The US National Parks Service: Why They Matter to Me & Why They Should Matter to You Too – A Piece for Authors of the Resistance

My father’s wandering heart led him to see some stunning destinations, which began at Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, it’s a popular spot for hiking and a beautiful place to learn about the local flora and fauna in Lane County, Oregon.

Mt. Pisgah Arboretum, Oregon

He worked for the National Parks Service at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and then, at Everglades National Park.

Later, he worked on the historic steamboats: Queen of the West in Columbia Gorge, American Queen, and Delta Queen in New Orleans.

Columbia River Gorge, Oregon

Naturally, these things shaped me to admire wilderness gurus – my dad spent a lot of time teaching his kids the value of navigation skills, maps, and how to use a compass. He was an avid fan of taking all of his brood on nature walks, bike rides, and camping. My dad made life great in those moments – we caught tree frogs, snakes, lizards, and toads and saw countless amazing wild animals together. He grew up loving Wild America and a pastime he shared with my brother and me included a great love for the Crocodile Hunter. These moments are the ones that stand out – that made the best memories and the ones I often look back on fondly.

Queen of the West Steamboat

I was inspired to write a story in July 2024 called Elsie, the Outlandish Chupacabra.

In this children’s book – the first I’ve ever written for this age, the main character Laney Mae, a daughter of a Park Ranger, befriends a cryptid, Elsie and while most people would be terrified Laney Mae’s upbringing with a father who works for the National Parks teaches her what the value of love, acceptance and conservation of the forest and nature are.

Elsie, the Oulandish Chupacabra ©️ Sai Marie Johnson 2024

Over the last week, the National Parks Service came under fire due to the United States’ new budget cutbacks which have left a gaping hole where personnel, wildlife, and forestry management are concerned. What the repercussions will be from this remains to be seen, but there is no doubt that these things will have an impact that is likely to be detrimental as the spring and summer seasons approach.

American Queen Steamboat

When considering what land management will look like during the upcoming peak summer wildfire season – not to mention the hurricane season, I feel things are looking rather bleak.

The unpredictable forecast that this has caused in Oregon alone is sure to result in many parks becoming inaccessible, and the potential for environmental damage without proper assessors in place to monitor things is unpredictable.

Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim

Nevertheless, I wanted to mention some of the great things that National Parks Service People do to make our lives easier every day, week, month, and year;

Everglades National Park, Florida

Safety

• Search and rescue: Rangers help visitors who are lost or injured

• Law enforcement: Rangers enforce rules and respond to emergencies

Education

• Programs: Rangers lead tours, hikes, and educational programs to teach visitors about the park

• Conservation: Rangers help communities resolve conflicts between people and wildlife

• Wildlife monitoring: Rangers monitor wildlife populations and habitats

• Poaching prevention: Rangers patrol and remove snares to prevent poaching and other illegal wildlife activities

• Community engagement: Rangers work with local communities to conserve natural resources