R ANGER The Journal of the Association of National Park Rangers - The Endangered Ranger Hearing
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R ANGER
The Journal of the Association of National Park Rangers
Vol. VI, No. 3 Summer, 1990
The Endangered Ranger HearingRANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Letters Editor:
Editor: I would like to commend all the peo-
ple who made the Eastern area rendezvous
As you may be aware, those persons at Williamsburg such a big success. It was
involved with the planning and coordina- well organized and the speakers and work-
tion of the Eastern area rendezvous in Wil- shops were excellent — it is not often you
liamsburg, Virginia, received more than a can hear the Director, Mid-Atlantic Re-
little negative feedback from a variety of gional Director, National Capital Regional
sources when this rendezvous was first sug- Director, and Associate Director for Oper-
gested. Comments such as "isn't one ren- ations all in the same place. The fact that Board of Directors
dezvous a year enough," "no one will these folks attended the rendezvous show-
show" and "who do you think will come ed a concern for field employees that I Officers
to speak to such a small group" were heard hope we see more of.
by some of the planners. This was an excellent way to get good President Rick Gale, BIFC
On the first day of the rendezvous, information and ask management's stand Vice President/East Hal Grovert, FOMC
Mary and I got up at 4:30 a.m. (not her on current issues, instead of relying on the Vice President/West Mack Shaver, CHIS
favorite time of the day) and headed to usual rumor which filters down through Secretary/Treasurer Pat Tolle, EVER
the ranks. Question and answer periods Past President Maureen Finnerty, OLYM
Williamsburg. Our little boy (one year old)
seemed to echo some of these earlier afterwards provided some stimulating de- Regional Reps
negative comments as he screamed for a bate and answers to hot issues. I also found
good portion of the four-hour trip. After the workshop on "Leaving the NPS" North Atlantic Jim Gorman, SARA
arriving a little more than an hour before thought-provoking — employees who had Mid-Atlantic Brion Fitzgerald, ASIS
the opening session, I rushed around un- left the Service for other agencies gave their National Capital Bruce McKeeman, GWMP
loading the car; picking up my registration thoughts about the pros and cons of such a Southeast Ken Garvin, CHAT
package; attending a luncheon with other move. Very appropriate at this time. Midwest Bob Krumenaker, ISRO
rendezvous coordinators, Director Ride- This was my first rendezvous and I Rocky Mountain Dan Moses, DINO
nour and Regional Directors Coleman and Southwest Cindy Ott-Jones, ELMA
really enjoyed the intimacy of the small
Stanton; and attending a brief meeting West Dan Mason, SEKI
group. About 100 people attended, and I Pacific Northwest Barb Maynes, OLYM
with three other members of a workshop would venture to say that by the end of the Alaska Jeff Karraker, YUCH
panel I was participating in. I was a little week I had a chance to meet with, or at
more than frazzled. least recognize, most everyone. If ANPR is Committees
Later that afternoon, as I was running really committed to bring the organization
(literally) from the workshop to my room to lower-graded employees, then this is the Housing Tom Cherry, CUYA
to change for the "Fun Run?", I ran prime vehicle. I found the shorter format, Dual Careers Barb Stewart, SHEN
smack into a little old hotel maid who land- central location, and combination of Seasonal Interest Bill Dwyer, ACAD
OPM-certified training made it easier to get Rendezvous Dennis Burnett, CACO
ed in/on her linen cart (toilet paper rolls,
time off and made the trip less expensive. Sales Tessy Shirakawa, ARO
miniature shampoo bottles and towels were Recruitment Scott McElveen, GRSM
flying everywhere). I will have to admit (The day before the rendezvous an optional Finance Patti Dienna, MARO
that at that moment I was asking myself supervision course was offered at the hotel Training Laurie Coughlan, GETT
why I was doing this, and could not think where the rendezvous was held.)
of any rational answer. Several people I spoke to said they Staff
The next day a friend who was attend- liked the smaller, more intimate group size
ing her first rendezvous approached me over the larger one found at the national Support
and in a few short words answered my rendezvous. This regional rendezvous al-
question of why and those initial negative lowed neighboring parks, or parks with Business Manager Debbie Gorman, SARA
comments. She said "I haven't felt this similar themes, such as the Civil or Revolu-
tionary Wars, to recognize and meet each Ranger
good about my job or the NPS in a long
time. What a great experience, I feel so other. I was also pleased to meet ANPR
Editor Bill Halainen, WASO
pumped and ready to get back to work." members from the Mid-Atlantic Regional
Proofreading Mary Maruca, WASO
What is the value of a mini or area office. I found this a great way to get to
Advertising Jon Anglin, GOGA
rendezvous? I think that portion of one of know folks in my region, and discuss com- Mail Room Mylea Wade, NASAR
the laws of physics which goes something mon goals and concerns. I would recom-
Everything Else Cathy Halainen, WASO
like "objects in motion tend to stay in mo- mend it highly to other regions considering
this smaller format. Sections:
tion" also applies to organizations, ANPR
Washington Bill Lienesch, NPCA
in particular. I always feel better about I think ANPR still has an image pro- In Print Rick Mossman, WRST
myself, ANPR and the Service after at- blem with some employees in the National Rendezvous Jeff Ohlfs, HOSP
tending a rendezvous. I think these mini or Park Service. By offering training as an ad- Seasonal Surveys Barb Maynes, OLYM
area rendezvous tend to keep ANPR "in ditional option and providing the quality Professional Ranger:
motion." As our friend turned to leave, I workshops and speakers evidenced at the • Interpretation Bob Fudge, INDE
caught myself asking "how can we do it Williamsburg rendezvous, we will continue • Protection Bill Supernaugh, FLETC
better next time?" to demonstrate that ANPR is a legitimate • Emergency
and active force dedicated to helping em- Services Bill Pierce, DETO
Brion Fitzgerald ployees of the National Park Service. • Resource
Assateague Island Management Bob Krumenaker, ISRO
Thanks again to everyone who volun-
teered their time for this enjoyable event.
Cover: Photo montage by Diana Adams.
