Park Ninja Ranger

A different type of PT

Badlands: Back in the Saddle

     Before this summer started I never thought I would be riding a horse for this job. I was pleasantly wrong, and found myself recently riding a horse through the backcountry of the Badlands, which is an awesome way to enjoy the wilderness areas. A local group was applying for a permit to run a backcountry horse program and offered to show us what they would be doing and how their operation would work to make sure they followed the laws and regulations in the park. The main concern was over the depth of the latrines, and if they would disrupt the resources.

Changed out of those shorts 1/4 of the way in, pants were better

     After starting out and getting on the horse for the first time ever, it came pretty easy as the horse was well trained and pretty much did everything without any commands, so I got to sit and enjoy the nice ride through this beautiful land. On the way out the group leader applying for the permit discussed how he had been doing these excursions in Yellowstone for years and had previously done them in the Badlands years ago. A wealth of knowledge he clearly knew what he was doing and was well prepared for this endeavor.

     Halfway through we broke for camp as they set up tents, an electric fence to keep in the horses, and put up the latrine. Not only were all the supplies brought in for us the group also supplied us with a free lunch to see what those who partake in their program would be getting on their rides out. A free lunch is definitely a tactical move I could not turn down. After eating and breaking down camp everything seemed to be set to go leaving the rest of the permit process to be done through paperwork, and getting everything signed off.

 View of Camp

 Teamwork makes the dream work

Badlands: Time at Mount Rushmore

     

      Although this summer I have been stationed at Badlands National Park, I have had the great opportunity to transfer to Mount Rushmore for three days of training with the Rangers there. Mount Rushmore is a National Monument, and has its own unique setting with the dense traffic of an urban park set in the great outdoors of the Black Hills. This creates a dynamic situation especially in the summer months when thousands of visitors flock daily to see this iconic symbol of our nation.

      The first day I got the introductory tour of the park and its facilities and got to see for the first time up close, Mount Rushmore. After the tour we got right to work assisting on two traffic stops that included drug searches and an open container citation. Both searches did not find anything, but one car did have empty marijuana dispensary bags and a cleaned out pipe, however there was nothing illegal found in that vehicle.

     

      Continuing into the second day I woke up after the night shift to get my first taste of CrossFit. A different style of working out than I am used to it definitely gave me a great workout and left me sore the next day. After coming on shift for the day we dropped off bones that I had delivered from Badlands and continued on to check on the most elusive trespasser at Mount Rushmore, a small Chihuahua that was loose in the park for the last week. Unable to trap the dog we have been improvising new tactics on the traps in hopes to safely catch the dog, however as of writing this post the dog remains at large in the park. If any has any information concerning this dog or its whereabouts be sure to relay it to a park ranger at Mount Rushmore.

      Moving on from the dog we got a medical call from a visitor that had reportedly scraped their elbow and bruised their head in a fall, after applying bandages and an ice pack the visitor denied ambulance services and left the park. We returned to the administration building and went over a multitude of topics for my training including use of force, superintendent's compendium. and the seasonal academy I have coming up in the Fall.

      As darkness enveloped the park, the amphitheater became crowded with people as the time for the night talk, movie, and lights were getting ready to start. On foot patrol we made sure visitors were being safe and maintained a strong presence in the highly trafficked areas. We maintained this presence through the talks and lighting of the heads as over a thousand people stood in awe of the spectacle before them. After the conclusion of these events people began to disperse in large numbers and we kept our presence around the congested areas until we headed back to close out our shift in administration.

Wildlife in front of employee housing

The trees smell like butterscotch I swear

Badlands: Off Duty

      As ProRangers a lot of our time is spent on shift and helping around the park, but in our down time we are free to roam and travel. Over the past few weeks in my down time I have been exploring multiple units in the area and got to camp at Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Theodore Roosevelt National Park

      Afternoon on a Friday myself and one of the seasonal employees at Badlands decided to go on a long trip to Theodore Roosevelt National Park. Though only one state away the drive ended up being over five hours long. On the way up the windshield of his car got cracked from a hail storm, and we had to pull over to wait it out. Thankfully this was only a minor deterrence and we pushed on to the park. Arriving at night we visited the local town of Medora, with only a few hundred people this is a city around here. We grabbed some food at a local pizza shop and continued to our campground in the surrounding National Forest. The next day we broke camp in the morning and loaded up for the day travelling around the park, taking short hikes and seeing plenty of wildlife, mostly bison. We also saw plenty of prairie dogs, and for the first time in my life wild horses. Theodore Roosevelt reminded me of the Badlands with more grass, and after finishing the drive of the scenic loop we decided to begin the long trip back to Badlands.
Note for visitors please remain a safe distance from bison, they have been known to attack visitors.

