ANGER a The Journal of the Association of National Park Rangers Vol. XI, No. 4 Fall! 995
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ANGER
a The Journal of the Association of National Park Rangers
Vol. XI, No. 4 Fall! 995
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Letters our check for $500 to support your excel-
lent work.
On behalf of the board of directors and With regards from all of your friends
volunteer presenters of Hug-A-Tree and here at the Foundation.
survive, I want to thank you and ANPR for National Park Foundation
Board of Directors
your support and generous $1,000 dona- Officers
tion. As Hug-A-Tree moves into its second President Deanne Adams. PNRO
decade of teaching children to survive when I am beginning my third year as an VP/Representation
lost, we desperately need to regain contact ANPR member and my fourth as a seasonal & Communication Jeff Karraker, CAVO
employee and VIP with the NPS. It is my VP/Special
with many of our volunteer presenters and
Concerns Vaughn Baker. SHEN
upgrade our teaching materials so we can understanding that ANPR tries to interest VP/Professional
continue to reach out to young children itself in issues pertinent to both permanent Issues Ken Mabery, ELMA
nationwide. Your donation will provide us and seasonal NPS employees. I have an Secretary Tina Cappetta Orcutt. JELA
immediate help in meeting these goals. issue of extreme interest to me and, I think, Treasurer Patti McAlpine, FRLA
Past President Rick Gale. WASO
I am also very pleased at the expanding many other seasonals. I am hoping that
relationship between ANPR and Hug-A- ANPR might be willing to help me "take up Regional Reps
Tree. Several of our active presenters over the torch" and make a difference. North Atlantic Dave Kratz
Mid-Atlantic Barry Sullivan, DEWA
the years have been drawn from among The issue of concern to me is the right of
National Capital Gary Pollock, GWMP
NPS employees, but a greater involvement privacy of seasonals in temporary govern- Southeast Darlene Koontz, FLETC
of both our organizations with each other ment housing. Privacy may also be an issue Midwest Bruce McKeeman, VOYA
offers us the opportunity to greatly expand for permanents in government housing, but Rocky Mountain Sarah Craighead, MEVE
my contact has been largely with tempo- Southwest Judy Chetwin, SWRO
the public awareness education efforts that West Meg Weesner, SAGU
we believe pay big dividends in lives saved rary employees. When I move into housing Pacific Northwest Barb Maynes, OLYM
among visitors to the outdoors areas of our in a new park, I sign a housing contract of Alaska Lisa Eckert, DENA
country. anywhere from one to 13 pages of my
responsibilities, and also for the rights of Task Groups
I look forward to working with you and Budget and Finance Patti Dienna, MARO
ANPR in the coming months as we strive to seasonals in housing. Dual Careers Sheila Cooke-Kayser, BOST
carry an important, lifesaving message to I am not interested in singling out cer- and Rick Jones
our nation's children. Thanks again for all tain parks; this appears to me to be a Employee Develop. Gary Warshefski, FOST
Housing Tom Cherry, FLETC
you have done. Servicewide problem. I feel that I am pay-
International Barbara Goodman, DESO
Albert S. "Ab" Taylor ing rent, either in money or work, and I Mentoring Bob Cherry, BLRI
President, Hug-A-Tree and Survive have (or should have) a right to be notified Nominations Cindy Ott-Jones, FLETC
ahead of time of exactly when maintenance Promotional Items Tessy Shirakawa, ARO
will be entering the house, to have a lock on Rendezvous Bill Wade, SHEN
Editor's Note: ANPR President Deanne Adams Retirement Frank Belts, Retired
receivedthe following letter from Alan Rubin, past my bedroom door, to be present at random Seasonal Interest Wendy Lauritzen, NWA
president of the National Park Foundation. The spot inspections, to make out maintenance System Integrity Vaughn Baker, SHEN
new Foundation president isJimMaddy, formerly work requests and to have them filled in a 20-Year Retirement Paul Broyles, FIRE
president of the League of Conservation Voters. and Pat Buccello, ZION
reasonable length of time, and to shower in
He is scheduled to begin his tenure in September.
confidence that no one who doesn't live
We just received our copy of the Winter with me will be there when I get out. Staff
1994-95 edition of Ranger. It is a terrific Just because seasonals are temporary Business Manager Debbie Gorman, SARA
publication. doesn't mean we aren't adults with the Staff Assistant Bill Halainen, DEWA
The information you are getting out same needs as permanent adults. The su-
Ranger
through this journal is really valuable at perintendent doesn't have to worry about Editor Teresa Ford
this time. I have seen a big upgrade and maintenance unexpectedly breaking her per- Editorial Adviser Tony Sisto, PNRO
improvement in Ranger over the last couple sonal things. Why should I? Advertising vacant
of years. It is very helpful for us here at the If someone at Ranger or within ANPR or Sections
Foundation to read and understand these the NPS is interested in this issue, I would Rendezvous Sarah Craighead, MEVE
issues which are so important for the future like to take an active part in making some In Print Rick Mossman, WRST
of the parks. changes; but I don't know here or how to
start. Please help. Professional Ranger
Congratulations to you and your col- Interpretation Barb Maynes, OLYM
leagues for a job well done. KellyAnn Gorman
Emergency Serv. Greg Stiles, SHEN
P.O. Box 282, Concord, MA 01742
I checked our files and discovered that Protection Steve Clark, CODA
(508) 369-6993, work Resource Mat. Bob Krumenaker, SHEN
the National Park Foundation is not a con- (508) 897-5793, home
tributing member of the Association —
and we should be. I am proud to enclose (more letters, page 36)
RANGER: FALL 1995
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
RANGER President's Message
The Journal of the Association of National Park Rangers
Vol. XI, No. 4 Fall 1995
Ranger (ISSN 1074-0678) is a publication of the
O ne recent Tuesday night I was
participating in an unusual discus-
sion about ANPR with two board mem-
and to create new means of discourse on
who we are and what we are about. At
the same time, we are finding that many
Association of National Park Rangers, an organiza-
tion created to communicate for, about and with park
bers in Virginia and a member in Ever- of our underlying values and beliefs in
rangers; to promote and enhance the park ranger glades. We had space in our room for 19 the public work we do in our chosen ca-
profession and its spirit; to support management and other participants. We were "talking" reers are open to comparison and valida-
the perpetuation of the National Park Service and the
National Park System, and to provide a forum for across country courtesy of an e-mail ser- tions with other ranger and park organi-
social enrichment. vice on America Online called a "private zations from around the world. Are our
In so meeting these purposes, the Association pro- chat room." visions of "success" matched in other
vides education and other training to develop and/or
improve the knowledge and skills of park rangers and What is a chat world park organi-
those interested in the profession; provides a forum room? At the spring zations? See, for
for discussion of common concerns of park rangers,
and provides information to the public.
