"Sometimes we forget, or perhaps even take for granted, the significant role that we may be we may be playing in this legacy that we call parks."

Episode HIghlights

01:07 Significance of national parks and our role in preserving parks.

04:53 Organic Act of 1916 shaped National Park Service.

06:49 Lack of agreement among states led to individual state park systems.

10:05 Need to actively preserve and utilize information for future generations.

16:08 Challenge of storing, organizing, and preserving photos and videos.

21:41 Document and archive significant historical events proactively.

25:05 Capture memories and impact of park experiences for future reference.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Document History

It is incredibly important to preserve the historical legacy of our national and state parks. There is a need to capture significant events, natural disasters, and park facilities for our future understanding. Phil Gaines joins this episode to talk about the importance of documenting history in parks, including strategic archiving of photos and videos. 

There is a need for a strategic approach to maintain historical records amidst the era of social media, emphasizing the importance of cataloging and archiving photos and stories. Some of the ways this can be done are by creating procedures for archiving significant events, conducting year-end reviews, and documenting landscape changes over time. It is also important for individuals to recognize the impact they are making on the park system and to be deliberate in their documentation efforts. No effort is too small.

From significant events to natural disasters and park facilities, impact of photography and digital archiving is crucial. These moments shape the narrative of our parks and help us appreciate their evolution. Some of the ways this can be done are to create procedures for archiving significant events, conduct year-end reviews, and document the change in landscapes over time. It's all about capturing the essence of our parks for posterity.

Take a listen to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of documenting park history. Share your thoughts with Phil and I to continue the conversation about preserving the legacy of our parks.

“If you offer something specific, not only are you offering to help, but that shows that you see them as a person and that you're recognizing their specific needs rather than just generalized to the general population."

Episode Highlights

03:39 Creating a podcast about parks and the opportunities that come from it.

09:02 Recommendations can be reliable and chance encounters facilitate connections.

10:15 Being open to opportunities and making connections has led to getting great podcast guests.

15:28 Leaders should prioritize personal responsibilities over their public service roles.

17:53 Park rangers are prioritizing their roles.

22:17 Putting people first leads to park love.

27:41 Advice for outdoor leaders: equip, inspire, and succeed.

32:04 Be specific when offering help to others.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Last episode, we did an interview with Chris Lee. In this episode, we're going to Flip it a bit. I'm going to share the episode of Chris's Parks and Restoration podcast where Chris Interviews me. I'm not so sure I've ever done that on the park leader show. If I have, it's been a while. It was a great conversation, and I look forward to sharing it with you.

During our conversation we talk about the importance of putting people first in parks. As park leaders, it's crucial to prioritize the well-being of our staff and visitors. The best leaders in the public sector, particularly in parks, prioritize serving their staff first. By creating a supportive and empowering environment for our teams, we can foster a love for the park and enhance their desire to connect others to it.

The power of connection is undeniable. Networking and building meaningful relationships play a significant role in the success of park leadership. Through connections with professionals, we gain recommendations for guests on the show, while also broadening our knowledge and understanding of industry trends and disruptions.

Whether in the workplace or personal life, offering specific help is more effective than a general offer. By taking the time to understand someone's unique needs and offering tailored assistance, we show that we truly care and are invested in their success.

If you're a park leader or passionate about parks and conservation, I highly recommend listening to this episode. It's packed with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice that can help drive positive change in the industry. Let's continue to prioritize people and create exceptional experiences in our parks.

“those little tidbits of information really help park and conservation leaders be better in their jobs, be better stewards of the resources, and just be better community leaders." – Chris Lee

Episode Highlights

[00:02:21] Importance of local parks and conservation efforts.

[00:03:53] Parks offer a strong community presence and finding solace in nature.

[00:08:01] Park rangers connect people to experiences with the outdoors.

[00:11:59] Always strive to improve leadership skills.

00:13:12] Focus on team culture.

[00:17:33] Understand your purpose to find fulfilling work in the parks.

