Wave - California State Park Rangers Association
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The CSPRA
Volume 21, Number 2
Wave
Newsle�er of the CALIFORNIA STATE PARK RANGERS ASSOCIATION
“State Park experts and professionals advoca�ng for State Parks since 1964.”
Spring 2021
President’s Message
Since in parenthesis, now, when Ambassador; Nature
January, applied to the State Park Guardian; Park Interpreter;
CSPRA has Peace Office (Ranger) Park Naturalist; Wildlife
expressed position. So, I was intrigued Conservationist; Wildlife
formal by a March 29th recruitment Researcher.
opposition announcement which used
to a “ranger” throughout, for Such diversity illustrates
proposed example describing how the why CSPRA membership is
pipeline training academy prepares open to all park
through Anza-Borrego SP, cadets “to enter the professionals -- our many
and to an Aerial Tramway workforce as a ranger or “rangers” with a small “r.”
intended to cross through lifeguard.” It seems that Yet, according to Public
Los Angeles SHP. We have “ranger” remains the Resources Code section
offered our help in the optimal descriptor for 4022, “The titles of ranger,
reimagining of Big Basin SP attracting applicants. park ranger, and forest
as it recovers from 2020 ranger, and derivations
fires, and in identifying National Park entrance thereof, may only be used
consistent funding station staffers (our “park by persons who are peace
alternatives for the aides”) are “seasonal officer employees” of
Department. CSPRA’s rangers.” NPS interpretive CALFIRE and DPR. Field
officers, directors, and rangers and enforcement contact interpreters (who
committees are very active, rangers work well together. today wear the Stetson hat),
with an emphasis this year Theirs is a successful have been warned not to
on documenting the approach that optimizes the violate this statute. I
challenges park staff faced public’s positive perception suppose the concern is for
due to the pandemic and of “the ranger.” public safety confusion
wildfires. You can issues. Yet, we know that
contribute to that effort via The International Ranger anyone in a park uniform,
WAVE articles and by Federation recently finalized badged or not, is perceived
presenting at our September a “Ranger Code of and addressed as “ranger”
annual meeting/rendezvous. Conduct,” which involved by the public. Could this
Also, we will need to defining the term “ranger.” PRC section be amended to
replace our Treasurer and They gathered more than include other uniformed
Legislative Director positions 100 working titles, globally, employees performing
by December. Can you help? that fit the professional visitor contacts? Your
ranger concept, including: opinions, please.
What’s in a name? The Curator; Eco-Monitor;
positive image associated Enforcement Ranger; Native
with the “Ranger” title is so Ranger; Natural
valuable. That word appears Environment Agent; Nature
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 1
CSPRA Retirees Recognized
OFFICERS Bob Pavlik repre-
sented CSPRA in SLO
PRESIDENT and presented Jeff
Dave Carle, Re�red Ranger
(760) 709-1181 dave@cspra.com Sears with a com-
memorative CSPRA
VICE PRESIDENT retirement plaque.
Ann Meneguzzi, Re�red, Sup. Rgr.
(209) 373-9844, ann@cspra.com Bob wrote, “Thank
you for the opportu-
SECRETARY nity to share this im-
Joanne Kerbavaz, Environmental
Scien�st, (650) 720-5007 portant event with a
joanne@cspra.com lovely family.”
TREASURER
Tom Bernardo, Re�red Ranger/Supt.
(916) 990-2009, tom@cspra.com
DIRECTORS
Miles Standish, Re�red Ranger
(831) 466-9789, miles@cspra.com
Jean Rhyne, Interpreter, Past CSPRA Officer
(661)753-6233, jean@cspra.com
Donna Pozzi pre-
Cindy Begbie, Maintenance Chief, sented a retire-
530-225-2067, cindy@cspra.com ment plaque to
Erin Gates, Interpreter, Robin Davis hon-
(916) 704-5762, erin@cspra.com oring 30 years of
service to State
Jonathan Irwin, Ranger SPPO, Parks. Robin re-
(619) 575-3613x337, jon@cspra.com
tired from State
Neill Fogarty, Supervising SPPO Capitol Museum
(707)364-5173, neill@cspra.com where she was a
Rob Picke�, Supervising Ranger Guide.
