Park Leaders Show : Park Ranger | National Park | State Park | Leadership

"When your mother was not setting expectation properly and yet was keeping you accountable, it felt unfair. You remember that. So take those learnings and apply them in the workforce..." – Valerie Cockerell The skills and experiences of motherhood translate into essential and effective leadership skills. Valerie Cockerell started to find similarities between the challenges of managing a park to the struggles of parenting. Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the valuable skills mothers acquire through managing a household, such as time management, conflict resolution, and crisis management. Her own experiences as both a mother and a leader within a global company have shaped her perspective on leadership. Feedback should be seen as a gift for growth or an opportunity to become better in our roles. Valerie emphasizes the distinction between judging character and changing behavior. She points out that many emerging leaders lack proper training, which can lead to difficulties for both them and their teams

"... they don't have to make conservation their top priority. So you combine those 2, and they are really doing some innovative things around camping." The increasing demand for camping in natural parks has impacted the future of camping. Companies are taking notice and working to proactively prepare for this growing interest. During this conversation, Donald Forgione joins to talk about camping trends and innovations and how it's evolving to meet the growing demand. There continues to a growing interest around camping in natural, state, and national parks. Industry leaders like KOA, Winnebago, and Airstream are collaborating to cater to this growing trend. Some less common camping concepts Donald and I discuss include urban and rooftop campgrounds. The camping landscape is ever evolving, and parks need to be able to anticipate the interests of their visitors. Something that should never be overlooked is the importance of inclusivity and ensuring access to parks for all individuals, irrespective of their back

"What you're doing is making a difference not only for this generation, but if you do it right, it's making a difference for future generations." Phil Gaines and I had the chance to record an episode together while attending the 2023 State Park Director's Conference at the Mormon State Historic Site in Genoa, Nevada. It was the perfect opportunity to discuss our experiences at the conference, with Phil sharing his unique perspective as a former park director now representing Clemson University. There are so many highlights from this conference that one episode may not be enough. For example, our session on disruptive renovation is a topic we are going to need to explore in a future episode. There are challenges in parks nationwide, with the top concern being recruitment and retention of employees. In this ever-changing world, parks have to find ways to stay relevant and stay ahead of the game. Some have tapped into the power of artificial intelligence to elevate the visitor experience. We can’t overlook the s

  Capacity is a big challenge for this generation, especially post-pandemic. We need to rethink how we get people into these special places while preserving their natural beauty and ensuring a meaningful and enjoyable experience. - Phil Gaines As national park attendance continues to increase, managing visitor numbers has become crucial. The pressure is on park officials to accommodate the influx, while ensuring a quality and safe experience for all. As a seasoned park ranger, Phil Gaines understands the importance of preserving the natural beauty and integrity of parks. He joins for a conversation about managing the capacity dilemma, because since the pandemic there has been an ongoing influx of visitors. Despite the challenges, workers have made notable efforts keeping the parks clean and the trails well-marked. However, as we dig into this even deeper it is quite disheartening to recognize the potential impact of overcrowding on the park's environment. There are a number of concerns in the parks such as

"The more interaction you have with nature, the healthier you are mentally and physically." - Dan Biederman Dan Biederman is an expert in urban redevelopment, who discovered a profound love for the outdoors at a young age. He dreamed of becoming a forest ranger, but lacked the scientific background. Instead, he found himself as a systems consultant in the heart of midtown Manhattan. A chance encounter with Bryant Park, a neglected public park in New York City, led him to his true calling; transforming neglected parks into community assets. His work showcases the potential for positive change in urban spaces. If you aren't familiar with it's history, Bryant Park was once a dangerous and underutilized space. Dan combined his knowledge of business and politics and undertook the task of transforming the space. Today, Bryant Park stands as a testament to his vision of a vibrant space among the concrete jungle. That area has become a beloved sanctuary for New Yorkers and is considered one of the best small parks i