Connect with Chris Lee

LinkedIn

Parks and Restoration Podcast

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

The Impact of Local Conservation

Local conservation efforts have a lasting impact on communities and individuals. Chris Lee, the executive director of Des Moines County Conservation, joins for a conversation on the important role of conservation in local communities. Chris also hosts his own podcast called "Parks and Restoration”. During our conversation he shares about his journey from growing up in the small town of Burlington, Iowa to leading the county's conservation department.

The unique benefits of local parks and conservation efforts often go unnoticed. These efforts play a critical role in connecting people to the outdoors, fostering a love for nature, and even influencing decision-making in the future. They also touch on the importance of local park rangers in being the face of conservation and how they can empower communities to get involved in conservation initiatives.

Listen to the full episode to learn more about the role of local parks and the inspiration they can provide for conservation on a larger scale. Let's work together to make a difference, starting in our own backyards.

"When your mother was not setting expectation properly and yet was keeping you accountable, it felt unfair. You remember that. So take those learnings and apply them in the workforce..." – Valerie Cockerell

The skills and experiences of motherhood translate into essential and effective leadership skills. Valerie Cockerell started to find similarities between the challenges of managing a park to the struggles of parenting. Throughout our conversation, she emphasizes the valuable skills mothers acquire through managing a household, such as time management, conflict resolution, and crisis management. Her own experiences as both a mother and a leader within a global company have shaped her perspective on leadership.

Feedback should be seen as a gift for growth or an opportunity to become better in our roles. Valerie emphasizes the distinction between judging character and changing behavior. She points out that many emerging leaders lack proper training, which can lead to difficulties for both them and their teams. That's where Valerie's book, “Manage Like a Mother”, comes in. It offers practical advice on various leadership competencies, all which have are inspired by the amazing qualities of mothers.

Valerie believes that men can learn from the naturally honed leadership skills of mothers. Once that value is recognized it is important to promote more women, especially mothers, into leadership positions. There have been positive changes in the park industry, with more moms and women taking on influential roles as park rangers. Recognizing and valuing the diverse skills of mothers can lead to a more inclusive and nurturing workplace environment.

Mothers have a special way of influencing and teaching people to do something in a way that people then want to do because they see value in it. This is also a strength of great leaders. When employees are guided by that type of leadership it ensures that even when the leader is not present, tasks are still performed. The team understands their importance and contribution to the overall objective.

Make sure to take a listen to this unique perspective on leadership and the parallels with motherhood. Let us know what stood out to you in this conversation and how you see it influencing your park leadership. Join the conversation on this topic using #ManageLikeaMother.

Connect with Valerie:

Order the book - Manage Like a Mother

Email - valerie@cockerellconsulting.com.

LinkedIn - Connect with Valerie

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Episode Highlights

[00:02:20] Childhood memories foraging for mushrooms in France bring appreciation for American national parks.

[00:05:40] "Beautiful parks, crowded with people, but nostalgic."

[00:10:12] Limited leadership training leads to difficult leadership.

[00:15:24] Feedback is a gift for improvement.

[00:18:15] Being a manager is difficult without training, much like parenting.

[00:20:31] Men need to recognize and advocate for leadership skills they see in women.

[00:23:49] Motherhood is like leading a team; influence is key.

[00:27:52] Don't rush, learn and seek guidance.

"... they don't have to make conservation their top priority. So you combine those 2, and they are really doing some innovative things around camping."

The increasing demand for camping in natural parks has impacted the future of camping. Companies are taking notice and working to proactively prepare for this growing interest. During this conversation, Donald Forgione joins to talk about camping trends and innovations and how it's evolving to meet the growing demand.

There continues to a growing interest around camping in natural, state, and national parks. Industry leaders like KOA, Winnebago, and Airstream are collaborating to cater to this growing trend. Some less common camping concepts Donald and I discuss include urban and rooftop campgrounds. The camping landscape is ever evolving, and parks need to be able to anticipate the interests of their visitors.

Something that should never be overlooked is the importance of inclusivity and ensuring access to parks for all individuals, irrespective of their background or camping equipment. Educational programs, such as the ones offered at the conference I recently attended, offer fantastic opportunities to get a better perspective on camping trends. Guest speakers, researchers, and professors share their expertise in a way that paints a better picture of what to expect and how they can support one another.

