves designing and facilitating training having provided a variety of workshops on volunteer management for the Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Volunteer Administrators, Washington State Parks and Recreation Association, and for the University of Oregon Festival and Events Management certificate program among others. She is the incoming board co-chair of education for the National Association of Volunteer Program Leaders in Government (NAVPLG), a member of the Northwest Oregon Volunteer Administration Association, and AL!VE. When not designing elaborate Christmas trees for auction for Providence Hospital Festival of the Trees, she and wonder dog Murphy love exploring the beauty of the Northwest on hikes and hanging out at a beach or waterfall. When she retires in a few years she hopes to put her Certified Interpretive Guide skills to use at a state park somewhere on the west coast inspiring others to love the natural wonders of the region. Award-winning Certified Volunteer Administrator (CVA) with over ten years of experience in the non-profit and local government sectors serving vulnerable populations and engaging citizens in service. With my strengths of empowering others, implementing efficient systems, and working well in high-pressure, complex situations, she recognizes the gifts of others and connects their passion to meaningful opportunities that create impact at the individual and organizational level. Connect with her at 

Recently, the Clark County Council approved a change to Clark County Code exempting Washington State Parks Disabled Veteran Lifetime Pass holders from paying the parking fees charged at four county-regional parks. https://bit.ly/3Bme3sX #ClarkCountyCouncil #WashingtonStateParksDisabledVeteranLifetimePass #Exempt #ParkingFees #ClarkCountyRegionalParks #FrenchmansBarRegionalPark #LewisvilleRegionalPark #SalmonCreekRegionalPark #KlinelinePond #VancouverLakeRegionalPark #VancouverWa #ClarkCountyWa #ClarkCountyNews #ClarkCountyToday

This week on Northwestern Outdoors Radio we are featuring three women with some great info!  The first is Amanda Rahn who will tell you all about the Wallowa County Fly In and Air Show taking place in Joseph, Oregon this July.  The second guest is Kristin McGill, and avid angler, hunter and single mom with a unique perspective about mentoring women and children in these sports.  After that you'll hear from Valerie Roberts with Washington State Parks.  They are looking for volunteer Park Hosts and there are some very unique and enriching opportunities available for you if you own a boat or RV.  In addition to this our recurring guests, David Sparks and Bob Loomis, will join us for another edition of Sportsman's Spotlight and an Extended Mack's Minute.  http://www.northwesternoutdoors.com    

Dieter's sister-in-law had a baby with a felon. Teachers forced to resign after eating kids' free lunches. Group attacks man accused of abusing dog in Hollywood. Woman admits to having 115 fetuses. Judge rules against Navy SEAL training at Washington State Parks. Dieter's Conspiracy Corner - Project White Wash.

The Navy SEALs won't be able to use Washington State Parks as training grounds. A judge on Friday ruled against an earlier decision to allow the training at up to 28 parks.

The U.S. Navy is pausing SEAL training at Washington state parks while a legal battle over their use winds its way through the courts."It is difficult to find peace in the woods when armed frogmen might be lurking behind every tree," lawyers for the Whidbey Environmental Action Network, the group behind the lawsuit against the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, argued in a legal brief filed last month.LIKE & SUBSCRIBE for new videos everyday. https://bit.ly/3fs6dBUSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/seattlerealestatepodcast)

KGMI's Dianna Hawryluk and Adam Smith talk about the Whatcom Museum's exhibit on Lummi history, registering for Ski to Sea and upcoming fee-free days in National Forests and Washington State Parks.

Doug is trying to find the good and Dani is drowning in futility. This week we wrap up the Washington State Parks series. Doug shines light on a rock saved by money at Beacon Rock State Park and Dani takes in the ferrys from Fort Casey State Park. Watch out for Jr. assassins, go for the Shatner block, and do the best that you can do. It's Champoeg. We've started a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ALifeOutside We've merch! https://teespring.com/stores/a-life-outside-podcast Find out more about us and access our stories and episodes: https://www.alifeoutsidepod.com/ Follow us: TikTok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeApskrU/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8azr4noqQqB164qOh3MAoA Twitter http://Twitter.com/alifeoutsidepod Instagram http://Instagram.com/alifeoutsidepod Theme song performed by Jasmine Emery   https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/7dCRpW27znCU3nEU6

Doug is getting ready to run a few races and Dani isn't organized. This week we cover the third series of state parks in our Washington State Park series. Dani takes everyone to Ebey and Doug reaches the edge of Washington at Maryhill. Beware the buckets of Canadian waste when harvesting seaweed, don't be the late night drunk at the campground, and he's not “against people and RVs.” It's Multnomah. We've started a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ALifeOutside We've merch! https://teespring.com/stores/a-life-outside-podcast Find out more about us and access our stories and episodes: https://www.alifeoutsidepod.com/ Follow us: TikTok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeApskrU/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8azr4noqQqB164qOh3MAoA Twitter http://Twitter.com/alifeoutsidepod Instagram http://Instagram.com/alifeoutsidepod Theme song performed by Jasmine Emery  https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/7dCRpW27znCU3nEU6

Doug is back at the ranch and Dani doesn't know how to drink water. It's our second episode of a four part series dedicated to some of Washington State Parks. This week Doug shares the story of one of Washington State's grandest waterfalls at Palouse Falls State Park and Dani meanders through the mazes of Deception Pass State Park. Animals don't exist for our fancy hats, functioning people don't fight over waterfalls, and it can always be Spring Break. We've started a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ALifeOutside We've merch! https://teespring.com/stores/a-life-outside-podcast Find out more about us and access our stories and episodes: https://www.alifeoutsidepod.com/ Follow us: TikTok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeApskrU/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8azr4noqQqB164qOh3MAoA Twitter http://Twitter.com/alifeoutsidepod Instagram http://Instagram.com/alifeoutsidepod Theme song performed by Jasmine Emery  https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/7dCRpW27znCU3nEU6