board meeting we u instance, Rick
The membership of ANPR is comprised of indi- decided to adopt We are now tied into Mossman's chill-
viduals who are entrusted with and committed to the America Online ing article (on page
care, study, explanation and/or protection of those
(AOL) as our elec-
natural, cultural and recreational resources included a new worldwide family 9) on what is suc-
in the National Park System, and persons who support tronic mail commu- cess for the rangers
these efforts. nication server. As of Kenya!
you can see from the of park managers The member-
Submissions
Prospective authors should contact the editor or board list on the JJ ship of our Asso-
editorial adviser before submitting articles. Editor,
Teresa Ford, 26 S. Mt. Vernon Club Road, Golden,
back of Ranger, sev- and supporters ciation has a his-
CO 80401, (303) 526-1380 or fordedit@aol.com.
eral board and task tory of expanding
Editorial adviser, Tony Sisto, (206) 285-8342 or (503) group members are our reach in work-
228-2077 or anprsisto@aol.com.
now on-line. Just as cc:Mail has been a ing for and communicating about parks
Deadlines
terrific communica-tion tool for the Na- and Park Service ideas. From a small so-
Winter issue Oct. 31 tional Park Service, America Online has cial gathering of field rangers nearly 20
Spring issue Jan. 31 been a great tool for ANPR. years ago, to a membership today of
Submit copy to editor on computer diskette in PC
WordPerfect 5.1 or Microsoft Word format, or send to Now we have the opportunity to ex- around 1,600, with a healthy advocacy
editor's e-mail address — fordedit@aol.com. pand our conversations via services of program in place, we are now tied into a
our non-NPS electronic mail. Members new worldwide family of park managers
Change of Address
If you are moving, please send a change of address are already taking the initiative. Bob and supporters. This will only make our
card to Debbie Gorman, P.O. Box 307, Gansevoort, Panko of Everglades set up the Ranger organizations stronger.
NY 12831.
chat room on AOL. We've set every More importantly, it will help us be
Advertising Tuesday at 9 p.m. EST. Please join us. an effective player in the new organiza-
Rates and specifications are available for advertis- Speaking of communications, we took tional world in which the NPS is now
ing in Ranger. Interested parties should contact the
editor, Teresa Ford, 26 S. Mt. Vernon Club Road,
another giant leap forward in May when embarking.
Golden, CO 80401; (303) 526-1380. ANPR members met rangers from around Enjoy the discourse!
the world in Poland. I was unable to at-
Table of Contents
tend because of family, but many thanks
Features
to Bill Halainen who agreed to take the
World Ranger Congress 2
Park Values 12 role of representing the Association, as
FLETC — Pinning on the Badge 14 well as being the conference recorder.
DARE Program 15
Student Conservation Association 16
Take a look at his report in this issue of
Rendezvous XIX 24 Ranger.
In Print 26 There is an important link here, I
Professional Ranger 28
think, with much that is going on with
ANPR Reports 30
All in the Family 34 the NPS and, indeed, with the federal
government. We are beginning to
Cover: Photo of uniformed rangers from around the
world, Tatra Mountains of Poland in background, by Colin broaden our internal abilities to commu-
Dilcock of the Countryside Management Association (of
England and Wales).
nicate with each other, to share ideas,
RANGER: FALL1995 i
R A N G E R : T H E J O U R N A L O F T H E A S S O C I A T I O N O F N A T I O N A L PARK R A N G E R S
Rangers of the World Unite
First IRF World Congress in Zakopane, Poland
Right, the Tatra Mountains of
Poland, provided the setting for the
first World Ranger Congress
in May. Below, Gordon Miller of
Countryside Management Association
(of England I chairs the meeting.
o D
o rz
o
Q o
c
o 5
O cn
s
By Bill Halainen by our peers in the United Kingdom — first in the seminal ef-
r
Delaware Water Gap forts of Colin Dilcock and Gordon Miller of ACR (now known
o the thunderous applause of 135 delegates from ranger as the Countryside Management Association, or CMA), then
organizations worldwide, a flag-raising ceremony offi- between ACR and SCRA, particularly its past president and
cially opened the first World Ranger Congress in long-time sparkplug, Bob Reid. Because both organizations are
Zakopane, Poland. involved with training rangers from throughout Europe, they
Chairman Gordon Miller of the fledgling International widely disseminated the idea of a ranger federation and brought
Ranger Federation raised the IRF flag — the green, blue and together key players at the SCRA conference at Loch Lomond.
white yin-yang symbol that represented the balance of the After a year's work on the charter elements, the presidents of
world's waters, lands and mountains — outside the Kasprowy the three associations met at Peak District National Park in En-
Hotel last May 21. For the next five days, the flag fluttered and gland late in July 1992, and signed that document, formally es-
snapped at its halyard, animated as much by the extraordinary tablishing the International Ranger Federation — an alliance of
high spirits and energy of the gathering as by the vigorous national, territorial and state ranger organizations rather than an
breezes of the spectacular Tatra Mountains. association of individual members.
This first raising of the IRF flag symbolized both an end and lthough it was clear that an international congress should
a beginning — the end of the three intense years of planning be held as soon as possible, it was also equally clear that
and organizing that followed the signing of the original IRF logistics and finance on an international level would be par-
charter in July, 1992; the beginning of a true world community ticularly complex. It was therefore decided to focus on enlist-
of rangers from parks and protected areas. It was a watershed ing members in the short run, while working toward a congress
moment in the history of the ranger profession. in about three years.
The impetus for both the federation and the congress came Membership in IRF grew quickly (see page 11 for full list-
from a meeting on the shores of Loch Lomond in spring, 1991, ing) and the charter stipulation that membership in the federa-
when representatives from England's Association of Country- tion was open only to ranger organizations served as an impetus
side Rangers (ACR), the Scottish Countryside Ranger Associa- for rangers in many countries to begin efforts to establish
tion (SCRA), and ANPR met in a corner of a hotel pub and their own associations. Several have since been created, and
agreed to work toward the creation of an international organi- many more are in the formative process.
zation and a world ranger congress to formally inaugurate it. Organizing the congress, however, proved even more diffi-
This meeting followed years of discussion and groundwork cult than had been anticipated — almost all efforts to gain pri-
2 RANGER: FALL 1995
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
vate or foundation sponsorship proved fruitless; government Generally it was in En-
funding for travel for Third World delegates got tied up in red glish (in fascinating ac-
tape (the opportunity for receiving $20,000 in World Heritage cents), sometimes in
Fund money was lost due to the sluggishness of the Polish bu- Spanish or French or
reaucracy in forwarding the application); top speakers, like Dr. another language, occa-
Richard Leakey, cancelled out at the last moment; contract ne- sionally through ges-
gotiations with the hotel became very difficult; and on and on. tures and illustrations.