Government entities can learn from the innovative approaches of private entities in camping and parks. In return, they can be a great resource providing unique offerings like dark skies and immersion in natural resources. Much like the collaborative and supportive nature of the conference, directors, support staff, assistant directors, and field operations people should make the time to gather with the intent to share ideas and learn from one another.

Make sure to listen to this episode for a unique perspective around the future of camping and the remarkable work of the National Association of State Park Directors. If you aren’t a park leader, it’s still a great conversation that will likely inspire you to explore the great outdoors.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Episode Highlights

[00:07:40] Innovative ways build back better, environmentally.

[00:12:43] Future campsites: natural, state, national parks.

[00:16:11] Government camping invites private sector, offers more.

[00:19:58] Marginalized communities, expensive campers, variety of amperage.

[00:26:25] National Association of State Park Directors (NASPD), also known as America's State Parks, hosts conferences, brings in experts, and provides training.

"What you're doing is making a difference not only for this generation, but if you do it right, it's making a difference for future generations."

Phil Gaines and I had the chance to record an episode together while attending the 2023 State Park Director's Conference at the Mormon State Historic Site in Genoa, Nevada. It was the perfect opportunity to discuss our experiences at the conference, with Phil sharing his unique perspective as a former park director now representing Clemson University.

There are so many highlights from this conference that one episode may not be enough. For example, our session on disruptive renovation is a topic we are going to need to explore in a future episode. There are challenges in parks nationwide, with the top concern being recruitment and retention of employees. In this ever-changing world, parks have to find ways to stay relevant and stay ahead of the game. Some have tapped into the power of artificial intelligence to elevate the visitor experience.

We can’t overlook the significance of the conference being at Mormon Station, the first settlement in Nevada, and the California Trail that passed through Genoa. This leads to a conversation on the importance of preserving stories and land in parks. There is a need for adaptation and planning to sustain these treasures for future generations.

Throughout the episode, we reflect on the efforts to manage and accommodate the increasing number of visitors to these popular destinations. This conference did a great job doing its part with a fantastic exhibitor area. The space was filled with vendors showcasing innovative ideas to support parks, recreation, and conservation.

Make sure to listen to our recap of the 2023 State Park Director's Conference. Phil and I provide insights into the challenges, triumphs, and inspiring innovations within the park industry.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"The more interaction you have with nature, the healthier you are mentally and physically." - Dan Biederman

Dan Biederman is an expert in urban redevelopment, who discovered a profound love for the outdoors at a young age. He dreamed of becoming a forest ranger, but lacked the scientific background. Instead, he found himself as a systems consultant in the heart of midtown Manhattan. A chance encounter with Bryant Park, a neglected public park in New York City, led him to his true calling; transforming neglected parks into community assets. His work showcases the potential for positive change in urban spaces.

If you aren't familiar with it's history, Bryant Park was once a dangerous and underutilized space. Dan combined his knowledge of business and politics and undertook the task of transforming the space. Today, Bryant Park stands as a testament to his vision of a vibrant space among the concrete jungle. That area has become a beloved sanctuary for New Yorkers and is considered one of the best small parks in the world.

Dan emphasizes the importance of involving the community in the planning process of redevelopment. By listening to their preferences and needs, developers can create a programming plan that attracts people to the park. During our conversation he shares his experiences and insights into the process and impact of urban park redevelopment when revitalizing neglected public spaces. We also discuss the numerous benefits of urban parks, such as improved mental and physical health and the creation of social spaces.

Dan's success in revitalizing neglected public spaces serves as inspiration for those looking to make a positive difference in their own communities. From Seattle to San Francisco, he continues his mission, revitalizing urban parks, and fostering a sense of community in the heart of the city. This is a valuable conversation for anyone interested in urban planning and community development.

Connect with Dan Biederman

Biederman Redevelopment Ventures

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

 Episode Highlights

00:00:38 - History with the Outdoors

00:02:46 - Urban Redevelopment

00:04:59 - Community Impact

00:08:27 - Personal Benefits of Parks

00:15:42 - Parks in Need of Redevelopment

00:17:28 - Favorite Hiking Spots

00:18:37 - Glacier National Park

00:19:24 - Advice for Making an Impact

00:20:29 - Where to Find More Information

"I really wanted to tell the truth behind the beautiful scenery."