Dani is stationary in the perfect summer place and Doug is getting misted and dampened by Moclips. This week, we start another four part series, focusing on Washington State Parks! Dani dodges cars and trains at Larrabee State Park and Doug dreams of damper days at Sun Lakes Dry Falls State Park. Getting paid $50 to have an experience and gain experience is a steal, you have to like being in charge, and Canada, kindly come fetch your toxic waste. It's Besos. We've started a Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ALifeOutside We've merch! https://teespring.com/stores/a-life-outside-podcast Find out more about us and access our stories and episodes: https://www.alifeoutsidepod.com/ Follow us: TikTok https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMeApskrU/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8azr4noqQqB164qOh3MAoA Twitter http://Twitter.com/alifeoutsidepod Instagram http://Instagram.com/alifeoutsidepod Theme song performed by Jasmine Emery  https://soundcloud.app.goo.gl/7dCRpW27znCU3nEU6

https://www.parks.state.wa.us/https://www.discoverpass.wa.gov/https://so.co.mason.wa.us/https://www.ourcu.com/ 

Less than 90 minutes north of Seattle, is The Center for Wooden Boat's secondary location, a hidden oasis at Cama Beach State Park. Hear first hand from the family members (Gary and Sandra Worthington) who donated the former 1930's family fishing resort property and the 18 year process of turning it into a state park. Additional guest speaker, Jeff Wheeler from Washington State Parks shares the importance of how CWB has created a unique experience as an enduring partner and continuing to honor the native cultural history. A copy of Gary Worthington's book about the detailed history of Cama Beach State Park can be purchased at the Cama Beach State Park Gift Shop! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/cwbheritage/message

Good Morning it's Saturday March 13th, and this is The Wenatchee World's newest podcast, Slices of Wenatchee. We're excited to bring you a closer look at one of our top stories and other announcements every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.    Today - Wenatchee residents need to decide by April 9th whether to keep their 96-gallon garbage can and pay a higher rate.   This episode is brought to you by Equilus Group Incorporated. Equilus Group, Inc is a Registered Investment Advisory Firm in the states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com. Member SIPC and FINRA.   Now our feature story...   Wenatchee residents need to decide by April 9 whether to keep their 96-gallon garbage can and pay a higher rate that goes into effect May 1, or save money and opt for a smaller container.   The city approved a new contract with Waste Management Northwest in January that moves from the current “one size fits all” model to a “pay-as-you-throw” model.   Tyler Mackay, Waste Management's manager of public sector solutions in Wenatchee says the “pay-as-you-throw” model is popular in communities across the region. According to Mackay, it encourages waste reduction and better recycling.   To help customers, Waste Management has created videos on their youtube page with tips on recycling… like this one…   The new rates will depend on the size of the garbage cart, with options ranging from the current 96-gallon container to a 64-gallon, and a 35-gallon container.   This all starts on May 1st. It's also important to note that additional garbage bags or recycling items set out for collection that don't fit inside the container will incur an extra charge.   This past week, Waste Management drivers are attaching notices to customers' garbage containers with information about the changes to service. They've also emailed individuals who have provided email addresses. So far, about 15% of customers have responded - so over 1,000 residents.   If you're not sure which size is right for you - you can check out the containers for yourself! They're on display at the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce office as well as the Wenatchee Transfer Station.   And there are some other changes being made to the recycling service too. Starting May 1st, glass will not be accepted in the curbside recycling service.   For more details about these upcoming changes visit the full story at wenatcheeworld.com. You can also learn more at wmnorthwest.com/wenatchee.   - Before we continue, a special thanks to our friends and sponsors at Confluence Health. The team at Confluence Health is grateful for the trust the community puts in them every single day. They are diligently working to improve the health and quality of life for our friends and neighbors. They are Grateful | They are Confluence Health.  Learn more by visiting them at ConfluenceHealth.com --   Next, our weekly profile of one of the World's 30 Under 35 award recipients.    Today, we're highlighting Cristina Escalera, The Assistant branch manager at Wenatchee Numerica Credit Union.   Cristina Escalera attended Eastmont High School. She focused on starting a family before jumping into a career and continuing her education.   She was hired as a teller at Numerica Credit Union in 2013, and was then promoted to lobby manager a few years later. She then transitioned into the role of financial service representative. Finally, in 2020, before her 30th birthday, she was named assistant branch manager at the Wenatchee branch.   Her success, according to her supervisors, comes from her dedication, problem-solving skills and can-do attitude. They also note that she takes time to encourage others along the way — and set her own personal goals.   She enrolled at Wenatchee Valley College in 2016 and, while working full-time, raising her young family and supporting her husband's startup business, she completed her associate degree, graduating in June 2017.   She has gone on to participate in the Wenatchee Valley Chamber Leadership Group, serve as a Numerica mentor and is a member of Numerica's Hispanic Committee.   When we asked Escalera what inspires her, she said that her biggest inspiration would have to be family.   Escalera's parents came here from Mexico with nothing in the hopes of improving themselves and to give her and her sisters the opportunity to be something.   Also, her husband Gerardo, who supports her in everything and is always wanting the best for her and the family. Escalera also wants her daughters to be proud and have a good example to follow.   Finally, some local history, Wenatchee Valley History is brought to you by NABUR   In 1929, Herman Ohme purchased 40 acres of land for an orchard.   He and his new bride, Ruth then transplanted small evergreens from the nearby Cascade Mountains. They created pathways and borders from native stone that they hauled from the Columbia River. They hand watered the Gardens using five-gallon milk cans - eventually constructing an elaborate irrigation system that could pump water to the site. And over time, desert sage gave way to low-growing ground cover, and pools took shape adjacent to massive natural rock formations. This all became Ohme gardens.   It was initially intended to be a family retreat, but ultimately Herman and Ruth opened their private oasis to the public. They continued their work on the Gardens for 42 years, until 1971 when Herman passed away. Then their son, Gordon, and his family took over caring for the Gardens until 1991 when they sold the Gardens and surrounding property to Washington State Parks to preserve them for the public and for generations to come.    The Gardens are now owned and managed by Chelan County.   Thanks for listening. Today's episode is brought to you by Equilus Group, Inc- Building Your Financial Success. Learn more at Equilusfinancial.com The Wenatchee World has been engaging, informing and inspiring North Central Washington Communities since 1905. We encourage you to subscribe today to keep your heart and mind connected to what matters most in North Central Washington. Thank you for starting your morning with us and don't forget to tune in again on Tuesday! Support the show: https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/site/forms/subscription_services/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve seen the movies: Navy SEALs slowly emerge from the water and walk up a beach. In real life, the Navy is hoping to conduct special operations training exercises at 28 Washington State Parks. But many park users say it ups the “creepiness” factor. In the dark of night, six to eight SEAL trainees would swim or dive out of a battery-powered submersible vessel and head up onto a beach. They’d clandestinely disappear into the environment, said Warrant Officer Esteban Alvarado. “These aren’t the guys that are your ‘Rambo’ guys. These aren’t the loud explosion guys. These are the guys who ghost into the environment, and they disappear,” Alvarado said at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Thursday, Nov. 19. He said the Puget Sound coastline, cold waters and currents challenge SEAL trainees, calling the region a “critical cornerstone for (the Navy’s) overall development of our SEAL operators.” “No other region in the continental United States provides our naval special worker

