#Park Rangers

[vintagecamping]

Park ranger giving an evening campfire safety talk.

Wonder Lake, Alaska

1973

[californiastatelibrary]

Coming this Summer: A series of webinars exploring three of California's most historically significant National Parks. Rangers from the U.S. National Park Service will lead you through the extraordinary events that occurred in these parks and the profound impact they had on California and beyond. Register for all three events at events.library.ca.gov!

[katjohnadams]

So, story time.

I was out camping with friends. We were teens, just living our lives. It was a nice warm spring. We were about to light our camp fire when my friends across from me stood slowly, eyes wide.

A bear had sleepily wandered into our camp.

Now, I remembered from my childhood what to do. The park ranger had been very clear. I turned and raised my arms over my head and yelled, at the top of my adolescent lungs, "No, bear, no! Haaaaaa!"

The ranger, further south than we were now, had meant black bears.

This bear... Was not black.

So this very clearly brown bear seemed to wake from his sleepy meandering very suddenly, and very annoyed.

That's not how you roar, they thought. This is how you roar.

They reared up on hind legs, and let me tell you, this was enough. But then they roared back. I was convinced.

I ran.

My friends were already running. I saw them hit the tree line and start climbing. I didn't think, and did the same.

Mx bear did not chase us. They lumbered over to the nearest tree with an annoying child in it, my tree, and leaned on it.

The tree swayed and I began to mutter a prayer to anything listening. But the bear wasn't interested in eating us. They were just very annoyed we were in their backyard and screamed at them while they were just waking up.

Which, y'know, fair.

So they left us alone.

After maybe half an hour, we climbed down, giggling like the idiots we were.

We moved our camp.

[riverheadrangers]

Are you guys hiring?

Absolutely we are, we’re recruiting! Just make sure to read all of the document linked in

this post

And then fill out the Google form in

this post

(p.s this is fictional and won’t end up giving you access to the blog, however you will start being addressed as ‘ranger’ + your tumblr username if you get accepted)

[agentgrange]

I have reason to believe, based on a rabbit hole I went down last night, that there is an ongoing war happening between the National Parks Service and the US Park Police. I take no joy in reporting that the National Parks Service isn't immune from ACAB, with the Park Police being undisciplined dickhead cowboys with unchecked authority in the greater DC Metro area. Even the local county police hate them to the point of leaking evidence the Park Police have withheld from the public and bringing manslaughter charges against Park Police officers following the killing of Binam Ghaisar. Charges that were only stopped by FBI intervention and a proceeding cover up. The legacy of which haunts the organization and colors everything that has happened in the last few months.

There seems to have been what I can only describe as a soft coup by appointing Jessica Taylor as park police chief. The park police union has been eroding the legitimacy of the National Parks Service (otherwise a very progressive liberal institution in comparison to basically every other US government agency) for decades now and I think the wider agency is trying to reign them in even if that means bringing in a rival ex Secret Service hatchet-woman turned EPA auditor. Its worth noting that the Secret Service have a long history of resentment towards the Park Police due to overlapping jurisdictions within Washington DC and their general lack of discipline with their rivalry often breaking out into outright hostility including the assault and detention of a black Secret Service agent. Being a former Secret Service agent, Taylor would be well aware of the Park Police's reputation before her appointment.

Her appointment was rushed through by Park Service’s associate director of visitor and resource protection Jennifer Flynn, seemingly against the wishes of the police union who expected the Park Service to rubber stamp their candidate like previous appointments.

To which I say-- Lol. Lmao even. The Park Police are clearly used to appointing their own oversight and have an incredibly disproportionate amount of power within the NPS that is increasingly at odds with the rest of the agency. All this in mind, it really reads like Flynn brought Taylor in as a deliberate outsider in the hopes of bringing more oversight to the organization that won't immediate fold to the union or engage with their over-up plans every time the Park Police murder someone.

Jennifer Flynn, for her part, doesn't come from the Park Police but instead spent her whole career as a Park Ranger working in various capacities. Maybe its just me but when you see her you think "oh yeah that's definitely what I would expect a park ranger to look like" unlike the hotdog necks at the USPP. While only the associate director, she's been working quietly and smartly to find ways to reign in the park police including amending their jurisdiction over "felony investigations of property crimes, and crimes against society such as serious drug related offenses" under the guise of staffing cuts. To be clear, she unilaterally made the decision that the Park Police may no longer investigate or arrest citizens for non-violent offenses. Again, I can't help but see this as a direct response from sympathetic members of the agency to the Park Police's killing of Bijan Ghaisar to gradually remove the Park Police's authority to carry out law enforcement except when absolutely necessary.

Its an interesting situation to be sure, and while I don't count these two ladies as any sort of socialist heroes on "our side" (they're federal enforcement officers at the end of the day) I'm willing to lend them critical support in their attempts to quietly defang the Park Police. Maybe its wishful thinking but I like to imagine based on everything I've read that there is some sort of concentrated deliberate effort being done here that's successfully circumvented politics by *actually wielding authority to drive positive change* even if they know the limits of their authority necessitates that they do it quietly. USPP clearly thinks of themselves as police officers first and members of the National Parks Service second, and are clearly at odds with the rest of their organization's values. I hope this continues until we see the Park Police be restructured into glorified mall cops with no institutional influence while the bulk of their role is taken over by more responsible organizations within the NPS like the National Park Service Law Enforcement Rangers and other special agents that prioritize the safety of the public over brutalizing people over property enforcement & petty crimes.