In a world of rugged landscapes and unpredictable elements, park rangers and first responders face challenges that test their limits. Sometimes that work can include critical tasks such as searching for missing hikers. Andrea Lankford is a former National Park Service ranger who joins to share her insights on the importance of firefighting and law enforcement in parks. 

Andrea's love for the outdoors lead her to study Forestry and Wildlife management at the University of Tennessee. She volunteered for the Forest Service for one summer and ended up going to the Seasonal Law Enforcement Academy in Silva, North Carolina. From there she was hired at Cape Padres National Seashore as seasonal law enforcement park rangers with the National Park Service. She fell in love with the job and ended up working for the Park Service for over a decade. 

The opportunity to work in national parks like Zion, Yosemite, and the Grand Canyon, had Andrea face the thin line between natural beauty and danger. She witnessed the harsh reality of nature and the risks that came with her role. Her experiences were not just about enforcing laws but also dealing with injuries, deaths, and missing persons. These intense experiences inspired Andrea to give voice to the heroic efforts of park rangers.

After years of serving as a park ranger, Andrea found herself drawn to the unanswered mysteries of missing hikers. The uncanny disappearances of three hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail piqued her interest. Using investigative skills honed over the years, she offered her expertise pro bono to the grieving families. Andrea’s experiences as a ranger proved invaluable. The resilience, people skills, and problem-solving abilities she gained were put to use in unexpected ways, proving the versatility and value of her background.

As a park ranger, she won several awards for her work as a criminal investigator and she implemented the "Heat Kills. Hike Smart" public education program credited with preventing heat-related deaths at the Grand Canyon—a program that continues to save lives today. 

Andrea is equally passionate about using her influence to raise significant discussions around missing hikers and effective search and rescue strategies. Her storytelling seamlessly fuses personal experiences with professional insights. After you listen to this episode, make sure to buy her book Ranger Confidential. It is Andrea's first book that takes you behind the scenes of being a park ranger and shares captivating stories from her time in the National Park Service.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Connect with Andrea

Andrea's Website

Buy the Book Ranger Confidential 

Episode Highlights

00:00:28 - Becoming a Park Ranger

00:01:09 - Career as a Park Ranger

00:03:35 - Investigation as a Park Ranger

00:14:40 - Importance of Empathy for Park Rangers and First Responders

00:15:44 - The Impact of Social Media on Search and Rescue

00:20:34 - Collaboration with Non-Government Entities in Search and Rescue

00:22:21 - The Use of Technology in Search and Rescue

"The exposure that assistant managers have to total park operations is tremendous."

Managing a park isn't a one-person job. It's a combination of efforts from different individuals with the role of the assistant park manager quite significant. Phil Gaines and I explore the hidden challenges and crucial responsibilities they have. An assistant park manager has to understand how that park operates as a business to fully fulfill their role. Join our conversation about the wild world of park management, where the scent of adventure intertwines with the thrill of responsibility. 

In this episode, you will:

• Discover the integral role an assistant park manager plays in maintaining the park's harmony and sustainability
• Realize the significance of establishing a strong relationship between the park manager and assistant manager for optimal park operations
• Uncover the complexities of an assistant park manager's duties and the strategies to navigate these challenges effectively
• Grasp the essence of the assistant park manager's contribution in decision-making and problem-solving scenarios
• Understand the value of the assistant park manager role as a pivotal stepping stone for emerging leaders in the park industry

Being an assistant park manager requires a unique dance, balancing leadership  and needs, from park guests, the frontline, and the higher-ups. If you're interested in pursuing a career in park management, make sure to listen to this episode. It's a great conversation that will highlight the value in the assistant park manager to develop your skills and knowledge. 

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

"Focus on common objectives and goals, you can get to where you want to be without being divisive."

When people first enter the world of park management, they don't expect to be involved in politics. Yet, as time goes on it's not uncommon to find yourself at the center of political discussions on issues like land use and resource management. It is important to focus on governance rather than personal politics. Politics affects everyone in parks, from park rangers to directors.