The 1861 building, known as Red Bluff Lighthouse. (Island County Historical Society) The promontory known as Admiralty Head, on the west coast of Whidbey Island in Washington, juts out into the east side of the entrance to Admiralty Inlet, a busy passage that leads to Puget Sound. Admiralty Head’s light station went into service in January 1861. It was originally known as Red Bluff Lighthouse. Because of the development of Fort Casey in the early 1900s, the lighthouse had be built in a different position in 1903. The new building's striking architecture is often referred to as “Spanish-style.” Photo: Admiralty Head Lighthouse after 2020 restoration work. Photo by Jim Castaneda, Twisted Firs Photography Wayne Clark and Patrick Hussey(Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse) With changes in the shipping lanes, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1922. The lighthouse was opened as part of Fort Casey Historical State Park in the early 1960s. Today, the nonprofit group Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse and the Admiralty Head Docents Program preserve and interpret the lighthouse. Wayne Clark is the president of Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse, and last year he received a volunteer of the year award from Washington State Parks. Patrick Hussey and Dick Malone are interpretive docents. Left: Dick Malone (Whidbey News-Times)

Following up on episode 7 with Aaron Asis we continue to follow along and meet some of the voices that informed Fort Words at Fort Worden State Park. In this second installment, Asis interviews Ella Sandvig, a resident and employee during the Fort Worden Juvenile Diagnostic and Treatment Center era, and also Timothy Caldwell, a local historian intimate with the nuances and stories of the Fort during its military eras. Fort Words is a public art installation created by Asis to celebrate the inspired conditions and historic significance at Fort Worden State Park. These temporary installations are drawn from local oral histories, collections of historic texts, and public testimonials to give voice to these battery sites and share stories of the Forts dynamic history with park visitors — through October 31st, 2020. Fort Words was developed with support from Centrum, Jefferson County Historical Society, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Fort Worden Public Development Authority, Coastal Artillery Museum, Friends of Fort Worden, Ignition Arts — with special support from the Port Townsend Arts Commission, and Washington State Parks & Recreation. See the Fort Words website here.

For this episode, we hone in on a project put together by one of our recent artists-in-residence, Aaron Asis. After installing Fort Words at Fort Worden State Park, Asis interviews two of the voices that influenced and crossed over with the project. Marlin Holden, Jamestown S'Klallam Elder, shares stories of the S'Klallam people, upon whose land the Fort sits, and what the continued relationship and presence of the tribes has been with Fort Worden. Shelly Leavens, Executive Director, Jefferson County Historical Society, discusses her practice as an oral historian and the significance of capturing oral storytelling through her work with museums, historical societies, and beyond. Fort Words is a public art installation created by Asis to celebrate the inspired conditions and historic significance at Fort Worden State Park. These temporary installations are drawn from local oral histories, collections of historic texts, and public testimonials to give voice to these battery sites and share stories of the Forts dynamic history with park visitors — through October 31st, 2020. Fort Words was developed with support from Centrum, Jefferson County Historical Society, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, Fort Worden Public Development Authority, Coastal Artillery Museum, Friends of Fort Worden, Ignition Arts — with special support from the Port Townsend Arts Commission, and Washington State Parks & Recreation. 01:25 – Michelle Hagewood and Aaron Asis 28:50 – Aaron Asis and Marlin Holden 58:30 – Aaron Asis and Shelly Leavens.