Charlie Strickfaden
Fort Necessity
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
2RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
RANGER
•&-. ^^^ The Journal of ihe Association of Notional Park Rangers
President's Message
Once again, the past few months have
form of internal organization in ANPR so
as to better spread the workload. As we are
currently structured, there is no one on the
board of directors (save the past president
Vol. VI, No. 3 Summer 1990 been exciting times. And the Association of
National Park Rangers has been squarely and secretary/treasurer) who represents
Ranger is a publication of the in the middle of the action. the broad interests of the Association. All
Association of National Park Rangers, an Elsewhere in this issue, you will read other board members are geographical
organization created to communicate for, of the oversight hearings on personnel and representatives.
about, and with park rangers; to promote employee issues facing federal land man- This makes it difficult, if not mostly
and enhance the park ranger profession agement agencies which were conducted impossible, for the president to delegate
and its spirit; to support management and jointly by the House Subcommittees on Association-wide issues or work loads to
the perpetuation of the National Park Ser- National Parks and Public Lands and Civil anyone on the board. As a result, the presi-
vice and the National Park System; and to Service. Along with other employee and dent personally handles virtually all ANPR
provide a forum for social enrichment. professional organizations and the agencies business, or delegates tasks to individuals
In so meeting these purposes, the As- themselves, ANPR was invited to appear outside the board. This results in a loss of
sociation provides education and other and presented oral and written testimony. ownership of Association business by the
training to develop and/or improve the Perhaps the major effect of this testimony board. It also means that the president is
knowledge and skills of park rangers and was the opportunity this hearing afforded devoting 20-plus hours per week to ANPR
those interested in the profession; pro- us to get copies of the economic hardship business, a considerable commitment for
vides a forum for discussion of common survey in the hands of members of Con- anyone considering running for that office.
concerns of park rangers; and provides in- gress serving on those two subcommittees. There is much Association business
formation to the public. Since last year, when the Association which, by necessity, must remain the pur-
The membership of ANPR is com- actively sought special pay to alleviate re- view of the president. However, a con-
prised of individuals who are entrusted cruitment and retention problems among siderable amount of ANPR's routine busi-
with and committed to the care, study, ex- park rangers in high cost of living areas, ness could be accomplished by someone
planation and/or protection of those 763 park rangers in the Boston, New York, else representing the total membership or
natural, cultural and recreational re- Philadelphia and San Francisco metropoli- specific functions. Therefore, I suggest that
sources included in the National Park tan areas have received special pay in- the Association would be well served to
System, and persons who support these creases. These pay increases averaged consider an organizational structure which
efforts. about $3,200 per annum. would give future presidents some flexibili-
Also, for the first time since the new ty in delegating some of the necessary but
Submissions
GS-025 park ranger standard was issued in more mundane work of the Association.
Letters and manuscripts should be
sent to Bill Halainen, Editor, Ranger, 640 1985, there are more GS-7 park rangers In this regard, I urge all ANPR mem-
North Harrison Street, Arlington, VA than there are GS-5 park rangers. This is bers to carefully review the proposal made
22205 (703-522-4756). Prospective due in large part to good position manage- by Hal Grovert and Bill Halainen at the last
ment on the part of managers and super- Rendezvous. That proposal is contained on
authors must contact the editor before
visors as well as effective use of classifica- page 21 of this issue of Ranger. This pro-
submitting articles. All submissions
tion supplements. The average pay increase posal will be discussed in more detail at
should be typed and double-spaced.
as a result of these upgrades is $2,700 per Ranger Rendezvous XIV in Las Vegas. Be
Change of Address
annum. prepared to offer alternative suggestions at
If you're moving, please send a The national park ranger museum the Rendezvous — or give your thoughts to
change of address card either to the editor project at Norris Soldier Station in Yellow- your regional representative if you cannot
(address above) or to Debbie Gorman, stone is underway. The Williamsport Pre- attend.
Business Manager, P.O. Box 307, Ganse- servation Training Center has agreed to do
voort, NY 12831. the architectural and engineering design
Advertising work for the building rehabilitation, and
Rates and specifications are available Harper's Ferry Center is beginning exhibit
for advertising in Ranger. Interested par- planning and design. The goal is to have
ties should contact Jon Anglin, Box 265, the museum completed so it can be dedi-
Novato, CA 94948 (415-898-0476). cated on the 75th anniversary of the estab-
lishment of the National Park Service. As
you know, ANPR is committed to raising
funds for the exhibits; a major fund raising
Table of Contents effort is now underway in the private sector
Letters 2 using a volunteer (to ANPR) but very pro-
President's Message 3 fessional fund raiser. The goal is to raise
$250,000, and we now have $22,000 in
ANPR Actions 4
various ranger museum accounts. If you
Legislative Actions 5
have ideas or contacts regarding potential
All in the Family 6
donors to the museum, please contact
Robert McGhee 7
Maureen Finnerty (Olympic) immediately
Endangered Rangers 8 so we can follow up.
Looking Back 20
Common Ground 21 On a different note, it is clear to me
The Professional Ranger 22 that after 2Vi years serving as your presi-
Rendezvous XIV 24 dent that there needs to be some other
Board Member Reports 26
Committee Reports 29
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
3RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
summary judgement. A trial always re- CSRS and FERS coverage rests with the
ANPR Actions mains a possibility. Office of Personnel Management (OPM)
The case preparation continues to cost and the Department, respectively, we an-
Economic Hardship Survey money. Those of you who stand to benefit ticipate that some positions may be recom-
Early in March, the Association was from a favorable decision for ANPR and mended for coverage.
contacted and asked to testify at a joint who have not as yet contributed your fair "We have already obtained coverage
hearing which was to be held in April on share should do so now so that the Associa- approval from OPM on a core group of
personnel issues affecting rangers in the tion will have the financial resources firefighting (FIREPRO) positions and for
NPS, USFS and BLM. The hearing was necessary to carry this complaint through nine standardized 'benchmark' positions
held before the Interior and Insular Affairs to successful completion. that the Fire Management Office has estab-
Subcommittee on National Parks and Meanwhile, ANPR has received a re- lished, as well as almost 20 other firefighter
Public Lands and the Post Office and Civil ply to its letter to the NPS (see the spring is- positions. The process of reviewing law en-
Service Subcommittee on the Civil Service. sue of Ranger, page 4) urging the Service to forcement positions that do not have stan-
Association President Rick Gale flew move forward quickly in its assessment of dardized position descriptions is more com-
to Washington to present ANPR's testi- which positions Servicewide will qualify for plex and will require substantially more
mony. At the request of the Subcommittee coverage in the future: time.