Parks are deeply intertwined with politics at every level. The higher up in the system, the more one has to understand who they work for. Phil and I have found that it is best to navigate these situations by focusing on the core values of stewardship and service. It is important to stay true to your core values as a park person and have a strong ethical background. Compromise is critical when dealing with people of different ideas. It is also important to not lose sight of the primary responsibility – the preservation of the parks under your care.

As a park ranger, the focus should be on the protection of the property, not personal politics. It is important to build a good reputation and character to be able to influence decisions and advocate for the park's protection. By building strong relationships and a reputation for integrity you will be able to work effectively with politicians, advocating for the best interest of the parks and the people they serve.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Episode Highlights

00:00:02 - The Politics of Parks

00:03:30 - Getting Involved in Politics

00:06:09 - Compromise and Common Goals

00:09:40 - Politics in Parks at Different Levels

00:15:02 - Importance of Separating Politics and Governance

00:17:24 - Personal politics vs. governance

00:19:21 - Understanding Director's Role

00:20:27 - Navigating Decisions

00:21:32 - Climate Change

"The customer is rarely right, but they're always the customer."

Phil Gaines joins to discuss the surge in misbehavior among park visitors after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. There are a number of factors that could have caused this increase. One is the increase in new visitors who were not familiar with the park's rules and regulations. Like many places, there also seemed to be a lack of customer service focus among staff. Both of those combined creates the inherent difficulty in managing large crowds.

This episode gives great reminders as to the importance of educating visitors about park etiquette. I love Phil's proactive approach to addressing potential issues. What ways are you addressing the concerns with visitor behavior before they have a chance to escalate?

In this episode, we discuss:

• factors behind increased misbehavior in parks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

• the significance of educating visitors about park rules and regulations.

• responsibilities of park leaders in ensuring clean facilities and a positive visitor experience.

• how to embrace a ranger-first mentality and proactive approach to address misbehavior in park settings.

• how to separate personal emotions from work and concentrate on finding solutions

Instead of letting misbehavior among visitors ruin the park experience, take a proactive approach that could change the game for parks everywhere. Take a listen to this episode for ideas on how to take back control of the experience in parks.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Episode Highlights

00:02:21 - Increase in Misbehavior in Parks

00:06:08 - Tips for Dealing with Bad Behavior

00:10:25 - Importance of Presence

00:13:08 - Handling Bad Behavior

00:14:43 - Ranger First Mentality

00:16:21 - Advantages of Non-Law Enforcement for Education

00:19:06 - Don't Take It Personal

00:21:19 - Customer Expectations

In this episode of the Park Leaders Show I am joined by Donald Forgione, retired director of Florida state parks. Now I also get to welcome him as the host of the podcast, Tailgate Talks.

Donald's diverse skillset made him a valuable asset among park professionals. As he shared his experiences and knowledge with others, he discovered a common thread among park rangers: they all possessed a deep sense of service and duty. With his podcast, Donald is going to be able to help even more people that are navigating the challenges of park management and the importance of ongoing learning and development.

In this episode, you will:

• Recognize the crucial role of maintenance in effective parks management
• Tackle the difficult task of finding and retaining top-quality seasonal employees
• Appreciate the worth of third-party analysts in fostering productive dialogues
• Discover the wide-ranging skill sets of various park professionals
• Embrace the significance of continually evolving both personally and professionally

The episode provides valuable insights for park management professionals seeking to improve their maintenance and staffing policies. Donald continues to display an unwavering commitment to preserving the beauty of parks and their natural wonders.

If you enjoy this episode, share it with someone else. Then make sure to continue to learn from Donald's curiosity and passion for parks by subscribing to his new podcast, Tailgate Talks. He takes on topics such as partnerships, wildlife management, forestry, and even interviewing techniques, proving that there is always more to learn in the world of park professionals.

Connect with Donald

https://tailgate-talks.com/

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/ 

Episode Highlights

00:00:02 - Introduction,

00:02:19 - Starting a Podcast

00:06:41 - Comparing Beginnings and Practice

00:09:45 - Tailgate Talks

00:11:47 - Park Professionals

00:13:54 - Importance of Maintenance and Third-Party Involvement

00:15:52 - Working with Park People

00:17:05 - Future Episodes of Tailgate Talks

00:18:30 - Feedback and Guest Suggestions

"If you educate and train your employees on the very front end, it makes for so much better summer season."