This weekend on Northwestern Outdoors Radio Jeff Wheeler with Washington State Parks profiles two wonderul places we got to visit last week.   Camano Island State Park and Cama Beach Resort are both saltwater beachfront parks and if you go bring your crabbing gear!  Heading to Montana outfitter Mike Howe shares fishing reports from Flathead Lake, Fort Peck Reservoir and more while Bob Loomis with Mack's Lure shares tips for coaxing trout to bite during the heat of the summer.  We'll also be joined by Dave Workman, a very well known firearms writer who loves to go grouse hunting!  He'll tell you about his favorite grouse guns and give you some ideas on how to cook grouse too!  http://www.northwesternoutdoors.com  

More than 100 state parks and recreation areas opened up Tuesday , providing more outdoor space for eagerly awaiting hikers and boaters. Sacajawea Historical State Park sits at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers, on the outskirts of Pasco. For the last six weeks, if you followed a winding road past the Port of Pasco and the start of a recreational trail, you’d come to a closed gate. A large orange “Emergency Closure” sign tacked to its front. Today, the sign came down, and the gate opened. “It deserves a little bit of pomp and circumstance, I think, since it’s been closed for so long,” State Parks area manager Audra Sims says. Sims is decked out in blue plastic gloves and a blue mask, along with her state parks uniform. Just after 7:30, she grabs a screwdriver and starts to remove the sign. (The park opened to the public at 8 a.m.) “Let’s see,” she says, as she looks at the sign. “I actually cheated. I took a few (of the screws) off last night.” This is the only sign Sims

Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Joy always dreamed of becoming a park ranger.  She currently works at one of Washington’s busiest state parks and always has a smiling face when answering visitor's questions. Throughout the year, she leads guided hikes, coordinates special events and develops several park-run programs.  On this episode, we talk about her love for the outdoors, how others can help protect our natural spaces and the typical career path to becoming a full-time park ranger. Links from the episode:  Washington Trails Association:  https://www.wta.org Student Conservation Association: https://www.thesca.org/# Mountains to Sound Greenway: https://mtsgreenway.org Washington State Parks: https://www.parks.wa.gov Zion National Park: https://www.nps.gov/zion/index.htm

Shelton Mason County Chamber of Commerce https://masonchamber.com/NW Outdoors Radio http://northwesternoutdoors.com/Washington State Parks https://www.parks.wa.gov/ 

Yesterday Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced a "Stay at home" order for Washingtonians to combat the coronavirus.  Today (March 24th), Washington State Parks and the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife announced all state parks, state wildlilfe areas and state boat launches are closed to public access for at least two weeks.  Northwestern Outdoors Radio Host John Kruse contacted Anna Gill, the Communications Director of Washington State Parks, and ask her about the reasoning behind this decision.  We also ask what penalties the public faces if they don't comply. www.northwesternoutdoors.com  https://parks.state.wa.us/1177/Novel-Coronavirus---COVID-19    

This flash briefing is all about West Seattle in Washington (WA) State. For more info, visit: http://www.Sea-Town.com/welcome-to-west-seattle To enable on your Amazon Echo device say "Alexa, enable West Seattle Daily" or click here - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B082NR5KM4, login to your Amazon account & click the "Enable" button. ---- It's Wednesday March 25th and we have more big news for you. As of this morning, WA State Parks are closing all parks, including day use and trails, along with any wildlife areas managed by Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Thanks for joining us for West Seattle Daily, Episode #049, brought to you by Sea-Town Real Estate. I'm your host, Christian Harris. In partnership with the Alaska Junction Association. Here is some of the latest updates from around West Seattle: - Gov. Inslee has signed a statewide proclamation for all Washingtonians to stay at home for the next two weeks. This order is similar to what we’ve seen in California. - Grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations are considered essential. Inslee’s office said it will provide a full list of businesses that are essential. - “This weapon, this distancing ourselves, is the only weapon we have against this virus.” - “This does not mean you can’t go outside” for a walk or bike ride, or to go to work in an “essential” industry. But the order bans ALL social/spiritual/recreational gatherings – no beach parties, no pick-up sports, no wedding or funeral gatherings... and as we just found out, no WA State Park outings or hikes. - Inslee says they expect people will voluntarily comply – but if they don’t, the order is enforceable by law. He says this is tough but “we want to get back to normal as soon as humanly possible … (to do that) we need to hit this hard. - Among the workers who don’t have the option of staying home to do their job … your U.S. Postal Service employees. Letter carriers, for example, are continuing to deliver, to houses, apartments, businesses, and other places, as always. One of your local letter carriers called us the other night, asking if we could share her request: Please allow your letter carriers to observe “social distancing.” Some residents, she said, are “coming right up to the door” to greet her as usual – but as we all have to remember, these are not “usual” times. “A lot of people don’t realize how serious this is all getting,”she said. She can’t necessarily disinfect every single thing before and after she touches it – “we’re touching so many things all day” – so please allow her to drop off the packages, put the mail in the box or slot, and move on, for your safety and hers. “I adore my people, I would do anything for them,” she said. “I’m not trying to be rude …” just trying to stay safe. - P.S. As for whether the mail itself can spread the virus – the latest USPS statement on COVID-19 was issued on Sunday. It reiterates “the CDC the World Health Organization, as well as the Surgeon General have indicated that there is currently no evidence that COVID-19 is being spread through the mail.” Don't forget to either subscribe to this on your favorite podcast app or on your Amazon smart speaker by simply saying, "Alexa, enable West Seattle Daily". Thanks for joining us and talk with you tomorrow!