ut these obstacles were surmounted through persistence Several things
and the good graces of a few key players. ANPR provided quickly became appar-
a $ 10,000 loan at a key juncture, all of which was repaid in full ent. Rangers will al-
and on time. Two longtime ANPR friends, R&R Uniforms and ways find a way to
the National Parks and Conservation Association, donated communicate, ranger
$4,500. The National Park Service and several other organiza- work is so similar
tions formally endorsed the congress. Scottish Natural Heritage worldwide that much is
c
came through at the last minute with $15,000 to fund much of readily understandable 9
9
the conference costs for Scottish and many Eastern European despite language prob- i
o>
rangers. And a cadre of hard-working CMA and SCRA rangers lems, and Linnaeus' V
S
worked day and night to work out the complex logistics. use of Latin to describe ANPR members, from left, Laurie
With the raising of the flag, three years' work and anxiety was plants and animals Coughlan, Judy Chctwin and Rick
history and the IRF became a true international ranger organi- Mossman help raise the IRF flag.
makes a great deal of
zation. sense in field trips with multi-lingual groups.
Both the extraordinary variety of cultures represented and Some samples — Over breakfast, an Uruguayan, a South
the natural gregariousness and professional curiosity of rangers African, a Swede and an American talk about the problems that
worldwide became evident that evening at the "potlach" that occur when visitation exceeds carrying capacity. They find that
opened the week's events. No, this isn't the same as Pacific they are dealing with fundamentally the same issues.
Northwest tribal potlaches; instead, it is a "friendship meal" in A German and a Pole find that they are getting the similar
which delegates shared food and drink from their homelands. resistance to efforts to set up national ranger organizations.
The sharing was accompanied by conversation, as people got to A Romanian working to create a national ranger service dis-
know each other and began talking about their homes, their jobs, covers that the Brazilians are attempting to do the same thing,
their problems and successes. hat's the way conversations went all week, with constant-
A hallmark of the congress was these many small gatherings ly changing themes and participants. The congress itself
with constantly changing mixes of delegates from different na- had themes for each day that reflected principal concerns of the
tions. Each gathering was unique in the ideas and anecdotes delegates. On Monday, it was the federation and its purposes,
discussed, the lessons learned and the friendships made. Al- then some of the issues and problems in protected areas; Tues-
though there were occasional language problems, delegates day, resource management; Wednesday, human resources;
were almost always able to figure out a way to communicate. Thursday, the means for balancing conflicts, mainly through
interpretation and education; Friday, IRF's future.
Delegates enjoy a raft trip through the Dunajee Gorge The approach to each theme was similar — a presen-
in Pieniny National Park on the border of Poland and Slovakia. tation or two on the subject, followed by workshops and
discussions. The topics illustrated the diversity of issues
that rangers must address, such as providing environ-
mental education, dealing with native or aboriginal
peoples resident within parks, managing parks on the
urban fringe, controlling poaching and other resource
depredations, establishing ranger training programs,
and integrating research into resource management.
Delegates were intrigued to find many common is-
sues faced by rangers wherever they lived and worked.
Discussions revealed solutions found in one country
that might resolve problems in another. This served to
foster the already high degree of interchanges among
delegates.
o
o
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
U
o
_o
Q
c
75
O
Uniformed rangers from around the world pose before the Tatra Mountains in Poland during the first World Ranger Congress in May.
the U.S. through ANPR. Poland and Slovakia. The trip began with a greeting from the
Congress activities weren't limited to papers and position park's superintendent while a traditional folk group played be-
statements, nor to auditoriums and meeting rooms. Except for hind him. It ended with free beers to all.
Monday, there were field trips each day. This was a bit of good Evening speakers and slide shows provided some of the
luck because it rained on Monday, but it was mild, clear and week's most memorable moments. Robert Swan, who has
beautiful the rest of the week. walked to both poles and is about to mount another expedition
to the South Pole, showed slides on his journeys in the Arctic
T he trips on Tuesday and Wednesday were to different sec-
tions of Tatra National Park — a limestone gorge, a cave
high on the side of a ridge, an alpine meadow, a mountain
and Antarctic. He urged IRF to develop a worldwide ranger
network to educate people worldwide on their dramatically di-
chapel dedicated to a girl who had a vision of the Virgin Mary minishing resources. He also proposed that Antarctica be de-
in the forest, and a shepherd's shack where everyone got to clared an international park/protected area and that it be man-
taste fresh goat cheese. The Polish rangers who led these expe- aged by IRF-sponsored rangers from many nations.
ditions generally had backgrounds as scientists. Their expertise On subsequent evenings, delegates gave slide and video pre-
on the natural world was matched by practical knowledge of sentations on their parks, which again revealed both the re-
the problems of visitor and resource management and by con- markable diversity of their resources and the striking similarity
siderable energy, humor and animation. of their management issues. Though there were inevitable dif-
On Thursday, the group visited the park's new visitor center, ferences in cultures and in the type and severity of problems,
still being hammered together. Members then adjourned to a the fundamentals were again the same — increasing visitation,
nearby meadow for vodka toasts, a roaring bonfire and rounds accelerating impacts to natural resources, encroachments, in-
of national songs sung by rangers from different countries. The sufficiency of funds and staff, political meddling and more.
Scots and English began with traditional folk tunes. A ranger elegates saw the breathtaking beauty of the world's natu-
from Northern Ireland sang a haunting ballad solo. A Polish
chief ranger who ran into a Cuban delegate he hadn't seen
D ral areas, from Kenya to Nepal, Tasmania to Alaska, Bra-
zil to Finland. The effect was to give delegates a sense of one
since college in Havana honored that past memory with a ren- worldwide system of parks and protected areas, and a realiza-
dition of "Guantanamera" in flawless Spanish. The Australians tion that rangers preserve the very last fragments of this
inevitably launched into a spirited version of "Waltzing planet's wondrous natural diversity.
Matilda." And the Yanks ran the gamut from folk tunes to On Thursday night and the next afternoon, IRF handled busi-
"America the Beautiful," with another Polish ranger chipping ness — first with a board meeting, then at a plenary session.
in with a Polish version of "My Darling Clementine." Several significant issues were brought before the board,
The final excursion was a half-day raft trip down magnifi- which is comprised of the federation's three officers (chairman,
cent Dunajec Gorge in Pieniny National Park on the border of secretary and treasurer) and delegates from member associa-
4 RANGER: FALL 1995
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
tions. Issues included: ceptable and didn't place too heavy a burden on members.