Spring is here and the parks are already starting to get busy with visitors. That is why it is important that you get your park ready for summer well in advance of their arrival.

Part of taking the time to get the park ready includes making sure all the employees are trained and educated for a busy season. Iif you don't do the little things to prepare, the season could prove to be unmanageable and unfulfilling. Documenting your process and experience each year is critical to future success. The crew this year may not be there next year. How then will you tackle this monumental task of getting the parks ready?

In this episode we talk about why it is important to:

• Implement strategies to prepare parks for the summer season based on past experiences.
• Recognize the significance of proper training and education for park employees to enhance their efficiency.
• Streamline park management by understanding how to document and optimize maintenance processes.
• Discover ways to adapt your park management practices to the reduced downtime in today's fast-paced world.
• Leverage the power of community involvement for the greater cause of park conservation and preservation.
• It can be difficult for park managers to know how to best prepare for the busy season. From outdated strategies to ineffective solutions, there are plenty of things that could make anyone overwhelmed. That is why Phil Gaines is back to share valuable lessons from his experiences to help you create proactive preparation strategies.

"Act, don't react."

Episode Highlights:
00:01:13 - Phil recommends beginning preparation for the summer season at the end of the previous summer by listing what worked and what didn't work.

00:05:53 - Setting the stage for employees to get ready for the summer season includes working on attitude and atmosphere by making sure employees have a positive mindset and are ready to deal with crowds and demands.

00:07:01 - Document all processes and procedures for getting the park ready for the summer, create a list of maintenance items, and check all equipment. Ride along with maintenance staff and park rangers to see what they see and hear what they talk about.

00:09:54 - Writing out the script of what a visitor's experience should be, including driving into the park, going through the welcome station, registering for camping, setting up at the campsite, and other activities. This can help train staff and ensure standards are met.

00:13:35 - Park leaders need to see their park through the eyes of a visitor to manage and exceed their expectations.

00:14:18 - In a post-pandemic world, shoulder seasons have reduced. There is less downtime to catch up and get ready for the season, and preparing for the summer season starts in the spring.

00:15:57 - The week before and after Easter is one of the busiest weeks of the year in South Carolina and other warm weather climates. The grass is green, and people are coming to visit. This is a beautiful time of the year to get out into parks and enjoy the scenery.

00:18:03 - Documenting processes and procedures using technology such as videos and photos can help park rangers remember what to do and train others. It also helps document park history throughout the year and respond to situations better than writing on a yellow legal pad.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, guest co-host, Phil Gaines, returns to discuss the ways parks can manage seasonal staff shortages.

While park careers have their perks, the challenge of filling them is increasing in today’s climate. As Phil explains, recruiters are not only struggling to compete with other industry compensations but also to confirm interest from a remote audience. Since many park positions require onsite involvement, finding the right candidate can be arduous pending qualifications and willingness to relocate.

 What then is the solution? While there’s no one-size, fit-all fix, in theory, scouts must embrace unorthodox means to reach their talent pool. From analytically driven social media job postings to community involvement, park recruiters must be willing to establish relationships from teachers and school children to parents and business leaders.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

On this episode of the Park Leaders Show, Jody welcomes guest Daniel Selmi to discuss the rise of environmental law. Dan is a retired Professor at Loyola Law School and joins the show to discuss his new book, “Dawn at Mineral King Valley”.

A Disney aficionado, Selmi discusses the inspiration behind the book and unpacks Disney’s struggle to build a ski resort in what is now Sequoia National Park. Amidst the legal battle between the Sierra Club and the National Park Service, Selmi discloses little-known facts about the ordeal culminating in a memorable Supreme Court ruling.

Though the Sierra Club’s efforts would ultimately inhibit Disney’s ability to build the resort, with many environment lessons compacted within a single narrative, you’ll find Selmi’s storytelling and commentary compelling as he takes you back in time into a groundbreaking case study.

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/

Resources

www.parkleaders.com

https://parkleaders.com/about/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/theparkleaders/