  "I really wanted to tell the truth behind the beautiful scenery." In a world of rugged landscapes and unpredictable elements, park rangers and first responders face challenges that test their limits. Sometimes that work can include critical tasks such as searching for missing hikers. Andrea Lankford is a former National Park Service ranger who joins to share her insights on the importance of firefighting and law enforcement in parks.  Andrea's love for the outdoors lead her to study Forestry and Wildlife management at the University of Tennessee. She volunteered for the Forest Service for one summer and ended up going to the Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy in Silva, North Carolina. From there she was hired at Cape Padres National Seashore as seasonal law enforcement park rangers with the National Park Service. She fell in love with the job and ended up working for the Park Service for over a decade.  The opportunity to work in national parks like Zion, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, had Andrea face the th

"The exposure that assistant managers have to total park operations is tremendous." Managing a park isn't a one-person job. It's a combination of efforts from different individuals with the role of the assistant park manager quite significant. Phil Gaines and I explore the hidden challenges and crucial responsibilities they have. An assistant park manager has to understand how that park operates as a business to fully fulfill their role. Join our conversation about the wild world of park management, where the scent of adventure intertwines with the thrill of responsibility.  In this episode, you will: Discover the integral role an assistant park manager plays in maintaining the park's harmony and sustainability Realize the significance of establishing a strong relationship between the park manager and assistant manager for optimal park operations Uncover the complexities of an assistant park manager's duties and the strategies to navigate these challenges effectively Grasp the essence of the assistant park m

  "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 und

"The customer is rarely right, but they're always the customer." Phil Gaines joins to discuss the surge in misbehavior among park visitors after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of factors that could have caused this increase. One is the increase in new visitors who were not familiar with the park's rules and regulations. Like many places, there also seemed to be a lack of customer service focus among staff. Both of those combined creates the inherent difficulty in managing large crowds. This episode gives great reminders as to the importance of educating visitors about park etiquette. I love Phil's proactive approach to addressing potential issues. What ways are you addressing the concerns with visitor behavior before they have a chance to escalate? In this episode, we discuss: factors behind increased misbehavior in parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. the significance of educating visitors about park rules and regulations. responsibilities of park leaders in ensuring clean facili

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show I am joined by Donald Forgione, retired director of Florida state parks. Now I also get to welcome him as the host of the podcast, Tailgate Talks. Donald's diverse skillset made him a valuable asset among park professionals. As he shared his experiences and knowledge with others, he discovered a common thread among park rangers: they all possessed a deep sense of service and duty. With his podcast, Donald is going to be able to help even more people that are navigating the challenges of park management and the importance of ongoing learning and development. In this episode, you will: Recognize the crucial role of maintenance in effective parks management Tackle the difficult task of finding and retaining top-quality seasonal employees Appreciate the worth of third-party analysts in fostering productive dialogues Discover the wide-ranging skill sets of various park professionals Embrace the significance of continually evolving both personally and professionally The ep

"If you educate and train your employees on the very front end, it makes for so much better summer season." Spring is here and the parks are already starting to get busy with visitors. That is why it is important that you get your park ready for summer well in advance of their arrival. Part of taking the time to get the park ready includes making sure all the employees are trained and educated for a busy season. Iif you don't do the little things to prepare, the season could prove to be unmanageable and unfulfilling. Documenting your process and experience each year is critical to future success. The crew this year may not be there next year. How then will you tackle this monumental task of getting the parks ready? In this episode we talk about why it is important to: Implement strategies to prepare parks for the summer season based on past experiences. Recognize the significance of proper training and education for park employees to enhance their efficiency. Streamline park management by understanding how t

"Leadership is hard because it's a gray decision. It's not a black and white decision. You have to take a breath, take two steps back, and figure out what the objective is and why the resource is being protected in order to make the right decision." - Phil Gaines Phil Gaines recently attended the California Parks training conference. He joins this episode to share what he learned there as well as his wealth of experience in park management and viewshed protection. One unexpected experience for this self-proclaimed Southern boy accustomed to sunshine, was venturing to the snow-filled wilderness of California. However, it was there that he found an interesting issue in the parks between protecting a historic view shed or letting nature take its course. This is one of the latest compelling clashes between preservation and progress.   There were other impactful moments while he was at the conference including learning from park rangers from around the country and talking about the importance of friends groups an

