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

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

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. Resou

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/  

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss his final experience at the State Park Leadership School.  Started by the National Association of Park Directors in 2005, Phil unpacks his role with the school in finding instructors, inspiring attendance, and delivering content. Since each state has different guidelines and regulations, Phil explains why the school is now a two-year program focused on overarching leadership principles and best practices.  Although Phil’s involvement with the school is officially over, he hopes the strong camaraderie and culture will continue with the school in the years to come. For more information, visit https://www.stateparks.org/professional-development/state-park-leadership-school/.   Resources www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Park Supervisor, Rowdy Perry, joins the show to discuss his love and appreciation for state parks.  As a former ranger turned supervisor for the Michigan Department of Nature Resources, Rowdy unpacks the attendance rise in his state, the psychological safety parks bring, and how park leaders should perceive their jobs. Per his experience, while park employees get paid in sunsets, the reason behind the work comes back to people and providing them resources to boost morale and appreciate their part in making the world an environmentally friendly place.   Resources www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Ben Novak, Lead Scientist at Revive & Restore, rejoins the show to share recent conservation success stories. While intended consequences may seem like a vague term, in the context of environment preservation, this often refers to the calculated controlling of species and habitats to sustain life. In select state parks, the reintroduction of wolves into the wild is a prime example of what’s working. In other areas, the reintegration of turkeys into gaming circles and projects like Passion for Pigeons are also having an impact. As Ben explains, Revive & Restore hopes to spread conservation awareness to audiences to ensure people understand the factors that benefit near-extinct species and surrounding ecosystems.  For more information, visit https://reviverestore.org/.  Resources:  www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Host of the “Build a Winning Team” podcast, and former COO of Story Brand, joins the show to discuss his story and definition of success. A man of many hats, Tim Schurrer talks about the value of humility within a teamwork setting. Per his experiences, corporate success is often defined by a selfless culture where roles are prioritized above the spotlight. By cultivating an environment of validation, team members can derive contentment from their role and encourage others within their arenas of influence.  While Tim worries about young people wanting to be instant influencers, his message is clear: Stop chasing the spotlight and embrace your role without forsaking what matters. 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 new economic trends within park management. In the wake of the pandemic, park visitors have increased around the country. Yet, while the uptick in retention has been a silver lining, the population boom has led to new opportunities. As more tourists visit state parks, the more demand has taxed its resources. Accordingly, this has prompted some park rangers to enforce new fees and limits for trail and campground access. As Phil explains, the decision is not based on generating revenue but on managing capacity and sustaining resources. By preserving park property, rangers can take new initiatives in sustaining improved visitor experiences. Resources: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, special guest, Michelle Baker, former Director of Disney Institute, and business leader at Disney Cruise Line, joins the show to discuss ways to build a better park culture. As Michelle explains, the emerging generation of park leaders and visitors have a deep desire to leave a lasting impact. From recreation to labor, the theme among rangers and tourists today is to live and work on purpose. Yet, for some starting out in the industry, the ‘how to’ on improving culture can be arduous when blending past and present ideologies.  The key, Michelle adds, often comes down to managers prioritizing collaboration in addition to teamwork. While the differences can seem subtle, as long as park personnel integrates top-to-bottom voices within their decision-making process, better work cultures will ultimately ensue. 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 proper title for park visitors. As Phil explains, while there’s a transactional element involving visitors, they aren’t best described as customers or guests due to service intent. Since state and national parks are for the public, the goal for park leaders should be to retain tourists over time as opposed to making money in the moment. Accordingly, one could say the best investments for parks are cyclical due to the value of presence over product.  In closing, Phil and Jody agree while visitors have a customer orientation, it's far better to note them as visitors than other monikers based on the purpose of services provided to them. 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 popular themes and topics from today’s tourists. Having spoken at several park ranger conferences in recent weeks, Phil notes the common denominators of frequently asked questions. The most common threads? Visitor retention and voluntary compliance. As Phil explains, while many park fans are curious about increased visitation and staffing struggles, the motivations for these inquiries are similar. With more people searching for morale within their work, the spillover mentality into park visits is changing the landscape of park leadership and management. The question: How long will these trends continue and what can rangers do about them in the short term? Resources:  www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns on-site at Zion National Park to discuss the complexities of maintaining large-scale state parks. From capacity management to resource protection, encouraging tourism and preservation in tandem can be a difficult task. Sprinkle in today’s social issues and the recipe for park leadership can get tricky in a hurry; however, as Phil charges, as long as rangers are committed to perceiving their parks through the eyes of a visitor, they’ll in term become better managers of the experiences they promote. While infrastructures are essential, these cannot be improved long-term with park leaders dedicated to adding value to local communities. Accordingly, Phil recommends rangers not only engage visitors as they enter but ignite a sense of wonder as they participate. 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 ways leaders can focus on professional growth during this pandemic era. While personal growth centers on passion, experience, and knowledge base, as Phil explains, the key to professional growth boils down to legacy. Despite competition being a commercial necessity, to mature professionally, one must consider what making a difference looks like. For some, upward mobility is essential to this reality; for others, simply maximizing an opportunity is enough to advance their goals. Regardless of setting and surroundings, dare to question how you can leave things better than you found them. By doing this, you will ultimately progress down the road of professional development. Resources: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest Scott Durham, former superintendent of West Virginia State Parks, joins the show to discuss the origin of the “Ranger First” mantra. As Durham explains, with park ranger set as a universal term, the “Ranger First” philosophy was established to clarify authoritative influence and promote voluntary compliance. Since its inception, benefits have emerged specifically through community-oriented policing and accountability among rangers and superintendents. Essentially, the term “Ranger First” is more than a banner but also an umbrella attitude centered on developing healthy park operations and visitor behavior. Durham hopes this approach will continue to integrate ranger visibility into higher education, ingenuity, and compliance at large. Resources: www.parkleaders.com Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/