The Urban Hiker's Grand Tour continues! We hear the latest hike to #GetOutThere - Chuckanut Ridge Trail (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chuckanut-ridge-trail), lower ridge trail in Larrabee State Park territory from Chris. And AJ sheds some light on hiking around some of our Washington State Lighthouses...AND a birthday! Also, we will be off the air for two weeks, rejoining you all August 11.AJThe lead in:Washington State Parks Foundation- guest writer: https://waparks.org/pacific-northwest-lighthouse-adventures-with-wspf-photographer-aj-barse/ *Resource*: LighthouseFriends.com (http://lighthousefriends.com/) - think the WTA of Lighthouses “This site includes photographs, directions, histories, and GPS coordinates garnered while personally visiting every lighthouse in the United States and nearly every lighthouse in Canada.” *A*_*dmiralty Head Light, Fort Casey, Whidbey Island (Origionally named Red Bluff Light http://www.historylink.org/File/5710 *__*Point Wilson Light (Port Townsand)http://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=108*_*_-Fort Worden_*Point Wilson's first lighthouse was built in 1879 by the United States Lighthouse Service (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Lighthouse_Service) as a companion to the Admiralty Head Light (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiralty_Head_Light) built some 18 years earlier on the eastern side of Admiralty Inlet. A square wooden tower projecting from the roof of a two-story, Cape Cod–style keeper’s quarters held a fixed fourth-order Fresnel lens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_lens). The station also included a fog signal building with 12-inch, steam-powered fog whistle.[5] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Wilson_Light#cite_note-histlink-5)High tides and stormy weather occasionally took their toll on the sandy beach (http://www.lighthousefriends.com/ptwilsontw2.jpg) on which the tower was built. In 1886, a picket fence, 5 feet high and 440 feet long, was built across the low part of the spit to catch drifting sound and build up the area where a breach seemed likely.The current lighthouse was completed in 1914, but the original lighthouse, minus its tower, continued to serve as a residence (http://www.lighthousefriends.com/PointWilson_1916_dwelling.jpg) for the keepers. The new lighthouse (http://www.lighthousefriends.com/PointWilson_1916_cg.jpg) features a forty-nine-foot concrete tower, built in an octagonal shape to reduce wind pressure, which projects upward from a fog signal building. The station was automated in 1976- remains in the hands of the U.S. Coast Guard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Coast_Guard), while the grounds are managed by Washington State Parks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_State_Parks).Admiralty Headhttp://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=311988 flashbackMovies - Die Hard, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and They LiveMusic - Rap hits the mainstream with NWA, Public Enemy, and a cast of thousand OGsNews - NAFTA genesis, Dukakis/Bentsen v. Bush/Quayle in presidential election, CDs outsell vinyl for first time in historySports - Redskins d. Broncos, Dodgers d. Athletics, Calgary winter olympics featured the Jamaican bobsled team (Cool Runnings)Connect*AJ*: patreon.com/ajbarse (http://patreon.com/ajbarse) or follow on Instagram (http://instagram.com/ajbarse) @ajbarse AND an all new www.ajbarse.com (http://www.ajbarse.com/)*Chris*: mnmltek.micro.blog (https://mnmltek.micro.blog/) or chrispowell.co (http://www.chrispowell.co/)*Twitter Hashtags*: #bhampodcast and #quietconversationListenIf you're in the Bellingham area, be sure to listen to our show on KMRE 102.3 FM (http://www.kmre.org/bellingham-podcast-media-tech/) Thursdays @ 9:00 am and Saturdays @ 1:30 pm.TalkGot a question about technology or anything else about life in Bellingham? Call 201-731-8324 (tel:2017318324) (TECH) and leave us a voicemail, and ask us nicely! We may include it in one of our future shows.SubscribeiTunes, Google Play Store, Soundcloud, Spreaker, TuneIn, or wherever else you podcast. And check out our website at bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.com/)

The Urban Hiker's Grand Tour continues! We hear the latest hike to #GetOutThere - Chuckanut Ridge Trail (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/chuckanut-ridge-trail), lower ridge trail in Larrabee State Park territory from Chris. And AJ sheds some light on hiking around some of our Washington State Lighthouses...AND a birthday! Also, we will be off the air for two weeks, rejoining you all August 11.AJThe lead in:Washington State Parks Foundation- guest writer: https://waparks.org/pacific-northwest-lighthouse-adventures-with-wspf-photographer-aj-barse/ *Resource*: LighthouseFriends.com (http://lighthousefriends.com/) - think the WTA of Lighthouses “This site includes photographs, directions, histories, and GPS coordinates garnered while personally visiting every lighthouse in the United States and nearly every lighthouse in Canada.” *A*_*dmiralty Head Light, Fort Casey, Whidbey Island (Origionally named Red Bluff Light http://www.historylink.org/File/5710 *__*Point Wilson Light (Port Townsand)http://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=108*_*_-Fort Worden_*Point Wilson's first lighthouse was built in 1879 by the United States Lighthouse Service (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Lighthouse_Service) as a companion to the Admiralty Head Light (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Admiralty_Head_Light) built some 18 years earlier on the eastern side of Admiralty Inlet. A square wooden tower projecting from the roof of a two-story, Cape Cod–style keeper’s quarters held a fixed fourth-order Fresnel lens (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fresnel_lens). The station also included a fog signal building with 12-inch, steam-powered fog whistle.[5] (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Point_Wilson_Light#cite_note-histlink-5)High tides and stormy weather occasionally took their toll on the sandy beach (http://www.lighthousefriends.com/ptwilsontw2.jpg) on which the tower was built. In 1886, a picket fence, 5 feet high and 440 feet long, was built across the low part of the spit to catch drifting sound and build up the area where a breach seemed likely.The current lighthouse was completed in 1914, but the original lighthouse, minus its tower, continued to serve as a residence (http://www.lighthousefriends.com/PointWilson_1916_dwelling.jpg) for the keepers. The new lighthouse (http://www.lighthousefriends.com/PointWilson_1916_cg.jpg) features a forty-nine-foot concrete tower, built in an octagonal shape to reduce wind pressure, which projects upward from a fog signal building. The station was automated in 1976- remains in the hands of the U.S. Coast Guard (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Coast_Guard), while the grounds are managed by Washington State Parks (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washington_State_Parks).Admiralty Headhttp://lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=311988 flashbackMovies - Die Hard, Who Framed Roger Rabbit, and They LiveMusic - Rap hits the mainstream with NWA, Public Enemy, and a cast of thousand OGsNews - NAFTA genesis, Dukakis/Bentsen v. Bush/Quayle in presidential election, CDs outsell vinyl for first time in historySports - Redskins d. Broncos, Dodgers d. Athletics, Calgary winter olympics featured the Jamaican bobsled team (Cool Runnings)Connect*AJ*: patreon.com/ajbarse (http://patreon.com/ajbarse) or follow on Instagram (http://instagram.com/ajbarse) @ajbarse AND an all new www.ajbarse.com (http://www.ajbarse.com/)*Chris*: mnmltek.micro.blog (https://mnmltek.micro.blog/) or chrispowell.co (http://www.chrispowell.co/)*Twitter Hashtags*: #bhampodcast and #quietconversationListenIf you're in the Bellingham area, be sure to listen to our show on KMRE 102.3 FM (http://www.kmre.org/bellingham-podcast-media-tech/) Thursdays @ 9:00 am and Saturdays @ 1:30 pm.TalkGot a question about technology or anything else about life in Bellingham? Call 201-731-8324 (tel:2017318324) (TECH) and leave us a voicemail, and ask us nicely! We may include it in one of our future shows.SubscribeiTunes, Google Play Store, Soundcloud, Spreaker, TuneIn, or wherever else you podcast. And check out our website at bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.com/)