Miller then brought up the need to establish a central fund
> Representation — Miller asked if the current system for administration of IRF, and suggested that the federation
of representation in IRF should be revised and simplified should seek funds from IUCN or other public/private orga-
due to the rapid increase in membership. He suggested the nizations. Representatives concurred, and listed several pos-
possibility of associations combining on continents to select sible sources. Miller noted that the federation had used most
continental representatives to an IRF board. National repre- of its resources in organizing and managing the congress,
sentatives attending the meeting felt that the current system and that a full financial accounting would be provided soon
still works well, however, and that other models for repre- to all member nations. He also said efforts will be made to
sentation should be examined before any decisions are set up a system whereby prospective delegates to the next
made. congress may make advance installment payments, which
will be recoverable in case of cancellation.
>• Direction — At present, IRF is directed by the chair-
man, secretary and treasurer, all of whom are unelected. >• Pairing — Miller suggested that member associations
Miller asked if officers should be elected. National represen- look into the possibility of pairing one-on-one with associa-
tatives said it would be premature to do so at the congress, tions still forming in order to provide guidance and assis-
and that decisions on a management structure, officer terms, tance. Representatives supported this proposal. Also noted
voting and related issues should be set aside until members was the need to assure that candidates fully meet criteria for
can review organizational options and develop a manage- membership (as stated in the IRF charter) before being en-
ment plan for the federation. dorsed by sponsoring associations.
>• Finances — Miller asked if the current financial ar- >- Next Congress — Miller asked the representatives for
rangement, whereby member associations contribute one recommendations for a location for the next congress. The
percent of their annual member dues to IRF, should be con- Game Rangers Association of Africa offered to host the
tinued. The representatives said this arrangement was ac- congress at Kruger National Park in South Africa, pending
ZAKOPANE DECLARATION
The following declaration, prepared change, these natural and cultural ar- >• That the majority of these rang-
by Juan Gambarotta of Uruguay (with eas under our charge will in many ers live in very difficult conditions,
the assistance of Rick Smith and Bill cases continue to slowly but inexora- lack adequate institutional support
Halainen from ANPR), was unani- bly decline: and resources, receive meager sala-
mously endorsed by delegates and is- ries, and take significant personal
sued by the congress at the end of the >• That the rangers charged with pro- and professional risks to protect
week. tecting these areas play a distinctive these invaluable sites, which consti-
and essential role in identifying prob- tute core elements of the world's
We, the delegates here assembled in lems associated with this decline and natural and cultural heritage;
Zakopane, Poland, at the first Interna- proposing practical solutions to them;
tional Ranger Federation Congress, >• That they all too often sacrifice
representing rangers from 35 nations on >• That these rangers also have a fun- their lives in their commitment to
six continents, do hereby declare our damental role in explaining the impor- protection of this heritage;
commitment to the following prin- tance of natural and cultural resources
ciples: to the public, thereby awakening in > And that, for all these reasons,
them the essential desire and interest we are firmly committed to seeking
• That, as principal guardians of in conserving them for future genera- greater recognition and attention to
the world's premier natural and cul- tions; their work, to their well-being, and
tural protected areas, we are to the critical status of the heritage
uniquely positioned and qualified to > That these rangers are involved in that they protect and defend, and
monitor their health, assess their complex and highly important tasks in will exert ourselves in a concerted
problems, and extrapolate current preservation of natural and cultural re- effort to resolve these problems, en-
trends into probable futures; sources, but lack recognition of the listing in this effort the support of
importance of these tasks from the the people and governments of this
• That, unless circumstances governments that employ them; earth.
RANGER: FALL1995 5
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
evaluation of support facilities, logistics member associations, who will redis- IRF will bring to
and related matters. We said that ANPR tribute it to their own members by repro- public attention significant issues affect-
would support a meeting in Latin duction in the association's publication, ing rangers working in parks and pro-
America, and that it might be possible to photocopying or other means. The brief tected areas throughout the world.
hold the congress in Costa Rica. Repre- newsletter will include IRF news, mem-
sentatives agreed that either of these two ber association news, a calendar of com- IRF will work to
locations would be acceptable, depend- ing events worldwide, a list of resources develop a system for linking rangers
ing on costs and logistical consider- needed or available (so that member as- worldwide for purposes of travel, train-
ations. Miller asked that the two associa- sociations can help each other out), and ing, sharing resources, and promoting
tions make assessments of these locations the names of travel contacts in member and advancing the ranger profession.
and report back to him by late fall; he nations. Efforts will be made to develop
will provide the organizations with de- communications via Internet. Chairman Miller now is beginning
tails on the management of the congress work on these projects. If you're inter-
at Zakopane to help them in their efforts. IRF will work to ested in any area, contact Barbara
Representatives then discussed the fre- develop several publications, beginning Goodman, ANPR's representative to
quency of congresses and agreed they with the congress proceedings. Other IRF, and let her know.
should be no more than three years apart, possible publications include a ranger's The final meeting ended with ratifica-
and preferably two years, if feasible. The guide to national parks of the world, a di- tion of a declaration which was presented
decision on the date for the next congress rectory of members, and a booklet de- to reporters at a late afternoon press con-
will be made when a site is selected. scribing elements of the ranger profes- ference (see page 5).
sion. The former would be used as a The congress concluded with a ban-
These decisions were brought before fund-raising mechanism. quet, farewells, firm promises to write
the delegates at the final meeting of the and visit each other, and a strong com-
congress on Friday afternoon. All were IRF will establish stan- mitment to further IRF and the mission
ratified, and additional actions were dards and an international code of ethics of rangers worldwide.
agreed to: for rangers, employing existing models We learned a lot during the week to-
(such as the World Conservation Strat- gether, and we brought home much to
IRF will pub- egy) as models. Efforts will be made to ponder. 9
lish an internal newsletter two or three initiate a campaign to promote
times a year (possibly more often) in En- sustainability and environmental ethics in
glish and Spanish. It will be distributed to member association's parent agencies.
ANPR GUIDE TO EASTERN EUROPEAN TRAVEL
By Jeff Karraker
Capulin Volcano
1. Don't buy a new suitcase, unless it has a wrist cuff. 6. Don't try to buy intimate apparel in the public market
square.
2. To assure a restful vacation, never travel to more than one
eastern European country by train per trip. At least three 7. Sample some real Polish jokes. The Poles have a wonder-
"officials" must view your passport and rail pass per border. ful, sharp sense of humor.
Our record — 18 in one night.
8. Don't order any beer you can't pronounce.
3. On a budget, don't reserve a sleeping compartment.
(See #2) 9. Travel with 25 to 30 generous friends, who have nicer
wardrobes than you do and who don't have enough suitcase
4. To save suitcase weight and space, if you retain yours, space to take home all of their souvenirs.
don't pack deodorant; Between stress and local custom, it
doesn't matter. 10. It's OK to wear sneakers to the Vienna State Opera.