on National Parks and Public Lands, 100 "Thank you for your letter dated "For your information, several re-
bound copies of the economic hardship March 10, 1990, in which you expressed the views of law enforcement positions in the
survey were also printed and made concern of the Association of National past resulted in no position being identified
available to the subcommittees, the media Park Rangers (ANPR) regarding the Na- for coverage recommendation. We are
and other witnesses at the hearing. tional Park Service's approach with respect making another comprehensive review. In
Much of the testimony on the Na- to enhanced retirement benefits for fire- the event that a position is determined to be
tional Park Service appears elsewhere in fighters and law enforcement officers. either a primary or secondary law enforce-
this issue. Also testifying at the hearing "As you have stated in your letter, the ment or firefighter position, the incumbent
were Leonard Kline, an associate director Service is beginning to adjudicate over will, of course, be notified. As in the case
at OPM; William Rice, deputy chief of the 1,000 requests from individuals who have of FIREPRO positions, the Service will
Forest Service; Cy Jamison, director of filed claims for enhanced annuity coverage make appropriate decisions with respect to
BLM; Max Peterson, executive vice presi- for past service. We are giving this process position management, recruitment, reas-
dent of the International Association of our priority attention. Concurrent with this signments and other personnel manage-
Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Dr. William process, we are reviewing the positions that ment actions.
Banzhaf, executive vice president of the these employees now occupy to determine "We appreciate your interest and trust
Society of American Foresters; George whether an agency recommendation for that this information will allay your con-
Lea, president of the Public Lands Foun- coverage is appropriate. This is an ongoing cerns about the Service's approach to the
dation; James Pierce, president of the Na- process. Although the final decision for issue of enhanced retirement benefits."
tional Federation of Federal Employees;
and Ray Housely, Washington represen-
tative of the Society for Range Manage- Enhanced Annuity Retirement: An Important Notice
ment.
All ANPR members who recently subsequent years until the position the in-
filed for individual coverage for enhanced dividual occupies is designated as a
Twenty-Year Retirement annuity retirement benefits need to care- covered position or until the individual
The Association recently brought to fully consider the following information: completes 20 years of covered service.
the attention of U.S. District Judge John- The regulation governing enhanced The important point is that the servicing
son the fact that OPM had failed to file an annuity retirement, 5 CFR 831.909(e), office must receive each subsequent filing
answer to our complaint. The attorney for currently mandates that: "After Septem- no later than one year from the previous
OPM was also reminded. We now expect ber 30, 1989, coverage in a position or year's filing. Clearly, this suggests that it
an answer from them no later than mid- credit for service will not be granted for a is in each individual's best interest to keep
June. period greater than one year prior to the carefully documented records of all fil-
Following the answer to our com- date that the request from an individual is ings and receipts of filings.
plaint, the full administrative record will be received by the employing agency, the ANPR suggests that the filing for the
provided to OPM. This administrative re- agency where past service was performed, period 9-30-89 through 9-30-90 be a
cord will contain the rationale used by or OPM." stand-alone filing. This means a new nar-
OPM in promulgating the administrative Simply stated, that means that each rative for the period in question, includ-
regulations regarding enhanced annuity re- and every individual who filed for en- ing backup documentation of training
tirement for firefighters and law enforce- hanced annuity retirement prior to Sep- and experience records, personnel ac-
ment officers. This should be produced in tember 30, 1989, and who is in the same tions, position descriptions (if applicable)
July. position or in any other position which and affidavits. In other words, this filing
Once we have received and reviewed has not been designated as a covered posi- should be as complete as that for any
the administrative record, we will enter into tion for terms of enhanced annuity retire- other documented position previously
the discovery phase through the develop- ment, must file a request for individual filed.
ment and filing of interrogatories to OPM coverage for the period 9-30-89 through ANPR recognizes that this is an
officials as well as requesting the produc- 9-30-90. This must be received by the ser- onerous task, but it is also a necessary
tion of documents. Depositions of OPM ving personnel office no later than one to ensure each individual's continued
officials may also be taken during this 9-30-90. Failure to do so may well jeopar- request for enhanced annuity retirement
phase. The discovery phase should be com- dize the individual's claim for continued benefits coverage. In this regard, ANPR
pleted by late fall. coverage, resulting in a break in service has urged the National Park Service to
Based on discovery, the case will in all from covered duties and invalidating sub- expeditiously recommend positions
likelihood be decided on cross motions for sequent requests for coverage. qualifying for coverage, as contrasted
This same process must be used in with individual applications for coverage.
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
4RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Ranger In Space Legislative Actions
At the Rendezvous in 1988, the As- by the inspector general. While the inspec-
sociation hammered out the final version tor general's audit focused on fees paid the
Bill Lienesch
of its "Towards 1993" work plan. One concessioners, it did examine some other is-
NPCA
point of the plan stated the following: sues as well. The major conclusion of the
"Pursue an agreement between NASA and Congress has been very active on report is that the National Park Service did
the NPS to put a ranger in space in 1991." several pieces of legislation this session. not receive adequate franchise fees from
Although this raised some amusing discus- The Interior Appropriations Subcommit- the larger concessioners and, as a result, is
sions at the time about how much time tees have completed hearings on the pro- losing about $20 million per year. Several
rangers already spend in space, the Asso- posed NPS budget for FY 1991. Much of issues were discussed at the hearing, in-
ciation has pursued this as a significant way the questioning at the hearings had to do cluding ways in which the fees could go
to recognize rangers. with specific issues at individual parks. back to the Service rather than to the
Accordingly, Rick Gale has sent the There was quite a bit of interest in the con- general treasury. Representative Vento in-
following letter to the chairman of the eval- struction and maintenance budgets. The dicated that the oversight hearing was an
uation committee of NASA's Space Flight Administration has proposed a 50% cut in initial hearing and that his subcommittee
Participation Program: the construction budget and, based on the will continue work on concessions issues.
