Park Ranger Life

Well, times sure are changing and FAST. Oh wow. Every day is a new day and with the current political storm out there, the National Park Service is not letting their mission go unheard ! 

Here are some recent articles, thoughts, and pictures that I find interesting. 

NY Times Article: Park Rangers To the Rescue

What Trump's Hiring Freeze Means For Federal Lands 

Trump Taken on by Park Rangers 




Some thoughts by a fellow Ranger named Lydia Rose that I can completely relate to:

"Seven years. 

It's been seven years since my first job as a Park Ranger for the National Park Service. I never knew the types of experiences this job would allow me to have-- I've traveled from the raging rivers of the east to the smoking volcanoes of Hawaii. From the deep caves of Carlsbad Caverns to the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains. I've backpacked the hills of Santa Monica and paddled amongst the mangroves of the Everglades. I never thought I could love a job so much. My pictures illuminate my passion for the diverse ecosystems that exist within this country, America the beautiful. 

But this post isn't meant to brag. In fact, it is intended to do just the opposite. You've seen my photos; however, you've seen only what I want you to see: the beautiful vistas, the wildlife, the smiles, the traveling. What you don't see are the hardships, the struggles, the sacrifices I've made to pursue my passion. I've missed countless weddings, birthday parties, retirement parties, showers, funerals, family reunions, births. I live at poverty level- qualifying for, but seldom using, any form of public assistance. I only own what I can carry on my back. I don't always have access to a shower or a washing machine. I've lived in my car for months at a time in the sweltering heat and the freezing cold. I do not receive health benefits, have a retirement plan, or qualify for student loan deferment. I do not have a consistent social life. I have no clue where I'll be living come April. I only get to see my family every few years, when I can afford it. 

But I never complain because I love our country. I value the heritage of this country over my own financial stability. I value the future of this country over my own future. I did not serve this country in a war, but everyday that I wake, I serve to protect the very nature of what makes this country a beautiful place to call home. 


Let me introduce myself. I am a Park Ranger. You may see me pointing out the location of the bathroom, handing someone a map, or selling some postcards. But you may also see me rescuing an injured animal, administering oxygen to a visitor, cleaning graffiti off of a rock, picking up trash, searching for a missing person, directing traffic at the scene of an accident, assisting an arrest, planting native trees, hosing down areas to deter unintended wildfires, evacuating unsafe areas (all of which I have done in the past seven years). I also lead trips- hiking, paddling, biking- to connect people with the unique resources that we have here in America. These resources attract people from all over the world who want to pay good money just to see our world-class caves, mountains, rivers, hot springs, coastlines.

I love what I do for a living. I sacrifice a lot for my seasonal job. And after seven years of sacrifices, I may potentially lose my career opportunity to someone trying to Make America Great Again with an all-encompassing federal hiring freeze. 

In my eyes, America is great. America has always been great. I encourage you to visit a National Park and find a Park Ranger- they will be happy to show you just how great America is. It is our job. And when this administration has told every last Park Ranger: "you're fired!" America will still be great. In the words of the great Edward Abbey, "A patriot must always be ready to defend his country against his government." "




Disclaimer: these words and statements are my own, crystal muzik, and this is a personal weblog. The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer. A link to an external site does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or products provided or held by such websites.