5. Don't travel with someone of the same size or inseam Editor's note: Three days into their trip, Laurie Coughlan and Jeff
length. You will be in competition for clothing, whether buy- Karraker had their suitcases stolen from a bus enroute to Zakopane,
ing or borrowing. Poland.
6 RANGER: FALL 1995
RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Around the Campfire
Campfires have a way of bringing people together. Our
hosts in Zakopane generously provided just that opportunity.
With refreshments, song (some good, some not so good), and
animated conversation, we became better acquainted. The
world got smaller around that fire; friendships grew warmer.
The good memories from that evening are still with me.
— Dave Morris
Olympic
Travel Tidbits
If you're traveling abroad, make a point of visiting Poland,
| particularly Krakow, Zakopane and the districts bordering the
Hi
ID
.5 Carpathians. It is a beautiful country and doing a remarkableRANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
More Reflections
Communications Challenges Eastern European toilet
I was determined to seek out paper is a cross between crepe
rangers from the more remote paper and sandpaper. It could
corners of the world and to learn double as an ace bandage in an
about their jobs. It wasn't always emergency.
easy to communicate, because I
didn't know their languages, and Beware of the coffee when
some of them had limited abili- the sugar cube floats.
ties in English. But every time I
felt frustrated, I tried to imagine Watch out for cars with
C
how frustrating it must be for the rothe big "L" on the roof designat-
E
minority of delegates who « ing the driver as a learner.
o
weren't very fluent in English. o
While parking on the sidewalk
Many seemed interested in learn- ir in Poland is common, the cars
THE AMERICANS: Rangers from the U.S. gather around the with the big "L" seem to have a
ing what the United States was International Ranger Federation flag in Poland.
like. I tried to be patient, to talk propensity for driving on them!
slowly and to listen carefully. The re- These seemed to foster many conversa- — Christine Peleszak
ward for my effort is that I now have a tions, particularly because few countries Santa Monica Mountains
series of pen pals in my profession from have desert parks like in the U.S. I found
countries all over the world. it useful to know scientific names for
I was particularly interested in rang- animals and plants. How many of us
ers from eastern Europe — the host would know the word for grizzly bear in
country of Poland, neighboring Czech German, Polish, French or Swedish? But
and Slovak Republics, and nearby Bul- when we identified a bear in the museum Last Stand
garia, Latvia and Lithuania. as Ursus arctos, we knew we were talk- There was a strong sense throughout
ing about the same animal. the conference that we are collectively
One day I was discussing ranger sala-
Likewise, knowing the genus names engaged in a "last stand" to protect those
ries with Michal Skalka from the Czech
for spruce, fir, larch, maple, oak and few fragments of the world's natural and
Republic. He supports a wife and three
beech trees allowed us to talk about for- cultural heritage still remaining. There is
children, but doesn't have enough
ests and their sensitivity to air pollution so little left, and the pressures on these
money to buy a car. We compared sala-
in ways not possible without the com- protected areas are steadily increasing.
ries and the costs of vehicles, and I
mon scientific language. We in the U.S. have much stronger tools,
learned that it would take his entire sal-
Another commonality was U.S. cul- including ownership of most of our ar-
ary for five years to buy a new Jeep
tural exports. My postcards of a roadrun- eas, than most nations of the world. We
Cherokee. By comparison, the cost of a
ner and a coyote frequently elicited re- will have to cooperate as much as pos-
new Jeep Cherokee in the U.S. is about
sponses like "beep-beep" or Acme explo- sible to hold onto what's left.
equal to a ranger's gross salary for just
— Bill Halainen
one year. Buying a small used car would sives — for better or worse.
Delaware Water Gap
take him an entire year's gross salary; — Meg Weesner
Saguaro
but for U.S. rangers, it would be about
*> * *
one-fifth of a year's gross salary.
When doing these types of compari- Corporate Lessons
sons, it is useful to look at gross salaries Poles are not accustomed to service or
because methods of taxation and provid- other conveniences we take for granted
ing benefits vary among countries. And in the west. The McDonald's Corp.
next time you think that ranger salaries Lessons Learned by Rangers in learned of this when they built a drive-
in this country are low, think about the Poland — through — the first in Poland — in
compensation that rangers in some other Gdansk. A brochure had to be produced
countries receive. "Flaki" is not like the Welsh pastry to explain how to use this new feature,
I carried maps of the U.S. park sys- of the same name. It is tripe! (Courtesy dubbed the "McDrive."
tem and Saguaro and postcards of of the Scottish delegation, who were all — Christine Peleszak
Saguaro's scenery, animals, and plants. vegetarians.) Santa Monica Mountains
s RANGER: FALL1995RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
A Successful Patrol
By Rick Mossman "successful patrol."
Wrangell-St.Elias & Glacier Bay As one of the lead
rangers in Kenya he was
The IRF conference was a fantastic asked to assemble a
and educational experience. The most in- ranger team to investigate
teresting portion was listening to the ex- the poaching of 11 el-
perience of rangers from other countries ephants (for ivory) in one
and learning the many similarities — and of the northern national
some of the realities. parks. Onsembe spoke
After I spoke on subsistence use in matter of factly about the
Alaska's national parks, relating the investigation, which he
district's size, resources, threats of termed a successful pa-
poaching and tourists, I listened to trol. It was successful be-
Daniel Onsembe of Kenya speak the na- cause the team recovered
tional park he works at in western Kenya. 21 of the 22 elephant
Onsembe is a true professional and dedi- tusks, killed three poach-
cated to his work. Listening to him was a ers — and only two rang-
real reality check. ers were killed.
As I sit and ponder, worry or get frus- Did I hear right? Un-
trated about my work due to lack of staff, fortunately, yes.
money or threats to the park, I think about In many other parts of c
M
Onsembe. the world, rangers some- ER A N G E R : T H E J O U R N A L OF THE A S S O C I A T I O N O F NATIONAL PARK R A N G E R S
o
o
o
o
c
o
I1
o
Above, World Ranger Congress participants attend the various workshops. Right, a "potlach"
friendship meal features food and drink from around the world. More than 30 ANPR
members traveled to Poland for this first-ever gathering. Plans call for a second conference i
in about two years, possibly in Latin America. I o
Final Thoughts from Poland
Ranger Wars children about the value of their natural the world's people to advance environ-
The rangers from South Africa and heritage. It is encouraging to know that mental (and personal) ethics, and
many other countries didn't say they the efforts to save these areas truly are strengthen support for the areas we pro-
were going to work; instead they went on worldwide in scope. We are part of tect.