"The Association of National Park questions asked in the hearings, it is likely
Rangers requests consideration by your that at least a large portion of this cut will
committee to have a national park ranger be restored. The Park Ranger's Guide to the Federal
fly as the third space flight participant on a The Senate concluded its considera- Criminal Code is a pocket-sized, quick refer-
tion of the Clean Air Act amendments in ence which unifies into one book all the Federal
space shuttle mission as the ranger in space laws relevant to the National Park Service. This
project. April. The Senate package authorizes pocket book will enable every Park Ranger.
"Among other things, the Association funds for the further study of visibility pro- Park Naturalist, Park Technician and Park
of National Park Rangers (ANPR) is blems in Class 1 national parks and es- Guide to carry a legal reference in a pocket,
chartered . . . to promote and enhance the tablishes regional commissions to make re- briefcase, glove box or citation holder for use in
commendations for improving visibility in the field. The comb binding and sturdy covers
park ranger profession and its spirit... In will make this a useful and tough companion
so meeting that purpose, the Association these parks. The House passed its Clean
provides education to develop and improve
the knowledge and skills of park rangers
Air bill in late May. Thanks to the efforts
of Congressman Ron Wyden, the bill con- *+*
and those interested in the profession and tains strong measures to improve the sec- Park Ranger's
provides information to the public. tions of the Clean Air Act dealing with Guide
"ANPR adopted in 1988 as one of its parks and wilderness areas. The En- to the
long range goals the park ranger in space vironmental Protection Agency would be
required to promulgate regional haze regu- Federal Criminal
project. We believe that park rangers
lations within two years of enactment of Code
possess the unique skills necessary to ex-
the final legislation. The two bills now go
press and interpret the program. Since the
to a conference committee to work out the
$6.95
first campfire in 1870, park rangers have
been giving campfire programs, educa- differences between them. Please send me copy(ies) of Park Ranger's
Guide to the Federal Criminal Code by Kernes &
tional programs and guided tours to people The Senate has held a hearing on legis- Birkland at 36 95 each. + S & H.
of the world, communicating natural pro- lation to establish Weir Farm National His-
cesses and historic events, people and toric Site in Connecticut. Both the Senate Name Send lull remittance or
places. There is not a unit of the National and the House have concluded hearings on purchase order lo
Park _ Justice Systems
Park System which does not devote some legislation to establish Petroglyphs Na- P.O. Box 2852
interpretive program to the stars and outer tional Monument. The House added a Address Port Angeles,
space. Based on past experience, a national 5,500 acre expansion of Pecos National WA 98362
(206) 457-0590
park ranger would be a logical choice to Monument to the Petroglyphs bill. The message phone
communicate the experiences of manned legislation is expected to pass in June. City
spaced flight and activities to the public. Congress is also working on boundary
State Zip
"We request that you send us any expansions at other parks, including Get-
Book(s) at 36.95 each S .
pertinent application procedures. We tysburg and Indiana Dunes. The House has Add 31.25 per book for
would welcome the opportunity to supply also completed hearings and committee ac- shipping & handling 3
tion on legislation to require the NPS to WA State Residents
any specific information you might require add 7.8% sales tax 3 .
to make a favorable determination for a "conduct systematic and comprehensive
ranger in space project and would be happy reviews of the boundaries of units of the TOTAL AMOUNT 3 .
to work with your committee to establish National Park System." Under this legisla-
eligibility and selection requirements. tion, the Service will develope criteria for
"A park ranger in space would be a boundary studies and will examine at least
tribute and an honor for all park rangers — 25 park boundaries over the next three
past, present and future. Thank you for years. The parks chosen are to have the
your considerations." highest priority and are to be representative
of boundary issues.
In late May, Representative Vento,
chairman of the National Parks and Public
Lands Subcommittee, held an oversight
hearing on park concessions. The hearing
focused on the recently completed report
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
5RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Shirley Hoh — from GS-7 park ranger, John Stobinski — from park ranger,
All in the Family Homestead, to GS-9 district ranger, Canyon de Chelly, to same, Petrified
Theodore Roosevelt. Forest.
All submissions must be either typed
Beth Houseman — from fish and wildlife Charlie Strickfaden — from seasonal park
or printed and should include the author's
technician, Texas Parks and Wildlife ranger, Denali, to permanent park
return address and/or phone number.
(Coastal Fisheries Branch), to GS-5 per- ranger, Fort Necessity.
Send to: Editor, Ranger, 640 N. Harrison
manent park ranger (interpretation), Schelle Williams — from administrative
St., Arlington, VA 22205. If you are mov-
Big Thicket. technician, Petrified Forest, to admini-
ing and also changing your address, please
Kerry Isensee — from chief, interpretation strative officer, Capital Reef.
include past and present addresses. These
will be forwarded to the business manager, and resource management, Wilson's Departures
who maintains the list of current addresses. Creek, to chief ranger, Petrified Forest. Robert Anderson — from GS-5 park
Theresa Flynn Jung — from GS-7 lead ranger (visitor protection), Manassas, to
We're also interested in reports of up- park ranger (protection), Edison, to
coming social gatherings or reunions of GS-5/7 park ranger, Wichita Moun-
GS-9/11 chief of interpretation and re- tains NWR, US Fish and Wildlife Ser-
NPS employees. Please limit your entry to source management, same.
a few sentences and give the name, phone vice. Address: Rt. 1, Indiahoma, OK
Melody Krueger — from GS-5 park ranger,
number and/or address of someone who Lori Bowman — from park ranger,
Petrified Forest, to GS-7 park ranger,
can be contacted for further information. Petrified Forest, to assistant director,
Death Valley.
