"We were sent to Alaska to show the flag, explain why we were there, and make sure nobody got hurt. None of that was guaranteed."

Notable Moments

[00:04:26] Why the Alaska Ranger Task Force was formed [00:06:12] Establishing a ranger presence across 60 million acres [00:10:05] Hostility toward rangers on the ground [00:19:25] Aircraft sabotage and safety risks [00:24:22] Plane burned during task force operations [00:31:10] Defusing a tense confrontation in McCarthy [00:39:36] A landmark game case in Gates of the Arctic [00:46:53] Defining success: restraint and leadership

Walt Dabney recounts his experiences as part of the 1979 Alaska Ranger Task Force, a small group sent to establish a National Park Service presence following the proclamation of new national monuments. He shares stories of isolation, hostility, restraint, and leadership during a pivotal moment in public lands history.

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