(661)618-6924, rob@cspra.com
PAST PRESIDENT
Mike Lynch, Re�red Ranger/Supt.
mike@cspra.com
MEMBER SERVICES
Betsy Anderson
(707) 884-3949, betsy@cspra.com
INTERNET COMMUNICATIONS
Jeffery B. Price, Webmaster
webmaster@cspra.com
www.cspra.com
The CSPRA Wave
ISSN 0087-9176
Brian Cahill, Editor
Brian@cspra.com
Published by CSPRA, PO Box 3212
Bowman, CA 95604-3212
Past CSPRA President Denzil Verardo presented a retirement
Deadline for next issue plaque and other gifts to Kim Snyder. Not only did Denzil,
July 15 Kim, and Jennie Verardo enjoy the moment, but also an
outdoor lunch at one of Elk Grove's Mexican restaurants.
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 2
Climate Change Webinar
for all State Park Employees
By Erin Gates, to ensuring that Climate within parks, and both the
CSPRA Board Member, & Change messaging is mitigation and adaptation
Interpreter for North Coast
presented both internally, strategies that parks is
and to the public, in an undertaking, the better we
Redwoods District accurate way that is will all be able to prepare
representative of the for, and address this very
On March 15th, all California mandates that require our real threat. Our visitors see
State Park employees were Department to address anyone wearing a park
given an opportunity to hear Climate Change. This very uniform as a voice for parks.
from the Secretary of successful and informative When they are witnessing
Natural Resources Agency, webinar was the first day of the loss of their favorite
Wade Crowfoot, California the 7 day Interpreting campsite, or the burning of
State Parks Director Climate Change Training, a park that they have visited
Armando Quintero, Natural attended by over 56 State for generations, they will
Division Chief Jay Park Interpreters from seek out anyone in uniform
Chamberlin and Districts across the state (Maintenance, Law
Interpretation and Education Enforcement, Visitor
Division Chief Stacey Climate Change effects all Services, Interpretation,
Yankee about Climate park employees. Campsites etc) for answers. We are all
Change and what our Agency at our coastal campgrounds “rangers” in the public’s eye
and Department are doing to are being lost due to sea- and we all have an
address this critical issue. level rise. Devastating wild opportunity to seize the
fires are becoming more and moment when they do come
This webinar, viewed by more prevalent, and are to us to discuss this loss, to
over 200 park employees, wreaking havoc on the speak to the science of
was a part of an inaugural cultural, natural and Climate Change, how it is
training put on by the historical resources that our effecting parks, what we are
Training Section and the Department is charged with doing about it, and what the
Interpretation and Education protecting. public can do about it in
Division, Interpreting their own lives.
Climate Change. The Look no further than the
opportunity for all park tragic fire that burned most If you are an active state
employees, regardless of of Big Basin State Park last parks employee, and would
their classification, to year as a glaring example of like to view this webinar to
connect with and hear from this. As all park employees learn more about what parks
our Department and better understand the is doing to address Climate
Agency’s Leaders is critical effects of Climate Change Change, and the mandates
that exist that
require
California
State Parks to
educate the
public about
Climate
Change, please
send an email
to erin.gates
@parks.ca.gov.