      Wind Cave National Park

      What originally had started as a day off trip to Rapid City for groceries and lunch turned into a long excursion to Wind Cave National Park. Wind Cave is surrounded by the Black Hills National Forest, and Custer State Park setting up the scene for a beautiful park. Arriving at the park we went to the visitor center and got tickets for the 4:40 cave tour. After meandering around the visitor center we embarked on our journey through the cave. The cave has over 140 miles of surveyed area and is the seventh longest cave in the world. If you ever find yourself in the Rapid City area in South Dakota make sure to come and visit this natural wonder.

Back To Badlands

Campsite in the Backcountry

      During my free time spent at Badlands I have been able to see a lot of new things for the first time, including my first rodeo held in Interior, a Fourth of July fireworks show, and plenty of volleyball (the unofficial sport of Badlands). I also was able to go on a hike with a paleontologist into the backcountry where he was able to show me fossils that had yet to be excavated, helping me to identify fossils in the future whether for visitor information or identifying possible poaching. Most recently I was able to go on a long backcountry excursion hiking over 14 miles through buttes, dried up gorges, and across the plains to camp and head out at 4am before coming onto shift that day. It was a long trip, there were bumps and scrapes, but the views in the Badlands seem to put all the aches and pains out of thought. 

Fossils in the wild

Bighorn sheep watching over his canyon

Badlands: Long Summer Day

The details of this post recount the events of 6/26- The busiest day so far

0900 - Report for duty

0900-0930 - Get ready and prep for the day for a ride along with my supervisor

0930-1230 Ride along with talks about how to improve skills as a ranger, recounted experiences with dog off leash stories, checked on Minuteman National Historical Site and the Delta 9 station. First time travelling/learning Conata and Old Quinn roads

1230-1245 Quickly eat some food

1245-1500 EMS call at Pinnacles Overlook arrived on scene as SAR was concluding and guest was safe with non life threatening injuries. Call for suspected DUI, and call for motorcycle spotted off the road on the interstate. Arrived on scene to help with EMS for couple in minor motorcycle crash with minor injuries, ambulance refused, but medical services rendered.

1500-1600 PT at the fitness center

1600-1900 Suspected DUI spotted driving at entrance to park headed towards Door/Windows parking lot. Suspect found in parking lot next to vehicle laying on the ground. Open container located in car, and individual failed field sobriety tests. Taken to detox, and vehicle towed.

1900-2100 EMS call sage creek campground. Male visitor messaged wife SOS text message believed to be camping there, asked to check on the welfare of the visitor. Arrived on scene and quickly located the male, the text message was sent on accident and technology had been damaged he was safe so we cleared out. Driving back had one couple with a dog off leash issued a verbal warning, otherwise the primitive camping area at sage creek was wet, but safe.

2100 - Off Duty

Bighorn sheep located off of Castle trail

Badlands: Start of a Summer

06/18/18 - 0900 Report For duty on the first day

-The Badlands is a rugged landscape of breathtaking views and extreme conditions leaving those experiencing it with a sense of awe at the sheer magnitude of this park.

View from a short walk off of NE road into the backcountry

   

 As with many things my first day began with getting situated with paperwork, and all the forms I needed for the summer, but this was short and left much of the day to be enjoyed. I spent the next few hours visiting various areas of the park including maintenance, the fire cache, administration building, the Cedar Pass Lodge, and the paleontology lab.

Moving beyond the area in closest proximity to the ranger station we continued to the south unit and explored that part of the park for the first time, going to the White River Visitor Center, only open seasonally in the summer.

After leaving the South Unit and meeting more rangers we made our way back to the north unit as I continued to learn about different aspects of the park, and life as a ranger.