This week Gary and Gary discuss their trip to Ocean Shores to participate in the 47th year of Operation Shore Patrol, sponsored by Pacific Northwest 4 Wheel Drive Association in cooperation with Washington State Parks and Washington Department of Ecology. This event cleaned up the Washington beaches from Moclips to Columbia river with the participation of 3 different PNW4WDA regions -- Region 1 - Ocean Shores, Region 2 - Westport, Region 3 - Long Beach. As always the world-famous Jeep of the Week is announced. Tune in to hear a fresh new episode of the Northwest Jeepcast. Look for bonus content from this episode at patreon.com/nwjeepcast. --Visit Northridge4x4.com for all your Jeep needs and listen for a special coupon code. Start your Amazon shopping experience at http://nwjeepcast.com/amazon to help support this show. And follow us @nwjeepcast on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

Leading up to National Safe Boating Week, I was excited to speak with Kristen Frohnhoefer, President of Sea Tow International. Sea Tow has been the on-water assistance fleet of choice for boaters since 1983. A franchise-based marine assistance organization headquartered in Southold, New York, Sea Tow was founded in 1983 by Captain Joseph Frohnhoefer after the U.S Coast Guard stopped responding to non-emergency calls. Since that time, Sea Tow has grown into a thriving network of over 100 locations across the United States with additional offices in Europe and the Caribbean. Sea Tow Services International is a family-owned and family-run business. As the daughter of the founder, Kristen Frohnhoefer has spent over 25 years working for Sea Tow learning about every aspect of the business. As President, Kristen is responsible for overseeing all internal operations including the membership program, marketing, sales, communications and call center operations. Kristen also serves as President of the Board of Directors of the Sea Tow Foundation, a national public service organization that promotes safe boating practices and educational initiatives that directly reduce accidents, fatalities and property damage related to recreational boating. Kristen grew up sailing and powerboating, spending time in Newport, Essex, and Block Island, RI. She still gets out on the water and enjoys sailing to Shelter Island and Sag Harbor, and cruising around the Peconic Bay, beaching the boat and watching her niece and nephew swim and enjoy the water. Kristen and I spoke about their Designate a Sober Skipper campaign, tips to keep your boat working so you DON’T need a tow, some of the great benefits of Sea Tow membership, and more. Enjoy!   On the Designate a Sober Skipper Campaign…..Just like you wouldn’t get on a car and drive drunk, you shouldn’t do it on the water. Designate the sober skipper before you leave the dock. Boating should be fun and safety helps make boating fun. That person makes sure everyone has a great time and that everyone gets home safely. We all know that boating is one of the best activities out there. Blood pressure goes down when you step out on the water. It’s a great family activity. It should be a good time. If people take a couple small steps to ensure it’s a safe day, everyone’s also gonna have a fun day and be able to go back out over and over and make it that lifetime sport. On the industry reception.....The Sea Tow Foundation launched the campaign a couple years ago. We’ve gotten tremendous support from Sea Tow franchise areas and also partners across the country from the US Power Squadron to the state of Washington State Parks, to Coast Guard auxiliary, local marinas, boat dealers, and individual groups and associations. One of the materials we have is that wristband that someone can get locally or can go request on www.designatedskipper.com. It’s just a reminder that the designated skipper can wear on the boat to say 'I'm the one responsible.' We encourage people to share the message on social media and we do as well. It's not just the boating safety groups, it's actual real boaters doing this on a daily basis. On growing up in boating…..I think the first picture of me is when I was about 2 months old. My parents were really big into boating. My father said the first time I went out we took a wave over the side and I got soaking wet and I didn’t even cry so apparently, that was a good sign and they kept going boating. We first had a 22’ Catalina sailboat and then we had a 30’ Newport sailboat. We also had a couple 13’ Boston Whalers but most of my early childhood was spent out on the sailboat, sailing over to Newport or Essex, spending the night in Block Island, or just rafting up with friends. I remember those great days out with the family. On the learning process…..While I was required to take a boating safety course, I was often the mate, not at the helm. My father liked to be at the helm and that’s what he did. We sort of learned through osmosis but I’m really good at putting the sails up, taking the sails down, and tying us up at the dock! On power vs. sail…..They’re two different experiences. We don’t own a sailboat anymore but my cousin does and luckily, he keeps the boat five minutes from my house so we go out sailing on the Peconic Bay. Sailing is such a serene activity, you’re just gliding through the water. You’re gonna get somewhere faster with a power boat; you take in more of the experience when you’re sailing. It depends upon your mood for the day. On favorite boating activities…..Most of the time it’s going to raft up with friends. Or we’ll take a ride around Shelter Island. Maybe head over to Sag Harbor. Or go out with my niece and nephew. It’s great to see them experiencing the water as children, beaching the boat to get out there and pick up shells or watching them swim in the water and jump off the boat. On the origins of Sea Tow…..My father always loved the water. Back when he was in college he started another company called Water Thrills. He would take people out and teach them to water ski, he would take them parasailing. He was already out on the water trying to get people into boating and have them feel comfortable with water sports. He’s always been involved in the marine industry and found out about the industry changing and the Coast Guard no longer doing non-emergency assistance and said ‘You know what, I can do this and this is going to be my opportunity to really make my living on the water.’ It took a while for the Coast Guard to adjust, it took a while for the boating public to adjust, but I think people realized over time that there’s no way the Coast Guard could possibly provide all these services in non-emergency services while still focusing on their primary mission. We have 102 franchise locations and boaters are covered nationwide. We have over 600 boats in our fleet and operate out of thousands of ports across the country. On what makes a good Sea Tow Captain…..The same thing my father had – passion. They need to have a passion for helping people. Sea Tow is more than just getting on a boat and towing someone. Yes, you need to have the skill, but you need to understand it’s our job to help people, to get them home safely. When someone is calling us, it’s because something happened that was unexpected and it’s ruining their day. So it’s really important that we’re able to get people home safely and quickly. On the most common reasons for calls…..The most common call is just a simple mechanical issue. Something happened that was unexpected, that tow home is our most common. We also get a good number of calls for someone who ran aground. They’re not hard aground but they’re just in an unfamiliar area, or that shoaling moved, or that sandbar that wasn’t there before is now. And then you have the good one where the fuel gauge is no longer working or they ran out of fuel or didn’t plan for the 1/3 rule – always have the 1/3 to head out, 1/3 to get back in, and 1/3 in reserve. And we get a lot of jump start requests. Right at the end of the day when people are coming in after the radio has been on all day and drained the battery. On what boaters can do to minimize risk of needing a tow…..We always encourage our members to be proactive in maintenance. It is important to have that regular maintenance. Especially if you’re in the northeast and there are seasons, you want to do that spring commissioning and winterizing. Double check your fuel gauge on a regular basis, know how much fuel you put in your boat. Those fuel gauges don’t always work. Education ahead of time and knowing the area you’re in and being familiar with the waters is very helpful. On National Safe Boating Week…..We’ll be participating in Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day on Friday May 19th. There are so many options for comfortable life jackets out there, from inflatables to belt packs, that it’s a great opportunity to spread awareness that life jackets can be comfortable, and most importantly can save your life. The Sea Tow Foundation will be promoting everything on social media and you’ll see some of our life jacket loaner stands have ribbon cuttings during Safe Boating Week. On changes in the industry…..The changes I see coming now are in how people are getting into boating. I see the peer-to-peer market, where current boat owners are going to rent their boats out to individuals through sites such as Boatsetter, as something that’s going to change the market. Boat clubs are blowing up at the moment because people see it as a way to get into boating, they’re just not ready to make that purchase yet. They can try it out and eventually move towards purchasing a boat. The way of entry is really going to be the disruptor to the industry of how we get people into boating and how people get that first experience. On essential items for a day on the water…..Make sure you do have a cooler full of water and some snacks because you never know how long you’re gonna be out there. You might want to bring an extra jacket in case you get stuck a little bit later. Before you head out make sure you’ve taken that safety course. Even if you think you know everything, you might not. On advice for would be boaters…..If they’re investigating boating and what type of boat they want, go to discoverboating.com to do some research. They should also try it out. Whether they rent a boat for a day or find some friends with a boat, just head out and see if they like it. Go to a boat dealer and take a ride. Once they’re more serious about it, take a boat safety course. Of course, right before you get the boat, make sure you buy that Sea Tow membership!   Kristen provided a lot of valuable information and I strongly encourage you to visit the websites mentioned for Safe Boating Week and Designated Skipper to continue learning how you can enjoy safe boating practices. Thanks!   

Recently, I had lunch in Seattle with Alan Spears in Seattle. We talked about the great work the National Parks Conservation Association is doing.  We also talked about the work we have done with Park Leaders.  Then I had a chance meeting with Eric Watilo from Washington State Parks in downtown Seattle.  Being around leaders in parks and conservation reminded me of the important work we are doing together.  In this episode, I discuss the three years of Park Leaders and what might be coming in the next year. 

Robert Ingram, Cheif of Visitor Protection and Law Enforcement for Washington State Parks, joins the Park Leaders Show to discuss bike patrol in parks.  Cheif Ingram was the driving force behind Washington State Parks bike patrol program. In this interview, he will share how the bike program was formed, how the agency chose the bikes and the decision to keep training in house.  Washington State Parks used three of their own rangers, trained by the International Police Mountain Bike Association, to help maintain the bike program and train ranger on bike skills.  Park Leaders on Twitter - @ParkLeaders Park Leaders on Facebook - Park Leaders