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 3
Out of This World Exploration and
the Mono Lake Tufa SNR
By Catherine Jones, State
Park Interpreter I, Mono Lake
Tufa State Natural Reserve
“I feel like I am on another
planet,” visitors often
remark during visits to Mono
Lake. Maybe these visitors
are onto something. It turns
out that Mono Lake’s unique
environment on Earth is instrument to Mono Lake for
analogous to the testing and sample
environment on Mars and collection, in 2021.
can help scientists in
developing tools to discover One of many things that
signs of life outside of Earth. makes Mono Lake so unique
NASA scientists have been are the calcium carbonate,
coming to Mono Lake over tufa spires that have
the past few decades, become exposed due to lake
testing instruments for use level fluctuations, caused by
in space exploration. In 1995 water diversions to the city
scientist brought an of Los Angeles. As calcium
underwater remotely carbonate precipitates out
operated vehicle to the lake of water to form tufa, it
and in 2010 a Mars rover. often traps microbes,
Plans are in the works to evidence of life present
bring a life-detecting when the rock formed. This
process may also have
occurred on Mars and it is
what NASA is seeking. Mono
Lake’s terrain, mineral
make-up, and saline waters
provide ideal testing
grounds for these
instruments and scenarios
that may be encountered by
NASA’s technologies on Mars
and other planets.
In 1995, Mono Lake Tufa
State Natural Reserve staff
accompanied a team of
scientists on Mono Lake,
aboard a houseboat to test a
Telepresence Controlled
In 1995, staff accompanied a team of scientists on Mono
Remotely Operated Vehicle
Lake, aboard a houseboat to test a Telepresence Controlled
(TROV). The TROV was
Remotely Operated Vehicle (TROV). State Park photos.
equipped with a 1,000 ft
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 4
Martian rocks and soils that
have the most promising
biomarkers. The sample
cores will then be left in
well-marked locations on
the surface of Mars, to be
collected on future missions
and brought back to Earth
for analysis.
NASA is planning another
research trip to Mono Lake
for the fall of 2021 where
they will test an Ocean
Worlds Life Surveyor (OWLS)
life-detecting instrument.
Ranger Dave Carle aboard the houseboat, back in the day. This research will help to
refine an instrument to be
used on future exploratory
cable, a sample grabbing missions to Europa, a moon
device, cameras, and sonar of Jupiter, Enceladus, a
system. The houseboat was moon of Saturn, or another
outfitted as an on the water planet.
lab where scientist were
able to control the device as So, the next time I hear a
it was sent down deep visitor say “I feel like I am
beneath Mono Lake’s on another planet” I can
surface. Tufa samples were think of all the interesting
collected from the base of research that has taken
submerged tufa towers for place at Mono Lake. We,
analysis and presence of who are fortunate enough to
microbes. work at Mono Lake and call
this place home are proud to
NASA returned to Mono Lake know our lake is helping
in 2010 with a Mars rover, support research of all
named Pluto. Pluto was kinds, especially space
much heavier than the NASA returned to Mono Lake exploration.
rovers that would later be in 2010 with a Mars rover,
sent to Mars, like named Pluto. Photo above
Perseverance in 2021. The and below by Deb Main.
goal of this visit to Mono
Lake was to test methods to
collect and cache rock
samples, as well as cleaning
methods to avoid
contaminating samples from
Mars with contaminants
from Earth.
Perseverance, the Mars
rover that touched down on
the Red Planet successfully
this year, is using this
technology. Using it’s drill
and mechanical arms, the
rover will gather samples of
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 5
Protect the Redwoods
By Allan Wiegman,
Retired Ranger
Towards the end of August I
was asked if I would be able
to go to Armstrong
Redwoods State Natural
Reserve (part of the LNU
Complex fire) to be a
Resource Advisor (READ).
Being a retired annuitant,
State Park Ranger, I had the
time and freedom to help.
