On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the importance of operating with a sense of urgency.

While urgency is often discussed as a function of time, as Phil explains, the term for park rangers should be viewed through intentionality. Like business leaders, park rangers should not reduce urgency to deadlines but enhance it through deliberation. More specifically, they must know their goals, be able to define pathways, and make differences within time restraints.

Per Phil’s experiences, operating with a sense of urgency is not about speed but action. Accordingly, if you understand urgency in a healthy way, chances are you’ll be able to move organizations forward and inspire your teams along the way.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of Park Leaders Show Phil Gaines joins me to talk about the changes in the recreation experience over the last few years. With the increase in crowds a ranger is a part of the park experience, possibly now more than ever. 

After a recent trip to Glacier National Park I noticed that there are a lot of people in our parks. It seems that the pandemic awoke something in people that helps them realize parks are where you go to recharge and rejuvenate. 

While many people visit state parks to feel connected to nature, as Phil explains, the park ranger is an integral part of the experience. Like Mickey Mouse at Disney World, the park ranger is more than a friendly face but an icon of park visitation.

Accordingly, as leaders of conservation and preservation, rangers should consider themselves just as much a part of the park landscape as the terrain and wildlife. Although attractions have their place, park leaders should not undermine their role amidst the little things. After all, what rangers say and how they interact with people can go a long way in defining a positive moment for the visitor.

Resources

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On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest Victor Bjelajac, Superintendent of California State Parks, joins the show to discuss the best ways to build tribal relationships.

With 14 tribes represented in his district, Victor is passionate about integrating different perspectives and worldviews from diverse backgrounds. Having recently overseen the first tribe operating a visitor center within a state park system, Victor hopes to inspire more parks to build relationships with local tribes and include them in leadership positions.

Granted, this is easier said than done given parks have a history of inadvertently marginalizing tribal voices through ignorance and negligence. Still, through influence and awareness, Victor hopes more park leaders will facilitate a trusting relationship with tribes by listening and engaging them in community events.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss influencers of conservation.

From Theodore Roosevelt, Rachel Carson, Aldo Leopold, Steven Mather, and John Muir to Gifford Pinchot, Henry David Thoreau, Horace Albright, George Hartzog, Bob Stanton, and Fran Mainella. the list of American park heroes is lengthier than we might think.

Still, while the vocations of these individuals cover a wide spectrum, as Phil explains, the common denominator among them is legacy. Despite pursuits ranging from politics and advocacy to liberal arts and poetry, the key objective for these influencers came down to awareness and sustaining momentum and movement together.

As Teddy Roosevelt once said, “There’s no bigger cause in our country today than conservation” - a reality ringing true today as much as it did over a hundred years ago.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss customer service for maintenance staff.

While many parks have training programs for new staff, developing cultures of customer care is a better alternative. As Phil explains, the key comes down to training versus education. With training, you’re conditioning personnel to behave within specified parameters; with education, you’re inspiring a team to focus on mission and purpose.

Granted, the difference may seem minor; however, the ramifications from operations and infrastructure to advocacy and retention can be significant.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, special guest Sara Milbourne, Park Ranger at Rocky Gap State Park, joins the show to discuss park leadership.

A Maryland Park Service Ranger and interpreter for almost two decades, Sara has a reputation for management and team building. Having pioneered dog-friendly initiatives and programs such as ‘Healthy Parks, Healthy People', Sara’s passion extends beyond maintenance and preservation into environmental justice and cultural experiences.

As she explains, supporting a team to do meaningful means creating opportunities to connect with marginalized communities. After all, the wonder of states parks should be enjoyed by everyone. Why not train aspiring rangers to spread the word in creative ways?

Resources

 www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the autonomy of state parks.

Back in the 1960s and 1970s, decision-making in state parks was centralized at headquarters resulting in cookie-cutter approaches to management; however, as Phil explains, recent trends have empowered authority at the local level. Since each park is unique, each state park should have the authority to make quick, high-impact decisions.

While headquarters should have a role in influencing outcomes, Phil believes if people on-site at field and regional levels are equipped to facilitate resolutions, state parks will benefit more in the long run.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guests Jonathan and Destry Jarvis, join the show to discuss their book, National Parks Forever: Fifty Years of Fighting and a Case for Independence.

Fusing experience with non-fiction, Jonathan and Destry unpack five decades of political tension involving state parks. Since 1972, conflicting perspectives in the Department of the Interior have hindered the role of the National Park Service. While some have contended the NPS should promote preservation and conservation, others have prioritized the economy, even privatization.

As the book explains, the history of Congress decisions and administration appointees have compromised the NPS’s ability to manage parks. Still, despite clashing opinions regarding park leadership, resources, and protective best practices, hope remains that parks can one day operate with more autonomy and independence.

To purchase the book, check out Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/National-Parks-Forever-Fighting-Independence/dp/0226819086.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss why parks should be financially sufficient. 

While a complex topic in execution, the bottom line for a park’s financial structure is simple: Each state park should be sufficient to maintain operating expenses including maintenance and personnel. As Phil explains, this implies independence in terms of need provision for visitors and staff and controlling the destiny of the park. 

Granted, any state park would benefit from a more business-minded approach to money management. The key for parks, however, is to accomplish this authentically by not sacrificing purpose in the name of business.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss why rangers should commit to their campaign hat.

While dress code is often a subjective topic, for park rangers, the uniform plays a valuable role. While badges have their place, as Phil explains, the campaign hat designates authority and captures an iconic legacy to tourists. If one is a ranger or park leader, it’s critical for visitors to know who they are as they explore and inquire.

As the campaign hat reminds us, an experienced park ranger should not only make their influence recognizable but also enhance the state park experience to diverse audiences.  

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/