"Focus on common objectives and goals, you can get to where you want to be without being divisive."

When people first enter the world of park management, they don't expect to be involved in politics. Yet, as time goes on it's not uncommon to find yourself at the center of political discussions on issues like land use and resource management. It is important to focus on governance rather than personal politics. Politics affects everyone in parks, from park rangers to directors.

Parks are deeply intertwined with politics at every level. The higher up in the system, the more one has to understand who they work for. Phil and I have found that it is best to navigate these situations by focusing on the core values of stewardship and service. It is important to stay true to your core values as a park person and have a strong ethical background. Compromise is critical when dealing with people of different ideas. It is also important to not lose sight of the primary responsibility – the preservation of the parks under your care.

As a park ranger, the focus should be on the protection of the property, not personal politics. It is important to build a good reputation and character to be able to influence decisions and advocate for the park's protection. By building strong relationships and a reputation for integrity you will be able to work effectively with politicians, advocating for the best interest of the parks and the people they serve.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

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

Episode Highlights

00:00:02 - The Politics of Parks 00:03:30 - Getting Involved in Politics 00:06:09 - Compromise and Common Goals 00:09:40 - Politics in Parks at Different Levels 00:15:02 - Importance of Separating Politics and Governance 00:17:24 - Personal politics vs. governance 00:19:21 - Understanding Director's Role 00:20:27 - Navigating Decisions 00:21:32 - Climate Change