Recently, Eric Watilo issues a document to parks in his region of Washington State Parks giving ideas to make sure visitor's have a better experience when they visit parks. When I saw the information Eric was getting out to people in parks, I knew I had to share it with you. Eric did not create this list for people to read and check a box. This is content meant to be discussed and considered. Eric joins me on the Park Leaders Show to discuss his list of 12 Steps to Enhance a Visitor Experience. If you are reading this in email, CLICK HERE to listen to the episode and go in depth with the 12 Steps. 12 Steps to Enhancing a Visitor's Experience Smile – As simple as this may seem, not everyone smiles. Greet Them – Use words to make them feel welcome. In-Person is Priority – Never break off a face-to-face interaction with a visitor to answer the telephone or speak with another employee. W.I.N – W.I.N stands for “What’s Important Now.” Please and Thank You – Say it. Say it often. We all like to hear please and thank you. You’re Welcome – Do not say “No Problem.” Use your manners and say "You're Welcome". Recognize Who You Work For – Every one of us in Parks is a government employee. It Is What You Say – What you say to a park visitor can strongly influence they experience have at the park. Find the Answer and Follow-up – From time to time a visitor will ask you a question you do not have the answer to. Instead of saying “I don’t know” and leaving it there, tell the visitor you do not know but that you will find out and get back to them. Make Time for the Visitor –  I understand in parks it is not always possible to do this, but when you can take the time to show a visitor what they are looking for, you certainly should. “Thank You for Supporting Our Parks” – After every financial transaction you make with a customer, thank the guest for their support. Listen to Park Leaders Podcast – In particular, listen to this episode about customer service with Lee Cockerell. In addition to Eric Watilo's list, I have added for steps of my own to enhance a visitor's experience. You are putting on a Show Every day – At Disney World employees are called Cast Members because they play a role in the big show they put on every day. You may not be at Disney World, but you are putting on a show every day. Your personal problems don’t matter to the park visitor – I am not saying your personal problems don’t matter. I just want to be clear that your personal problems do not matter to the park visitor. Your issues should not get in the way of delivering top notch service. Wear the Hat – If you are a park ranger you need to wear the iconic flat hat when you interact with park visitors. If park visitors don’t get to see a park ranger often, then seeing you should meet their expectations. And they expect you to wear the flat hat. Serve like it is your mother – Have you ever had a loved one receive wonderful service? How did that make you feel? Your mother is special to you and you want others to treat her that way. This is exactly how you should treat every park visitor. Music for the Park Leaders Show is provided by Jason Harrod.  

A common theme from the People of Parks Project has been a frustration with communication between leadership, admin staff, and staff in the field. When I hear the same thing come up often I know we need to lean into it a little bit more. I know this isn't a problem I could properly address on my own, so I called in the help of some friends. Joining me for a special panel discussion episode of the Park Leaders Show are: Ray Bivens- Director of Delaware State Parks, Eric Watilo- Region Manager with Washington State Parks, and Sarah Milbourne-  Park Manager with Maryland State Parks. Each member of this panel was selected to give the panel three layers of park management to offer insight on how to improve communication. Ray, Eric, and Sarah have also been previous guests on the Park Leaders Show, so I understood they would each offer valuable ideas for you and your park. You can help shape future episodes of the Park Leaders Show by participating in the People of Parks Project. By answering a couple of short questions, you can help me understand what subjects will be most valuable to offer on the Park Leaders Show.

For this episode, I invited a guest to return and we took questions from park rangers in the field.  So far, the most listened to episode has been Don't Let the Park Define You with Commander Bill Overby. I invited Bill back because you like him, and because he has a heart for both State and National Parks. As Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy in Mount Vernon, WA, he is connected to the young rangers as they begin their career. He has been the commander for over a decade and spent over thirty years as a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks. If something could happen to a Park Ranger, he has seen it, done it, or dealt with the consequences of someone else doing it. To tap into his wisdom, we took a couple of questions from Park Rangers and answered them on the Park Leaders Show. We also dug in deep and talked about the topic beyond the questions. We explore the idea of having fun while working at a park. Can you have fun and still be professional? We also discuss integrity when filling out applications for park service jobs. Commander Overby feels strongly about this and he will explain why. You may not know this, but I hold a record at the Law Enforcement Academy. Ten years after I was a cadet no one has matched what I did. Commander Overby discusses my accomplishment and why he thinks no one else will be able to match it. If you are reading this in email click here to hear the episode.

Bill Overby, Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy Bill Overby is Commander of the Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College in Mount Vernon, WA. He was a Park Ranger with Washington State Parks for 32 years, including 20 years as manager of Deception Pass State Park. Commander Overby recommends you don't  let the park define you, even as you give your all to your career. What We Talk About • How are cadets are not prepared when they arrive at the academy • How to tell if cadets will stand out in the academy • The importance of writing well • Traits of Rangers who become leaders • Biggest challenge of being a Park Manager • How to handle a promotion when you now supervise your peers • Recruitment and retention of employees • The importance of appearance • Balancing your career and family life Resources • Deception Pass State Park • Parks Law Enforcement Academy at Skagit Valley College • Music by Jason Harrod

Eric Watilo, Region Manager with Washington State Parks Eric Watilo is a Region Manager with Washington State Parks. After fifteen years in the field as a Park Manager and Park Manager, Eric has spent the past sixteen years in a Region Headquarters. As a Region Manager, Eric works directly with many Park Managers. He is familiar with the issues most Park Managers struggle with. Eric discusses the value of experience and how to build a strong team. In This Episode We Talk About; • Filling a position with the right person • The issues Park Managers struggle with the most • How to effectively communicate with your team • The role of technology in Parks • How can a Park show value for the cost a visitor pays • Building relationships among Park staff • What should never change about parks Resources • Music by Jason Harrod • Washington State Parks • Ginkgo Wanapum State Park • Survey Monkey • Red Green • Jody Maberry   Handyman Corner - Camping (click to watch on YouTube)

Rex Derr is the former director of Washington State Parks. Rex says his career in Parks was glorious and feels parks are the soul of a community. Rex was the architect and main cheerleader of Washington State Park's Centennial 2013 plan. This plan built excitement and prepared Washington State Parks to celebrate the park system's 100th birthday. What We Talk About • What Parks add to a community • Washington State Park's Centennial Plan; how it was created and how parks and citizens were involved. • Creating a story or plan to unite your team • The greatest asset of any public service entity Resources • Washington State Parks Washington State Parks Centennial 2013-A plan for your parks (click to watch on YouTube)