"ranger wars." We don't know how good something that links rangers from every — Bill Halainen
Delaware Water Gap
we have it here and in many of the other continent on the globe.
countries. We take it for granted that we — Meg Weesner
Saguaro
will return home at the end of our shifts
(or soon thereafter).
One thing that showed how western- for New ANPR Members
Tough and Self Reliant Through a generous donation from Karen
ized many areas have become, was that
The ranger profession is still one and Eldon Reyer, new ANPR members will
no matter where we ventured, no matter
which is admired worldwide, partly for receive a copy of "The Making of a Ranger"
if we took a cab, a bus, or a train to the
its romantic image, partly for its tradition by Lon Garrison. Lon's autobiographical
farthest reaches of the country, there was sketch of life in the NPS " . . . illuminates the
of environmental protection and educa-
a McDonald's lurking somewhere in the human devotion and dedication which has
tion, partly because its practitioners pro-
shadows . . been essential . . . to the formation and man-
tect so much of the worlds' heritage. agement of the national parks in America . . ."
— Kathy Clossin
Rangers are seen as the last represen- It will be an enjoyable addition to your
Everglades
tatives of hardier ancestors — tough, in- ranger library.
dependent, self-reliant, ethical and Simply send your membership application
learned. We know these traits aren't uni- (see inside back cover of this publication) and
Children Are Our Future versal within our ranks, but they are in dues to ANPR and write RANGER BOOK on
I was impressed that there was so the public mind. For that reason, we your application. Only those indicating
interest will receive the book.
much emphasis at the conference on pro- should tap into and capitalize on the
Hurry! Supplies are limited.
tecting natural areas and on educating enormous reservoir of goodwill among
10 RANGER: FALL1995RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
IRF Members
England and Wales — Countryside Italy — Associazone Ligure Agenti Di Iceland — Iceland Rangers Association
Management Association (formerly the Vigilanza Ambientale IRF Rep: Kristinn Stefansson,
Association of Countryside Rangers) Chairperson: Augusto Atturo, Via Martiri Landvaroafelag Islands, P.O. Box 696, 121
Chairperson: Declan Kelley, 82 Grove Road, della Liberta 32/14, 16156 Genova, Italy Reykjavik, Iceland. Phones: 354-81812
Beccles, Suffolk, England. Phones: 0502- (work fax)
716614 (home), 0603-610734 (work) Denmark — Naturvejleder Eoreningen i
Danmark Nepal — Rangers Association of Nepal
IRF Rep: Gordon Miller, Fold Head Cottage, IRF Rep: Jesper Vagn Christensen, State Secretary: Ashok Khand, Royal Chitwan
Grindsbrook Booth, Edale via Sheffield, S30 Forest District of Fyn, Sollerupvej 22, National Park, Kashara, Chitwan, Nepal.
2ZD, England. Phones: 0433-670210 (home), Korinth, DK 5600 Faaborg, Denmark Phones: 977-56-21932, 977-12-29380 (fax)
0433-670216 (work and fax)
Paraguay — Asociacion de Guardeparques France — Individual*
Scotland — Scottish Countryside Rangers del Paraguay IRF Rep: Jean Marie Cevasco, Pare National
Association Chairperson: Alejandro Cantero, Casilla de du Mercantour, 10 place Guillaume Tell,
Chairperson: Richard Smith, 4 Linsey Correo 3303, Asuncion, Paraguay 06380, Sospel, France. Phone: 33-9304-1332
MacDonald Court, Dunfermline, KY 12 7
TS, Scotland. Phones: 0383-735193 (home), Honduras: Fed-Ambiente de Honduras Kenya — Individual*
0383-725596 (work), 0383-703406 (fax) IRF Rep: Nasry Javier Ictech, Apartado IRF Rep: Daniel O. Onsembe, District
Postal 3844, Tegucigalpa, M.D.C. Honduras Warden Office, P.O. Box 879, Kakamega,
IRF Rep: Bob Reid, 6 Riverside Road, Kenya, East Africa
Larkhall, Lanark, ML 9 1NH, Scotland. Costa Rica — Acorena C.R.
Phones: 0698-884083 (home), 0698-266155, IRF Rep: Franklin Carmiol Umana, P.O. Box Finland — Individual*
ext. 31, (work), 0698-252925 (fax) 8-4330, 1000 San Jose, Costa Rica IRF Rep: Trygve Lofroth, Finnish Forest and
Park Service, Archipelago District, 21 710,
United States — Association of National Dominican Republic — Confunto del Finland
Park Rangers Guardaparques de la Republic Dominica
President: Deanne Adams, 3009 13th Avenue IRF Rep: Ingeniera Gabriel Valdez (address Sweden — Individual*
West, Seattle, Washington 98119-2021, unavailable) IRF Rep: Thomas Hannson, Stenhuvuds
USA. Phones: 206-285-8342 (home), 206- National Park, S-27735 Kivik, Sweden.
220-4251 (work), 206-220-4160 (work fax) USA (California) — California State Park Phone and fax: 46-414-70677
Rangers Association
IRF Rep: Barbara Goodman, 4725 50th St. President: Bud Getty Australia — Individual*
West, # 1408, Bradenton, Florida 34210, IRF Contact: Mike Lynch, P.O. Box 292010, IRF Rep: Kristen Appel, P.O. Box 1046,
USA. Phones: 813-792-1841 (home), 813- Sacramento, California 95829-2010, USA Alice Springs, Northern Territory 0871,
792-0458 (work), 813-792-5094 (work fax) Phones: 916-558-3734 (work), 916-387-1179 Australia. Phones: 61-89-569770, 61-89-
(fax) 569819 (fax)
Northern Ireland — Northern Ireland
Countryside Staff Association Australia — National Park Rangers Malta — Individual*
Chairperson: Hugh McCann, Drumadravey, Association of Western Australia IRF Rep: Alexander L. Borg, Malta Planning
Irvinestown, County Formanagh, BT94 1LQ, President: Rory Neal Authority, Sultana Building/3, Mediatrix
Northern Ireland. Phones: 03656-21066 Secretary: Gordon Thomson, 61 Thomas St., Place, Zabbar ZBR OZ, Malta. Phone:
(home), 03656-21588 (work) Subiaco, 6008, Western Australia (P.O. Box 356691978, 356464804 (fax)
414, Subiaco, 6008). Phones: 09-3885400,
Africa — Game Rangers Association of 09-3823986 (fax) •Individuals are named as IRF representatives
Africa only in instances in which they are working to
Chairperson: Peter Hitchins, P.O. Box 683, Romania — Ecologist Youth of Romania establish national ranger organizations.
Port Edward 4295, South Africa. Phones: IRF Rep: Calin Georgescu, 27 Academiei, eti
03930-92370 (home and work) II, ap 5, sec 1, 70108, Bucharest, Romania.