Thanks to Phyllis Cremonini of Petri- Petrified Forest Natural History
Connie Latham — from park ranger, Pet-
fied Forest for sending in a thorough listing Association.
rified Forest, to same, Temple Bar Dis-
of recent personnel actions in her neighbor- Hans Erdman — from VIP, St. Croix
trict, Lake Mead.
hood. Why not take a minute to let us Riverway, to park ranger (law enforce-
Kathy Mauler — from GS-5 park ranger
know what's going on in your park? ment), Dakota County (MN) Parks
(visitor protection), Boston, to same,
Department.
Sandy Hook, Gateway. Address: P.O.
Transfers Randy Griffin — from GS-7 park
Box 502, Sandy Hook, NJ 07732.
ranger, (025), Rocky Knob District, to
Karen Ball — from supervisory park Phone: (201) 291-3455.
GS-9 park ranger (1801), Bureau of
ranger, Santa Monica Mountains, to Paul McLaughlin — from GS-9 super- Land Management, Areata Resource
same, Petrified Forest. visory park ranger, Yellowstone, to Area. Address: 1125 16th St., Areata,
Joan Blais — from GS-5 park ranger, Pin- GS-9 resource management specialist, CA 95521 (707) 822-7648.
nacles, to GS-7 park ranger (law en- Lake Clark. Address: Lake Clark Na-
Ralph Satterberg — from park ranger,
forcement), Grand Canyon. tional Park and Preserve, Fort Als-
Everglades, to forestry technician (in-
Robert Blais — from seasonal WG-5 main- worth, AK 99653.
telligence coordinator), Northwest
tenance laborer, Pinnacles, to GS-5 per- Roger Moder — from GS-9 subdistrict Coordination Center, Portland, OR.
manent park ranger (structural fire- ranger, Wahweap, Glen Canyon, to
fighter), Grand Canyon. GS-11 assistant chief ranger, Big Bend. Reunions
Gary Cummins — from superintendent, Address: P.O. Box 75, Big Bend, TX • This year marks the 25th anniver-
Cabrillo, to same, Petrified Forest. 79834. sary of the establishments of Delaware
Ken Davis — from GS-5 park ranger (in- Paige Ritterbusch — from park ranger, Water Gap. Reunion events are being plan-
terpretation and law enforcement), Santa Monica, to subdistrict ranger, ned for the weekend of August
Barateria, Jean Lafitte, to GS-7 park Saguaro. 31-September 1. If you'd like more infor-
ranger (law enforcement), Great Dave Roberts — from GS-7 park ranger mation, send your name and address to
Smokies. (chief of interpretation and resource Patti Sullivan, Delaware Water Gap NRA,
Ann Doherty — from cooperative student, management), Tonto, to GS-9 chief River Road, Bushkill, PA 18324. Please
Humboldt, to park ranger, Petrified ranger, Black Canyon of the Gunnison. pass the word on to other DEWA alumni.
Forest. Dave's address: P.O. Box 2098, Mon- • The E&AA Biannual Reunion will
Catie Fenn — from GS-5 park ranger, Fort trose, CO 81402. be held from September 10th to the 14th at
Smith, to GS-7 park ranger (interpreta- Ginny Rousseau — from park ranger (in- Glacier/Waterton Lake, Glacier Park, Inc.
tion and fee collection), same. Address: structor), Albright Training Center, to at East Glacier is now taking reservations.
915 S. 22nd St., Fort Smith, AR 72901. chief, Division of Ranger Activities, All employees of the NPS are eligible for
Ken Garvin — from GS-11 district North Atlantic Regional Office. membership in E&AA, and this reunion is
ranger, Everglades, to GS-12 chief Cheryl Sands — from GS-4 lead park for all employees and alumni.
ranger, Chattahoochee River. ranger (fee collection), Everglades, to • There'll be a reunion of rangers
Glenn Gossard — from park ranger, Glen GS-5 park ranger (dispatch), Sequoia/ who worked at Colonial from 1975 to 1980
Canyon, to supervisory park ranger, Kings Canyon. in Gettysburg on Saturday, September 15.
Petrified Forest. Caroll J. Schell — from resource For further information, call John An-
Jack Gossett — from park ranger (law management specialist, NCRO, to drews at (717) 334-0324.
enforcement, resource management and supervisory resource management
interpretation), Natchez Trace, to park Missing Persons
specialist, Great Smokies.
ranger (law enforcement and park Colette M. Schlinkmann — from GS-5 We've lost touch with the following
medic), Wahweap, Glen Canyon. seasonal park ranger, Rocky Mountain, members. The addresses given are the last
Norman D. Hellmers — from GS-12 super- to GS-4 permanent fire program clerk, ones we have on file. If you know where
intendent, Lincoln Boyhood, to GS-13 same. Her phone: (303) 586-5437. they are, please have them contact Debbie
superintendent, Lincoln Home. Ad- Marten Schmitz — from park ranger, Gorman or this magazine:
dress: 413 South 8th Street, Springfield, Jean Lafitte, to same, Petrified Forest. • Kristen Momberger, Skaneateles, NY
IL 62701. Carol E. Sperling — from GSA park • Eugene Wesloh, Beaumont, TX
John Hill — from park ranger (perma- ranger, Casa Grande Ruins, to GS-5 • Lee Phipps, Yellowstone NP, WY
nent), Petrified Forest, to park ranger park ranger, Big Bend. • James Packard, Vancouver, WA
(seasonal), Shenandoah. • Paul Jensen, Hinsdale, IL
• Alan Barton, Seattle, WA
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
6RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Robert Lewis McGhee, Jr.
December 29, 1939 - May 26, 1990
On the morning of May 26, 1990, an
unimaginable chain of events caused the
paths of Ranger Robert McGhee and two
escaped convicts to cross. How the contact
occurred or exactly what happened is un-
clear; however, in a matter of seconds the
second ranger to be killed in the line of
duty in the recent history of the National
Park Service had been shot.
Before coming to the Park Service in
1975, Bob served his country as a Naval
Seabee with two tours of duty in Vietnam.
After retiring from the Navy, he joined
Gulf Islands National Seashore as the
YACC supervisor, and served in that capa-
city until 1981. He was a positive influence
to the many young people who attended
the YACC camp at Gulf Islands. Bob then
transfered to the protection division. He at-
tended FLETC class number 9PT-202 in
1982.