To prepare for the
commitment I talked to
Brendan O’Neil, Senior
Environmental Scientist for
Sonoma/Mendocino Coast
District. Since the last clearing around the base of system of sprinklers and
fifteen years of my career the trees. This didn’t last pipes that I brought with me
were spent in the North long as the fire was now to put out this type of fire
Coast Redwoods District and starting to move slowly required a lot more
part of it was putting out down the easterly side of convincing of the fire crews
redwood tree fires, I asked the park. that it would work.
if I should bring some of the Fortunately for me, Brendan
equipment that I use. He Working with the park staff was on my side.
was appreciative of the and fire engines, the fight to
offer and took me up on the extinguish the redwoods on The first and conclusive test
suggestion. fire now became urgent. I was a goose pen that was
learned a new technique for continuing to burn even
Upon arriving at the park putting out fires in the tree after two days and
the first couple of days were canopy, using monitors thousands of gallons of
spent working with other (truck mounted water water being dumped on it.
READs surveying cannons) on the structure One morning I was shown a
archaeological sites and engines. With the monitors tree with a well-established
locating artifacts. We also we were able to reach about fire in the goose pen which
worked on clearing around 200 feet up into the tree had burned through the
historic buildings and canopy, but this would only trunk of the tree about 75
installed a portable water last about a minute before feet up. I was given the
tank to provide water to the the engine was out of water. challenge of putting it out
engine that was providing Not only was I impressed, (See photo next page). With
structure protection. the engine crews had never a portable water tank,
used a monitor on a tree fire pump, piping, sprinkler head
The fire was now starting to and really got into it. and a commitment to keep
burn down into the valley the tank full, I went to
and my priority had That was the easy and fun work. I set up the sprinkler
changed. I was now part, now came the system and walked away to
directed to protect the stubborn goose pens, or work on other trees.
redwoods in the valley. To basal hollows for those that
prevent the fire from getting have not been around That afternoon the goose
to the redwoods I started redwoods. The crazy ranger pen fire was out, using less
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 6
than 500 gallons of water. A personal highlight for me Natural Reserve. None of
From that moment on, any was when I was able to this could have been
goose pen fire was directed meet my older son, Kyle accomplished without the
my way. On the busiest day I who works for Rohnert Park support of the park staff and
had five systems going at Public Safety, at the LNU especially Brendan. He
one time. This continued for morning briefing in Santa embraced this retired
3 weeks, 10 to 12 hour days. Rosa. He told me that their ranger with his wacky water
By the end of my stay, most engine was assigned to the system and believed in me,
of my time was spent east side of a ridge that is thank you. Each morning at
putting out root fires. When on the east boarder of the the parks briefing he would
I left I counted fifteen goose park. As it turned out, I was give me one and only one
pen fires that had been also working on the same task, protect the redwoods
extinguished, numerous ridge but on the west side. in the valley. I was told, by
canopy fires drenched and What a small world. one of the Division Chiefs,
only one redwood, which I that not only had I
had worked on, had fallen in This is a brief summary of converted him but had been
the valley. my three week stay at given a nick name, Wiegman
Armstrong Redwoods State Water Works.
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 7
Book
Review
J.D. Ho, My first Day as a
Junior Park Ranger.
Alameda CA:
JrParkRangerBooks.com,
2021, ebook: $8.99,
softcover: $12.99,
hardcover: $15.99
This first of a new kid’s book
series offers a fun look at
the many different park
careers and what each of
these important “rangers”
do to care for the ecosystem
and to educate and
entertain the parks’ visitors. definitely not children, but
The Junior Park Ranger accomplished adults. I think It’s Junior Park Ranger
Adventure Books are kids will also become Kyler’s first day on the job.
science-based, with a focus engaged in the story and He’s a prairie dog who has
on exploration and enjoy that the main spent his whole life in
knowledge acquisition. With character that they are Prairie Dog Town, and now
inclusive language and supposed to identify with is he’s in a new place where
diverse animated earning his confidence in a he doesn’t know anyone.
characters, they provide new park environment and Will he make friends? Will he
engaging personalities and making friends. I like the do a good job as
stories children can identify light JEDI messaging representative of the Junior
with. (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Park Rangers?
Inclusion).”