Phones: 401-6150232, 401-3124263 (fax)
Vice Chairperson: Bruce Bryden, Kruger
National Park, Post Office Box X402, Portugal — Associacao Portuguesa de
Skukuza 1350, South Africa Guardas e Vigilantes da Natureza
Secretary: Francisco Jose Semedo Correira,
Eire — Irish National Park Rangers c/o Parques Natural de Sintra-Cascais, Rua
Association General Alves Rocadas 10, 2 Esq., 2710
Chairperson: Brendan O'Shea, Killarney Sintra, Portugal
National Park, County Kerry, Ireland.
RANGER: FALL 1995 11RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Park
The Importance of Truth in
interest both within and outside the Service in preserving our nation's heritage, relative
for some time, the fervor of such discus- to other efforts at the federal, state, local and
sions has increased greatly since the 104th private levels."
Congress took office In addition, the
in early January. As PERSPECTIVE plan would provide
Congress looks to bal- a "refinement for the
ance the federal budget and diminish the definition of "nationally significant" for
size and scope of government, some orga- purposes of inclusion in the National Park
nizations and individuals are expressing System." The Secretary would have up to
ideas about federal land management which three years to transmit the report to Con-
may seem radical to others. gress.
For example, in hearings last January Following transmittal of the report, the
before the House Appropriations Interior Secretary would be required to "review the
Subcommittee, representatives of the Heri- existing National Park System to deter-
By Gary Pollock tage Foundation suggested that most fed- mine whether any existing units or signifi-
George Washington Memorial Parkway
eral lands be turned over to the states, cant portions of such units, do not conform
ne of the great strengths of the except for Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand to the Plan," and to prepare "a list of any
National Park System is the di- Canyon and a few other "crown jewels." unit of the National Park System where
versity of areas administered While some would suggest that much of National Park Service management should
by the NPS, and the opportunity for the rhetoric heard today concerning park be terminated . . ."
Americans to enrich themselves by learn- closings, or the return of federal lands to he bill also calls for the establishment
ing about the values embodied in the the states, is an extreme view, there is bi- of a National Park System Review
parks. partisan legislative action in that area as Commission, which would review the
While many Americans (and foreign- well. On Jan. 4, the National Park Service Secretary's report (or, if necessary, prepare
ers) are familiar with the most popular Reform Act of 1995, also known as H.R. its own report), and make recommenda-
parks, many lesser-known areas often pro- 260, was introduced before the U.S. House tions to Congress concerning any park ar-
vide a more enlightening experience sim- of Representatives. (ANPR testified at eas which should be terminated or man-
ply because they preserve other facets of heaings on the bill.) The purpose of the bill, aged in other ways.
our heritage. While a park's lesser-known co-sponsored by Rep. Joel Hefley, R-Colo., While it is too soon to predict how HR
values and resources doesn't necessarily and Bruce Vento, D-Minn., is "to provide 260 will fare, what is important in its
reflect its significance, in some cases a lack for the development of a plan and a man- shadow is that any portrayal of individual
of understanding can inadvertently create agement review of the National Park Sys- parks, whether by the NPS, the media or
the perception that a park has few, if any, tem and to reform the process by which others, should be based on objectivity and
nationally significant values. areas are considered for addition to the a full understanding of each park's values.
The term "thinning of the blood" was National Park System." Anything less can perpetuate an incom-
used by former NPS Director James f enacted, H.R. 260 would require the plete or inaccurate view of a park, and in
Ridenour to describe the addition of new Secretary of Interior, through the NPS today's political and fiscal climate, lead
units to the National Park System that fail Director, to "prepare a National Park Sys- quickly to startling consequences. A case
to meet traditional standards of national tem Plan to guide the direction of the in point involves the George Washington
significance, thereby diluting the quality National Park System into the next cen- Memorial Parkway.
of the system, while adding significant new tury." Included in the plan would be the Last Jan. 24, The Washington Post pub-
financial liabilities. While the merits of "identification of goals and objectives for lished an article written by Hefley entitled
specific NPS areas, as well as the overall use in defining the mission of the National "Do We Need All These Parks?" In a well-
integrity of the system have been a topic of Park Service and the National Park System written and thoughtful piece, Hefley ar-
12 RANGER: FALL1995R A N G E R : T H E J O U R N A L O F THE A S S O C I A T I O N O F N A T I O N A L PARK R A N G E R S
Values point with a list of "obscure units," the
article described the George Washington
Memorial Parkway as a "crowded high-
way along the Potomac River, one of four
The parkway also comprises part of the
monumental core of Washington, provid-
ing a grand entrance to the city, memorials
to several presidents, and cultural resources
Advertising highways the Park Service manages." such as Arlington Memorial Bridge, the
Iwo Jima Memorial, and Arlington House
In reality, the George Washington Me-
morial Parkway includes a diverse, com- — The Robert E. Lee Memorial.
gued that Congress has continued to desig- plex array of natural and cultural resources The point here is not simply to argue that
nate "park sites without national merit" or which commemorates the life of George the parkway has many nationally signifi-
that "designations appear more linked to Washington, preserves the shoreline of the cant resources and values. It is that by
urban economic development and political Potomac River, and provides a dignified being perceived as merely a highway, it
clout than the preservation of the natural and dramatic entrance to the nation's capi- was portrayed as not possessing nationally
and cultural fabric of America." In illustrat- tal. The parkway includes over 7,000 acres significant values worthy of inclusion in
ing his point, Hefley noted that "three of land extending from the coastal plain to the National Park System.
Washington-area commuter routes are un- the Piedmont region, and links George In late March, the Administration an-
der the aegis of the Park Service although Washington's home at Mount Vernon with nounced a proposal to turn over portions of
no one can provide a plausible reason why." the capital city named for him. the George Washington Memorial Park-
To those familiar with Washington, D.C., mong the Parkway's numerous sites way to the states of Maryland and Virginia.
it was clear that one of the areas being that were important in, or associated While the proposal involved only the north-
referred to was the George Washington with, Washington's life, is Great Falls Park, ern nine miles of the roadway itself, none
Memorial Parkway. where his Patowmack Company constructed of the parkway's other resources were in-
A few weeks later, on Feb. 10, the cover a series of locks and skirting canals around cluded. Once again, this perpetuates the
story in the USA Today concerned the the largest, and certainly most spectacular perception that the parkway is merely a
"growing sentiment in Congress that the obstacle to navigation on the Potomac River. commuter highway serving local needs.
nation should unload some of its 368 des- Not only does the site preserve the ruins of hile the proposal's merits can be
ignated parks, seashores, parkways and what was then an unparalleled engineering debated, and it is unclear whether
recreation areas — places that critics charge accomplishment, it also interprets either of the states are interested in taking
are more a monument to porkbarrel politics Washington's efforts to open the western over management of the road, the lesson
than national pride." In illustrating the frontier to trade. here is that in this era of reinventing and
downsizing, it is important that we make
every effort to ensure that park values are
Omega World Travel accurately and objectively presented.