Why am I posting this here???... Because so much of my writing has to do with the National Parks Service and the Department of the Interior. Here I am with potentially a genuine case of inter-agency intrigue while conducting completely unrelated research. You can't blame me for wanting to dig into this more and see where it goes. Consider this a story, food for thought, when thinking about these organizations.

[riverheadrangersmisc]

[mountrainiernps]

Mountain Memories: 1930s Sunrise Ranger Program

Ranger-led programs have a long history in the National Park Service, with many early rangers also serving as park naturalists. This historic footage captures portions of a ranger-led walk in the Sunrise area circa 1930s, featuring subalpine wildflowers and views of the Emmons Glacier. 

Mount Rainier National Park Archives Footage (mora_24652). No audio. Available with audio description at https://go.nps.gov/MMem-1930sSunriseRangerProgram. ~kl

[dollfishu]

Any park rangers out there that can confirm this? 😰

[oldtvlover]

Hey guys,

since I couldn't find anything, regarding this particular crossover, here's now a video.

Also available in parts on Youtube. It's up to you then. ;-)

I won't spoil too much but it's not bad. If I should post my review, let me know. I do so.

But for now, enjoy and excuse the bad quality. Different times. *grins*

[terrorland]

Oh no! The dinos are attacking!! Here you have two cool dino park rangers who find themself in a little bit of a pickle cause all of the dinos decided to attack. Got inspired too make this one cause.. * I was playing a hunting game with one of my super BFF and we taught it would be cool to hunt dinos

*I was reading up on video games where you shoot/hunt dinosaurs ( there is a big lack of them!)

* Jurassic Park might be one of the best movies ever * My Super friends wanted me to draw them as dinosaurs

[peyton-warren]

Love this so so much. So so much.

[thorsenmark]

#findyourpark in Mesa Verde National Park by Mark Stevens Via Flickr: While at the an overlook with a view looking to the southeast to the Cliff Palace in Mesa Verde National Park. Which drew me into this image and setting was the park ranger lead tours of this dwelling. I wanted to capture that view of the park rangers giving information to the group in the tour while pulling back on the focal length to include the entirety of this archaeological cliff dwelling ruins.

[riverheadrangers]

Thorne, do you know something about Katherine that we don’t?

I DON’T KNOW ANYTHING.

I don’t know why you would think that,

I don’t know anything she wouldn’t want me to.

[leam1983]

A slightly more realistic ending would involve Bird Ranger reminding the couple that a simple lemongrass-scented candle is often enough to keep bugs at bay.

Learn to live with 'em if you're out in the open, but bring some netting and a few of these candles if you're looking to cordon off a sleeping area. The last time I camped, we made a sort of bigger lean-to using higher tree branches and that netting, and stuck our tents underneath it.

If you absolutely must repel them during daytime, bring lemongrass oil in a spray bottle and coat the usual suspects with it. That's your neck, your forearms and your lower legs. Oh, and don't wear revealing clothes during forest treks, keeping your forearms and legs covered is a lot easier than waking up to having your limbs covered in bug bites.

Support your local park rangers

[draconym]

My favorite person who ever took me to court when I was a law enforcement park ranger was the guy who showed up to the courthouse with his dog dressed in a little bowtie so he could tell the court the full story of how "actually, he rescued me," who then had to explain to the citation hearing board that yes, he did intentionally fart on a park ranger and threaten to run them over with a car in response to being issued a $30 citation for an off-leash dog.

[tmarshconnors]

Thin Line Meanings.

Thin Blue Line: This symbol is deeply tied to the role of police officers. It serves as a memorial, honouring those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. It represents the duty and responsibility of law enforcement to maintain order in society, often in the face of chaos and danger. The thin blue line is a constant reminder of the fine line officers walk between life and death as they protect and serve their communities.

Thin Red Line: Firefighters embody courage, sacrificing their own safety to protect lives and property. The thin red line symbolizes their unwavering bravery in the face of danger. It represents the sacrifices made by firefighters, often risking injury or death to fulfil their duty. This symbol serves as a tribute to their courage and resilience, acknowledging the challenges they face and the sacrifices they make to keep others safe.

Thin White Line: Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel play a crucial role in providing immediate medical care in emergencies. The thin white line distinguishes them, with a blue background representing their connection to law enforcement and a white line symbolizing their unique role in saving lives. It signifies their commitment to providing aid and assistance regardless of the circumstances, often working alongside police and firefighters in high-pressure situations.

Thin Silver Line: Correctional officers work tirelessly to maintain safety and order within correctional facilities. The thin silver line honours their dedication and service, recognizing the challenges they face in a demanding and often dangerous environment. It symbolizes their role in upholding the justice system and safeguarding the community by managing and rehabilitating inmates while ensuring the security of correctional facilities.

Thin Green Line: Federal agents, including Border Patrol agents, Park Rangers, Game Wardens, and Conservation Personnel, serve to protect natural resources, wildlife, and national borders. The thin green line represents their commitment to environmental conservation, wildlife protection, and border security. It symbolizes their role in safeguarding the nation's natural heritage and preserving its ecological balance, often facing challenges in remote and rugged environments.

Thin Yellow Line: Tow truck drivers, security guards, and loss prevention personnel play essential roles in ensuring public safety and security. The thin yellow line acknowledges their contributions, representing their dedication to assisting motorists, protecting property, and preventing theft and loss. It symbolizes their commitment to providing vital services and maintaining safety and security in various settings, from highways to commercial properties.

Thin Orange Line: Search and Rescue Personnel (SAR) undertake hazardous missions to locate and rescue individuals in distress. The thin orange line honours their bravery and selflessness, symbolizing their readiness to respond to emergencies in remote or hazardous environments. It represents their tireless efforts to save lives, often risking their own safety to aid those in need.