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the ways parks can manage seasonal staff shortages. While park careers have their perks, the challenge of filling them is increasing in today’s climate. As Phil explains, recruiters are not only struggling to compete with other industry compensations but also to confirm interest from a remote audience. Since many park positions require onsite involvement, finding the right candidate can be arduous pending qualifications and willingness to relocate.  What then is the solution? While there’s no one-size, fit-all fix, in theory, scouts must embrace unorthodox means to reach their talent pool. From analytically driven social media job postings to community involvement, park recruiters must be willing to establish relationships from teachers and school children to parents and business leaders. Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/  

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Jody welcomes guest Daniel Selmi to discuss the rise of environmental law. Dan is a retired Professor at Loyola Law School and joins the show to discuss his new book, “Dawn at Mineral King Valley”. A Disney aficionado, Selmi discusses the inspiration behind the book and unpacks Disney’s struggle to build a ski resort in what is now Sequoia National Park. Amidst the legal battle between the Sierra Club and the National Park Service, Selmi discloses little-known facts about the ordeal culminating in a memorable Supreme Court ruling. Though the Sierra Club’s efforts would ultimately inhibit Disney’s ability to build the resort, with many environment lessons compacted within a single narrative, you’ll find Selmi’s storytelling and commentary compelling as he takes you back in time into a groundbreaking case study. Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleade

On this episode of Park Leaders Show Donald Forgione joins to discuss some of the biggest issues in parks in 2023. Resources www.parkleaders.com https://parkleaders.com/about/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Lori Modde, Founder & Managing Director of Lorick Management, joins the show discuss the balance of tourism and community development. As a community and economic development expert with over 25 years of experience, Lori has long been an advocate for national parks in Australia. Having started out as a marketing manager in the tourism industry, Lori’s business, Lorick Management, has worked on campaigns to encourage diversity and health within tourism since the mid 2000’s. Despite the pandemic, Lori believes the return to normality will require more commercial intentionality to not only motivate park participation but explore the financial benefits of promotion. For more information about Lori’s work, visit her website at https://womenintourism.com. Resources www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss public lands with special guest and nationally recognized historian, Clay Jenkinson. As an expert on Theodore Roosevelt’s life and presidency, Clay unpacks the dynamics surrounding Roosevelt’s exploration and conservation efforts. He also dissects the generational differences concerning the expectations of parks. For instance, when one talks about spiritual significance, Roosevelt’s definition is arguably more sacred than the modern-day interpretations due to how people perceive reverence and what constitutes a rejuvenation of the human spirit.  Either way, to be a better American, Clay suggests people understand what made this country what it is and advises park leaders to define public lands to include better technology for maximal engagement. While Roosevelt and his peers were compelled to pioneer accessibility, if the current populace is to appreciate iconic landmarks, there must be pathways for them to embrace that accessi

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss standard awareness in parks. Based on true stories, Jody and Phil discuss how parks should handle their facilities during financial hardships. Since one of the most important buildings in the park is the bathroom, park rangers must take care of maintenance matters in a timely fashion to retain credibility and morale. As Phil suggests, dare to ask yourself, ‘What message do I want to send? What standards do I want the public to notice?’ Whatever the answer, if you permit it, you promote it. You may base decisions solely on finances and budget cuts, but if quality control becomes a casualty, all sides lose in the long run. 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 life and legacy of Gifford Pinchot.  As a top 10 influencer on Phil’s park and conservation list, Pinchot, often heralded as the Father of American conservation, left an impressionable legacy on national parks. Not only did he professionalize forest management but established the modern definition of conservation as a “wise use” approach to public land. In his words, stewardship was regarding “the greatest good for the greatest number in the long run.” A peer of Teddy Roosevelt, Pinchot founded the Society of American Foresters in 1900 to preserve public lands and prevent exploitation. Having served as the first chief of the U.S. Forest Service, Pinchot also tripled the nation's forest reserves using his conservation definition to maintain long-term health of state resources. 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 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/