CSPRA President Dave Carle The Junior Park Ranger
notes “With delightfully The books hope to inspire Adventure Book Series brings
colorful illustrations, My kids to protect parks, the magic of nature and the
First Day as a Junior Ranger nature, and the love for parks to kids and
introduces a variety of park environment. These their families, enabling
jobs, as Kyler (a prairie compelling stories make them to connect with these
dog), in his new uniform and learning about the natural special places.
ranger hat, meets up with world fun and exciting. Each
the park’s wildlife biologist book takes kids on a fun- One dollar from each book
(owl), ecologist (wolf), filled journey of discovery, sold in the series will be
interpreter (sea lion), exploration, and adventure donated to a nonprofit that
lifeguard (vaquita) and to a variety of local, state, protects and stewards one
archaeologist (tortoise).” and national parks across of the featured parks in our
the United States. Each adventures. The nonprofit
Children’s Interpretation story is accompanied by that will receive donations
specialist Cara O’Brien says Junior Park Rangers, from My first day as a Junior
“It is a unique and intriguing charismatic animal Park Ranger will be Parks
take on junior rangers. characters who are California. Available now on
Definitely a different dedicated to telling Amazon as an e-book with
perspective than classic entertaining and educational hardcover books available
junior ranger stories as the stories about the parks. this fall.
junior park staff are
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 8
Wave Goodbye
Bob Grace Gregory Roland Dunnavant
Robert C. DPR’s long-time medical medicine and served as the
Grace director, Dr. Greg Dunnavant Medical Director of several
passed away passed away in January. city fire departments in the
in March. Greg was a friend and Salt Lake City area, Medical
Bob's life- mentor to many. He LOVED Director of the California
long love of the Parks family and was State Highway Patrol, and
nature and greatly loved in return. Medical Director for the
music State of California Parks and
rooted his Greg was our medical Recreation — a role that
friendships director for approximately required him to divide his
and family. 18 years and he contributed work schedule between
He spent time with his greatly to Parks. Greg was Utah and California. He was
family hiking, caving, an excellent Instructor. a graduate of the Utah
birdwatching, and camping Sometimes quirky and Police Officer’s Training
throughout Northern outspoken, his humor, caring Academy where he often
California. Like his parents and generosity were served as an emergency
and grandparents, he was an unfailing as an ER doctor. He medicine and/or firearms
avid gardener. was earnest about the instructor for police cadets.
professionalism and caliber He also worked as Medical
During his 30 year career as of our Lifeguards and Director for SkyWest
a ranger for California State Rangers in the performance Airlines.
Parks, he pioneered of medical and trauma skills
programs to make nature to the
and history more accessible public. He
and more engaging to the would
public. As a ranger in mention
Sonoma County, he co- occasionally
created an environmental how he
music program, Parson might have
Jones, that traveled been a
statewide. Ranger if he
were
During his 25 years at Ide starting his
Adobe State Historic Park in career all
Red Bluff, he brought the over. It is
1850s to life through going to be very difficult to Greg had a knack for taking
interpretive programs that replace the commitment, something complex and
allowed the community to skills and passion Greg distilling it down to
experience the sights, provided to our a parks, something efficient and
sounds, tastes and joys of park family and the public. effective. He is credited
pioneer life. These programs with being paramount in
included Ide Adobe Day, the He became a widely developing training
Pioneer Christmas respected physician, programs and systems used
celebration, a community working in the emergency to train police, lifeguards,
barn-raising, living history room as a member of the and medical teams that
programs for elementary Trauma Center Staff of the have literally saved many
students, and the high LDS Hospital in Salt Lake lives. He was also a natural
school docent program. Bob City, and the Intermountain teacher, and was beloved
also served several years on West Medical Center in for his humble, down-to-
the board of Red Bluff High Murray, Utah. He also earth wit and patience while
School. enjoyed teaching emergency he taught.
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 9
Mixed Metaphors & Malaprops CSPRA is affiliated with
several other non-profit
by Jeff Price, seriously retired The devil organizations that share our
you say! goals.