The two loves in his life were his fami-
ly and his job. He approached both with Bob McGhee (above) explains a law enforcement ranger's duties to a junior ranger group at
equal enthusiasm. Gulf Island's boat dock in an August, 1988, session of the park's "Meet A Ranger" pro-
Bob maintained a quiet home life and gram. Photo by Gulf Islands NS.
spent most of his free time caring for his
family. In recent months his attention was Rangers carry McGhee's coffin (below) to its final resting place following the funeral in
focused on his intense desire to do every- Ocean Springs. Photo by David Purdy, The Sun-Daily Herald, Biloxi, Mississippi.
thing possible to spoil his only grandchild,
Trey.
Bob was much like any other ranger at
Gulf Islands. He always came to work early
and left late. He would not take sick or an-
nual leave if it meant operations or others
would be negatively affected. Bob could
repair an outboard motor or give an in-
terpretive talk with equal ease. He kept his
radio on 24 hours a day and was always
concerned with the well-being of his fellow
employees. The two qualities that set him
apart from othrs were his uncanny ability
to always be neat and clean, even in 100
degree weather and high humidity, and the
fact that he never asked anything from the
Service — a promotion, a transfer or train-
ing.
The employees at Gulf Islands who
knew and worked with Bob will be affected
for a long time by his senseless death. He
will be remembered not just because he was
a fellow employee, but because he was a
friend.
Bob Thomas
Mississippi District Ranger
Gulf Islands
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
7RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Endangered Rangers: mony will be presented in this issue. Three
statements will be reproduced in their en-
I look forward today to learning more
about the issues these agencies and their
The House Hearing tirety — those given by Rick Gale, Director
Ridenour and Bill Lienesch — and key
employees face. I welcome the testimony
that will help the Forest Service, Park Ser-
on the Future passages will be extracted from the
testimony offered by others. These
vice and Bureau of Land Management and
their employees best finish this century and
of Rangers statements are not presented in the order
they were given at the hearing.
enter into the next one.
On April 5, 1990, Rep. Bruce Vento A qualifying comment is in order be- Chairman Sikorski's
(D-MN), chairman of the Interior and In- fore beginning. Although the Association Opening Comments
sular Affairs Subcommittee on National had hoped to address a wide variety of is- Over the past couple of years,
Parks and Public Lands, and Gerry Sikor- sues, the restraints placed on the length of members of the Civil Service Subcommit-
ski (D-MN), chairman of the Post Office text — five double-spaced pages — meant tee have heard a familiar tune — the
and Civil Service Subcommittee on the that it was necessary to focus on three key federal government must be prepared for a
Civil Service, held a joint hearing to review issues — pay, housing, and revisions to the changing society with changing demo-
personnel issues affecting rangers in the 025 series. As it turned out, other witnesses graphics. The Office of Personnel Manage-
National Park Service, Forest Service, and presented testimony that was considerably ment, the Volcker Commission, the Merit
Bureau of Land Management. longer in length. If we had to do it again, Systems Protection Board and others have
This hearing, which came about partly we would have included comments on all found problems with the federal govern-
as a result of ANPR's publicizing of 20-year retirement, seasonal and dual- ment's current personnel system as it
rangers economic hardship in these pages career issues, agency budgetary problems, moves towards the problems and
last summer, examined current conditions and other pressing concerns. Please be as- challenges of the 21st century.
and morale of the agencies' personnel and sured that ANPR's commitment to resolv-
Among the most serious problems are:
the agencies' efforts to help their em- ing these problems is as strong now as it has
• the inability of agencies to recruit and re-
ployees and managers adapt to the rapidly been in the past.
tain qualified, competent employees;
changing conditions land managing agen- • the under-representation of women and
cies face today. Chairman Vento's minorities in several agencies;
In his comments to the press before Opening Comments • the aging of our workforce;
the hearing, Rep. Vento was forthright Today, in conjunction with the Sub- • the ever increasing public/private sector
about the problems that had aroused the committee on the Civil Service, we are pay gap; and
subcommittees' concern. holding an oversight hearing on personnel • increasing technological demands.
"The rangers who protect this issues facing the Bureau of Land Manage-
Today, we have the opportunity to
nation's public lands are themselves en- ment, the National Park Service, and the
hear about these and other concerns from
dangered by inadequate support and politi- Forest Service. All three agencies face chal-
America's three natural resource manage-
cal interference at a time when these agen- lenges in having a work force that matches
ment agencies: the National Park Service,
cies face enormous challenges in the next the diverse demands on them.
the Bureau of Land Management, and the
decade," he said. "We must make sure As you know, I am very concerned United States Forest Service. These agen-
that these professionals receive strong sup- about the protection of our nation's cies are charged with the responsibility of
port if they are to protect our nation's natural and cultural resources in the public preservation, conservation, and develop-
natural and cultural resources properly. lands and parks. I am also concerned about ment of America's great natural and his-
"The people charged with protection the people who protect those parks and toric resources, including over 600 million
and management of this nation's heritage public lands — the employees of these acres of land, nearly 30 percent of the total
— its parks, forests, public lands and the three land managing agencies. I want a land base in the United States.
wilderness, from the California desert to close match between the needs of the re-
sources and the capabilities of the em- These responsibilities demand compe-
the Statue of Liberty — are stretched to tent, patriotic, dedicated, and hard work-
their limits. Our nation's resources are ployees. A major focus of this hearing
should be how we prepare agency work ing employees. Personnel in these agencies
threatened by inadequate numbers of must work together with their fellow
employees who are often inadequately paid forces to perform the increasingly complex
job of resource management. federal employees, with state and local
and who are often inadequately trained." governments, private sector businesses and
Called to testify at the five-hour-long I also want a close match between the industries, advocates, and the general pub-
hearing were a dozen witnesses, including needs of the employees and the response of lic, who use, relish and really own in trust
five from or related to the National Park the agencies. As the work force changes the land the public servants manage each
Service — Rick Gale, president of this and as it becomes more diverse, it brings and every day and night of the year.