Even within the Service, each of us
The Association has signed an agreement double the differ-
needs to make a special effort not to let our
with Omega World Travel, headquartered in ence. Also, if a personal preferences, biases or lack of in-
Falls Church, Va. Omega is one of the top traveler is dissatis- formation influence our own perceptions
travel companies in the United States and is the fied with any por- or judgments of parks we may know little
largest woman-owned travel agency in the tion of a trip, Omega
world. All travel booked through Omega will
about.
will refund 100 percent of its commissions on
directly benefit the Association in the form of that portion of the trip. Park values are not always obvious or
travel credits for official Association travel or Omega will provide ticket delivery via well known, and that's both an opportunity
cash rebates to the Association. overnight mail, or it can provide prepaid tickets and a challenge. •
Any personal travel (including transporta- to any airport or airline ticket office. In addi-
tion, car rentals, hotels, cruises, package tours tion, Omega's 24-hour, toll-free number (800-
Gary Pollock is the Potomac River Unit manager
and more) by members or their families, friends US-Omega), accessible nation- and worldwide,
at the George Washington Memorial Parkway.
or acquaintances qualifies under the program. can be used for information or difficulties en-
Omega guarantees it will provide the lowest countered during travel.
airfare at the time of ticketing or it will refund
Make travel reservations by calling this Omega branch office:
Omega World Travel
12711 Shops Lane • Fairfax, VA 22033-3834
(703) 818-8848 • (800) 283-3239 • (703) 818-8822
Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. M-F: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Eastern time)
RANGER: FALL 1995 13RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Day one, week one — the students are
feeling excited, nervous, apprehensive,
even a little shy. But these feelings don't
last long.
Rangers often work in law enforcement
several years before getting an opportunity
to attend FLETC. New arrivals are some-
times overwhelmed as they begin to realize
that this training may change the course of
their careers. Most rangers come with a
good attitude and work hard to maintain it.
They face the challenges of exams, practi-
cal exercises, lectures, kicks and punches
with impressive determination.
Classes are a mix of employees from the
Park Service, Forest Service, Fish & Wild-
life, Department of Defense, Marine Fish-
eries, Tennessee Valley Authority and
C
O Bureau of Land Management. This is a
o
£ERANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
said, "Rangers needed to be debriefed after
they leave FLETC." I disagree, consider-
Give DARE a Chance — A Program That Works
ing the level of criminal activity and visitor By Stephen M. Clark much of our time outside protecting the
safety concerns existing in our parks. When Coulee Dam resources, in the classroom we teach our
the students leave FLETC, they will no Do you remember doing something most precious resources — children.
longer have an instructor looking over their stupid or illegal as a kid because your Today's DARE students are tomorrow's
shoulder. Given time to mellow they will friends talked you into it? park rangers, superintendents and main-
make sound law enforcement decisions. The Drug Abuse Resistance Education tenance workers.
Rangers need management support to program, or DARE, aims to counter In DARE, the NPS has a great opportu-
develop their skills as competent and ethi- those temptations. As a park ranger in nity to teach kids to say "no" to drugs
cal law enforcement officers. Policy re- the protection division, I also serve as a and to teach anger management skills. In
quires rangers to seek compliance, not pun- DARE officer. Recently I attended the addition, NPS involvement shows com-
ishment, recognize serious violations and eighth annual national DARE officers munities nationwide that NPS isn't just
take appropriate corrective actions. conference in Houston, Texas, with more another bureaucratic agency; it cares
Have you ever thought about a detail to than 3,000 other DARE officers and 600 about kids and their futures.
FLETC? You will work for the Department teachers from 17 countries. This inspira- The DARE program started in 1983
of Treasury and teach not only land man- tional gathering was a rewarding experi- with 10 police officers in Los Angeles.
agement agencies, but also Border Patrol, ence. Under the direction of then-Police Chief
Immigration, Customs, Criminal Investi- I assisted Rick Drummond, the Mid- Daryl Gates, the officers decided they
gators and international students. Think west Region's DARE officer and a must take action to teach kids before
about teaching an eight-hour class to the ranger at Ozark National Scenic River, in they were exposed to drugs and violence.
Turkish Police with a foreign language teaching a NPS-sponsored workshop, Today, the program has expanded to
interpreter repeating every word you say. "Outdoor Recreation as an Alternative to more than 6,000 communities and
NPS employees detailed to FLETC are Drugs." 250,000 classrooms in all 50 states. In
supervised by Treasury staff. My supervi- Many attendees didn't realize that addition, DARE is in Department of De-
sors have been special agents from ATF many NPS rangers teach in the DARE fense schools worldwide, as well as in
and Secret Service. The opportunity to program. Currently about 65 permanent classrooms in Canada, New Zealand,
work with different law enforcement offic- NPS employees participate in the pro- Mexico, Hungary, Brazil, Australia,
ers, investigators and agents is a significant gram. It's not enough. While we spend (continued on page 21)
benefit from this assignment.
The NPS staff consists of a superinten-
dent/agency representative, four detailed
instructors, firearms program specialist,
administrative technician, clerk typist and
seasonal law enforcement coordinator.
On Oct. 1 the basic program will be
extended to almost 12 weeks. NPS students
will wear the Park Service uniform instead NPF awards grants to support the National Parks.
of the smurf suit, and trainees will have to
In 1993, $2 million in grants were awarded for:
pass the physical efficiency battery (PEB)
>• education and outreach
in order to graduate.
>- visitor services and interpretation
While at FLETC I have learned to laugh
>- volunteer activities
at myself. I also am challenged daily by the
>• NPS employee programs
students' curiosity and continual hypotheti-
cal cases. The rewards come when students
Grants are awarded three times a year.
realize the training they are receiving can Deadlines are Feb. 15, June 15 and Oct. 15.
be applied to successfully resolve law en-
forcement situations faced back on the job. For guidelines and grant applications, contact
I recommend this job. You should con- National Park Foundation
sider it. • 1101 17th St., NW, Suite 1102
Washington, D.C. 20036
Darlene Koontz is a park ranger/instructor de- (202) 785-4500
tailed to FLETC. She also has worked at Ever-
glades, Cumberland Island National Seashore,
Chattahoochee River NRA, Cape Lookout Na- RationalTar\ Wfo FOUNDATION
tional Seashore and Congaree Swamp NM.
RANGER: FALL1995 15You can also read