Mixed Metaphor: A combination
of thoughts that when strung They’re dia- The Park Rangers
together produce a ridiculously bolically op- Association of California is
funny effect of melded clichés. posed. a professional
Send us along any overheard organization for park
slips of the tongue - Dead on le- Rangers and other
malaprops@cspra.com gal point! employees of
He had re- municipal, county,
Side funny: A mixed metaphor special district, state
walks into a bar, seeing the ceived a de-
cease and and federal agencies.
handwriting on the wall but
hoping to nip it in the bud. desist order
before. The International Ranger
Awaiting bovine return? Federation supporting the
Some of these I never exactly critical work that the
We could stand here and talk figure out . . . world’s park
until the cows turn blue. rangers do in
I wouldn’t eat that with a ten- conserving our
Plume surprised? foot pole. natural and
cultural heritage.
You could have knocked me She got the wind shot out of
over with a fender. her saddle. Federation of Western
Outdoor Clubs Promotion of
I’d cry fowl ~ ornithological the Proper Use,
surveillance. Definite oxymoron by a mo- Enjoyment and
ron. Protection of
He was watching me like I was America’s Scenic
a hawk. Why don’t you just take a fly- Wilderness and
ing hike.
Outdoor Resources.
Crooked crosier malefactor!
Wins by a neck!
Association of National Park
I’ll get it by hook or ladder. Rangers communicating for,
But he’s not the one with his
ass in a noose. about and with
National Park
Service employees
of all disciplines
and providing a forum for
State Parks Rendezvous professional enrichment
CSPRA and State Park Re�rees Conference California Park Hospitality
Association
Donner Memorial SP, Truckee representing
companies and
individuals who
September 13-16, 2021 provide hospitality
services under
contract with the California
Details s�ll being finalized State Parks.
as Covid restric�ons are li�ed. California League of Park
See CSPRA.com for latest details. Associations
supporting the
Non-profits that
are partners with
State Parks.
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 10Retiring Soon?
Member If you or a co-worker will
www.CSPRA.com be re�ring soon, please
List Server contact Membership
Sign-up for timely CSPRA
Services Coordinator
news right in your inbox. Betsy Anderson at (707)
884-3949.
twitter.com/@_CSPRA_ Just send your email betsy@cspra.com.
address (no State emails
please) to
webmaster@cspra.com
with the subject line “add
me to CSPRAnet”
facebook.com/CSPRA
Already Retired?
Want to keep in touch after
Are you Moving? you leave DPR? Join Gray-
Bears email ListServ – FREE
Please let us know. and EASY
Betsy@CSPRA.com
graybears@cspra.com
Join CSPRA Or join us online at cspra.com
I hereby authorize the State Controller
Name:_________________________________________________
to deduct from my salary and transmit
Address:_______________________________________________ as designated an amount for
______________________________________________________
membership dues in the California State
City State Zip Park Rangers Associa�on. This
authoriza�on will remain in effect un�l
Job Classifica�on:________________________________________
canceled by myself or by the
District / Park:___________________________________________ organiza�on. I cer�fy I am a member of
the above organiza�on and understand
Social Security #___________________ (req’d for payroll educ�on) that termina�on of my membership will
cancel all deduc�ons made under this
Phone(W)__________________Phone (H)____________________
organiza�on.
Email:____________________________________________
Signature________________________
Membership Type (Check one)
Date_____________________________
� Active $10/month
� Active Retired $60/year ($5/mo.)
� Supporting $36/year* Membership by Mail:
� Organization $50/year* CSPRA — Betsy Anderson
� Benefactor $1,000/life* PO Box 618 Gualala, CA 95445
* Please include check for 1 year’s dues for these
membership levels.
The CSPRA Wave – Second Quarter 2021 – Page 11California State Park Rangers Association
CSPRA is an organization of State Park
professionals dedicated to advancement of the
highest principles of public service, established to
support and preserve California State Parks for
present and future generations
Founded 1964You can also read