Association; James Ridenour, director of different strengths and issues that need to
As we will see today, these agencies
the National Park Service; Bill Lienesch, be considered.
are facing difficult personnel problems.
director of NPCA; Gene Scoville of the I am concerned that instead of the in- For example, pursuant to a consent decree,
Service's Education Trust Fund; and Dr. creasingly professional and scientific work the Forest Service must increase the num-
Polly Kaufman of the University of Massa- force that these agencies need, we are get- ber of women and minorities in one of its
chusetts, whose studies of women rangers ting a less qualified one. I am also concern- western regions. And while the urban
have appeared in past issues of Ranger. ed that in some cases employees are subsid- eastern parks of the National Park Service
Written testimony was also accepted from izing the agencies with their low pay and face high turnover, low pay grades, and
George Durkee of the Alliance of National poor living conditions. I want to see that limited advancement opportunities, the
Park Rangers and Firefighters and Mike both resources and employees are properly employees of the national parks in the
Sutton, a former park ranger and Fish and treated by the agencies. The resources and western states have better pay grades, lower
Wildlife special agent who now works for the people are too important to do other- turnover, and better career advancement
the World Wildlife Fund. wise. I do not want the rangers who protect opportunities. The Bureau of Land Man-
Because of the importance of this these resources to be themselves en- agement has an aging work force, and is
dangered.
hearing, much of the NPS-related testi-
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
8RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
finding it increasingly difficult to recruit and they're responsible for assuring that The 500 responses received indicated
new management candidates from the visitors have a safe, enjoyable and educa- that the disparity between income and ex-
shrinking pool of natural resource manage- tional visit while they're there. And rangers penses for many rangers has made life in
ment professionals. are expected to be knowledgeable, court- various areas of the country exceedingly
As we rapidly approach the 21st Cen- eous, helpful and professional. difficult. The returned questionnaires
tury, the demands placed on the federal Like most other agencies, the National showed that, for many rangers, economic
government will become greater and great- Park Service moves employees to new loca- hardship means borrowing money to pay
er. With every law passed, every new com- tions regularly when they successfully com- for groceries or sharing shabby quarters
puter installed, every Iron Curtain falling pete for vacancies with new challenges and with others in order to meet the monthly
and foreign purchase of American land opportunities. Unlike most other land rent. It means expending all of their money
and resources, the demand for an Ameri- management agencies, the National Park on daily expenses, with no chance to save
can federal work force that is increasingly Service is responsible for managing many for their children or some day buy a home.
flexible, talented, and knowledgeable in- areas in high-cost metropolitan and resort It means living on such a thin margin that
creases. locations. Most lower-graded ranger posi- they cannot meet unforseen economic
Today, we welcome representatives of tions are in fact located in and around large emergencies. In short, the economic sur-
the Office of Personnel Management, the metropolitan areas. As of March, there vival of many park rangers is now
National Park Service, the United States threatened.
Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Man- In the conclusion of the economic
agement, and other interested individuals hardship report we made a number of re-
and associations who are here to help us commendations for actions which should
understand the problems facing our na- be undertaken to ameliorate this unaccep-
tion's three land management agencies. table situation. We would like to focus on
three of these today:
President Gale's Testimony
Chairman Vento and Chairman Sikor- Pay
ski, thank you for the opportunity to share Although rangers living in several
with you and other members of these sub- metropolitan areas — Boston, New York/
committes the thoughts of the Association New Jersey, Philadelphia and San Francis-
of National Park Rangers on the general co — have recently received special pay
matter of employee compensation and rates and the Service has improved grades
benefits. among some rangers (the number of
The Association of National Park rangers in grades GS-1 to 6 has dropped by
Rangers (ANPR), formed in 1977, is a pro- 497 since 1985 and the number in grade
fessional organization of approximately GS-7 has increased by 453 positions), the
1,600 National Park Service rangers from fact remains that ranger salaries still are not
all regions, grades and specialties. It is competitive with either the private sector or
neither a union nor a bargaining unit, but other agencies for similar work. Even with
an association formed to advance the pro- special pay, a GS-5/1 in New York City
fessional development of rangers, improve makes $20,000. At least one agency pro-
communications among rangers, and sup- vides their employees in New York as much
port the National Park Service and Na- money for housing allowances.
tional Park System. This situation can be remedied in two
Chairmen Vento and Sikorski, there ways — by increasing salaries and improv-
are approximately 120 threatened or en- ing grades. ANPR supports the recommen-
dangered plant or animal species within the dations made by the Volcker Commission
National Park System. These species, as regarding Civil Service pay. The Commis-
well as other irreplaceable natural and cul- sion "recommends.. .a pay-setting system
tural resources, are protected by another (in which) federal employees would con-
threatened species — the national park tinue to receive the same base pay for the
ranger. same job, but in large areas of the country
The National Park System is a re- . . . would also receive an allowance design-
markable collection of more than 350 ed to compensate for higher living costs
separate areas, and National Park Service and labor competition."
rangers are the protectors, explainers, hosts We do not support the Volcker Com-
and caretakers of this unique and extra- mission's contention that "a substantial
ordinary system. They are the United were 3,180 permanent rangers in the Ser- portion of the cost (of pay increases) can
States' representatives to the over 200 vice; of these, 1,593 (about half) were at and should be absorbed through existing
million people from this country and all grades GS-7 and below, and 825 were at personnel accounts..." Because many
over the world who visit our parks each grades GS-5 and below. parks now expend as much as 90% or more
year. During the past few years, ANPR has of their operating budgets for salaries and
Rangers are expected to answer ques- frequently heard reports of instances of other fixed costs, it is unrealistic to expect
tions and present programs to groups and economic hardship among its members and individual park areas to absorb pay in-
individuals at virtually every educational other rangers. To assess the scope and na- creases. In many cases, this would lead to
level. Rangers are expected to find you ture of these problems, ANPR conducted a elimination of park programs, reduction of
when you're lost, help you when you're survey of economic hardship among services, possible closures or cutbacks in
hurt, rescue you when you're stuck, and rangers throughout the Service in early existing staffing.
enforce the law when you or others can't 1989. A copy of the report prepared from
abide by it. Rangers are entrusted with the their responses has been provided to both
care of our cultural and natural treasures, your committees.
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
9RANGER: THE JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF NATIONAL PARK RANGERS
Professionalization of the year and report to Congress on its find- percent and more of their permanent
Park Ranger Occupation ings and recommendations. rangers each year.
This Association believes that the park Chairmen Vento and Sikorski, thank Times have changed. We are now in
ranger series should become a professional you for the opportunity to participate in an employment cycle influenced primarily
series, as defined by the Office of Person- this oversight hearing. I would be pleased by what has been called the "Baby Bust":
nel Management. This can be accomplish- to answer any questions. we face the fact that millions fewer citizens
ed in three incremental steps: are entering the labor market today, com-
1) Non-ranger positions — such as fee col- Director Ridenour's Testimony pared to the 1970's, and we face the reali-
lectors, dispatchers, guards, ushers, and The National Park Service is com- zation that those numbers will continue to
similar jobs better classified in more ap- prised of about 17,000 full time equivalent decline by Vi million per year throughout
propriate technical series — should be positions. The people who make up this most of this decade. Also, baccalaureate
classified out of the GS-025 park ranger Park Service "family" are employed in conferrals in the natural sciences have de-
series. over 250 different occupations. These em- clined by 30 percent over the past decade,
2) Benchmark position descriptions should ployees are responsible for the protection while those in business have increased by 50
be developed for the professional spe- of some of our nation's most significant percent, further decreasing our potential
cialties assimilated in the 025 series, in- natural and cultural resources. They are employee market. The Park Service must
cluding interpretation, resource and also charged with providing services, assis- compete in this shrinking market against
visitor protection, and cultural and tance and protection to the 200 million citi- employers who can offer significantly
natural resource management. zens of the world who visit national park higher starting salaries, and much better
units each year. Because of these dual re- career growth opportunities. Similar chal-
3) A positive education requirement
sponsibilities of resource protection and lenges are faced by agencies across the
should be instituted by which certain
visitor service, I personally feel the em- Federal government.
degrees in natural or cultural science
disciplines would be mandatory for ad- ployees of the National Park Service are Like many Federal agencies, the Park
mission into the 025 series. The full per- truly our most valuable resource. Service is losing its ability to compete,
formance journeyman grade level for However, the national parks are fac- especially for the pool of young, highly-
park rangers would be GS-9. ing serious challenges in the management qualified recent college graduates. In 1989,
of these vital human resources — chal- the Service hired 250 new park rangers —
ANPR recommends that the National
lenges shared by many agencies of govern- 60 percent were over the age of 30 at the
Park Service begin to take action on the time they were hired, and over 33 percent
first two steps immediately. ment but which are of particular concern to
land management agencies. lacked a four-year college degree. Among
Housing There was a time, about 15 years ago, those with degrees, only 50 percent held
National Park Service employees — when the Park Service was awash with ap- them in concentrations related to parks and
both in and out of park housing — are pay- plicants for our jobs. The nation's grass recreation management, history, and the
ing rents which are increasingly taxing their roots environmental and conservation natural and biological sciences. Our diffi-
financial resources. Federal law currently movements were burgeoning, and tremen- culty competing for new-hires is only one
prohibits agencies from providing housing dous interest was expressed in careers with- of the problems we are facing.
to offset low pay. ANPR therefore recom- in the natural sciences. Millions of baby- The aging of our work force is a seri-
mends that the following steps be taken: boomers were coming out of our colleges ous personnel management concern both
1) The National Park Service should be ex- and a nationwide recession was affecting for the present and as we move into the
empted from the regulations and laws the economy. During this same period, the 21st century.
concerning government-furnished National Park System was experiencing tre- Within the ranger series, currently 50
quarters and make the occupancy of mendous growth. Numerous advancement percent of our permanent park rangers are
such quarters by NPS employees a mat- opportunities were available to newly-hired over the age of 40, while fewer than 10 per-
ter of public interest to benefit the visi- employees. cent are under age of 30. The baby-boom
tor and the resource. If this option We could pick and choose from segment of our work force, those currently
proves unfeasible, an exemption from among many of the most competent and between the ages of 32 and 42, comprise
OMB Circular A-45 should be granted talented graduates coming out of our col- almost 50 percent of all rangers, and that
with the stipulation that the National leges and universities — employees with de- percentage is growing each year as we hire
Park Service charge rents not to exceed grees in the natural and biological sciences, far more baby-boomers than we lose.
the amount of money an employee history, and parks and recreation manage- Within the next decade, our average
would have to pay to a private mortgage ment. We regularly hired graduates with professional employee and our average
company to purchase a comparable bachelors and masters degrees for even our park ranger will both have been out of col-
house. lower-graded technician jobs — those with lege for almost 20 years. That's 20 years
2) The National Park Service should pro- no known career advancement potential. away from the cutting edge of technology
vide government quarters in high cost of The work force was young, vigorous, and in their respective disciplines. We anticipate
living urban and resort areas using exist- in possession of skills and education which that the Service will have to invest signifi-
ing authorities. were on the cutting edge of technology in cant sums of money over the next decade if
their respective disciplines. we are to maintain our current levels of
3) The National Park Service should be
It was practically unheard of during scientific (ability) and (as our management
directed to study the feasibility of pro-
the first years of the 1970's for an employee problems) increase in complexity.
viding a housing allowance for em-
ployees who do not live in government to leave a career as a park ranger, so un- An additional problem is that there
quarters similar to that authorized for usual, in fact, that rangers across the Ser- are so many baby-boomers among our
military personnel, with the difference vice all heard about it when someone did ranger work force that there will be hun-
that the allowance be inversely propor- resign. However, the establishment in the dreds of rangers who will retire from the
tional to pay. Because of the signi- late 1970's of new parks in and near high Service without ever having held a job
ficance and complexity of this issue, we cost urban areas changed this situation. By above grade GS-9. There are far greater
believe that the Service should be re- the end of the 80's, park units in proximity numbers of baby-boomer rangers than
quired to complete this study within one to large urban areas were often losing 20 there are positions above GS-9 in the
RANGER: SUMMER 1990
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