Returning to the north unit I finished the first major tour of the park meeting a few more rangers and signing off for the day, and going to take PT at the fitness facility.

Finishing the first day I could not help but feel a sense of excitement at what the summer will hold with all the possibilities here.

1800- Off Duty

View from top of Saddle Pass

Views from the Badlands

View from Front

First purchase: $5.00 folding chair

Enjoying view in folding chair: Priceless

View from the back of the unit.

Great spot for an early sunrise.

It's going to be a good summer.

Let The Good Times Roll

This summer has been a lot of fun and even with everything going on a busy ProRanger finds themselves with some free time on their hands. This summer during my down days I spent some time visiting a few different kinds of parks found in New England. Only a short 10 minute walk from the Navy Yard I found the world class Lynch Family Skate Park. A local hot spot for skating and some community events I ended up spending a lot of free time skating and making some great friends at this park. Though my summer time spent at this park was short I made a lot of friends skating and got to get involved in a vibrant strong skating community right here in Boston.

The second park I visited is one I have frequented many times is the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. Growing up in the state it was a welcome return to go and hike the largest peak and conquer Mount Washington in a long day hike. Though there was some cloud cover starting the day the temperatures stayed mild and the view was still amazing at the summit. Thankfully the clouds never turned into more sever weather as Mount Washington is known to have some of the quickest changing and most dangerous weather in the country.

Nearing the end this summer has been quite eventful and I have learned a lot that will stick with me moving forward to become a Park Ranger.

Good Times Bad Times: Simulate them all pt. 2

 The first day of simulations tended to be more routine, with a few more difficult scenarios thrown in to change it up, but the environment became familiar, which will not always be the case when operating in the field. To change this up we ventured into a new location added in a partner in the simulation and increased the stakes of the simulation. All simulations involved weapons and control tactics. If this were not enough I also had to do burpees to get my blood pumping before entering the scenario to simulate the adrenaline I may feel if it were real. To combat this I did my best to control my breath, but my blood was still rushing through my body. The first scenario was an individual actively threatening with a knife so we had to move quick. Going through the house as strategically and quickly as possible we made our way onto the scene. With my blood rushing and doing my best to control my breathing and think clearly I believe I handled the situation as well turning to the rangers after to ask for advice and pointers. With my blood still pumping we prepared for one more scenario.

 

*all firearms in scenarios are simulated weapons

    This scenario did not have as high of stakes as the previous one, but could get quite difficult as there were firearms on the scene and an unresponsive individual. Clearing the house for security and dangerous weapons we ended with medical help to one individual and putting the other under arrest.

Working through these scenarios shows you just how difficult it can be and I look forward to completing more to learn and improve myself to be the best ranger I can be.

Good Times Bad Times: Simulate them all pt. 1

Closing in on the end of the summer internship I started to move into a new training mode. With the help of multiple rangers and our training equipment here in Boston I was able to train through a few law enforcement simulations. Being my first time I was not sure what to expect as I was given little in terms of explanation of what I would experience and that it was to see how I would act behaviorally. So with a short explanation and doing the best I can to mentally prepare myself we moved into law enforcement scenarios.

The first set of drills began with a few more relaxed encounters including routine traffic stops, and great acting from the rangers involved. These first scenarios were helpful in showing me just how much goes into even a routine stop from tactics to radio work and basic communication there is a lot a ranger must master.

Unfortunately not all circumstances are routine traffic stops with little problems, and the simulations reflected that. After getting my feet wet with the simulations I was quickly put in a more intense scenario with greater consequences and risks being simulated. Though this gets the blood pumping I did my best to handle myself appropriately and calm myself to make the correct decisions. A great benefit to these exercises is after each one I was able to ask endless questions on the proper tactics and what I could improve on in the future.

Some of the simulations took unexpected turns as well quickly escalating from routine into intense situations. Though I learned a lot from these exercises I see there is still a lot more to come and I welcome further opportunities to partake in these training scenarios and work to becoming the best ranger I can be.

Ramblin' Man

Last week was very exciting as I got to travel all over Boston and see it from some of the best vantage points. On Monday our radio systems were getting an update in the center of downtown Boston and I got to be the guide for the contractors doing the work. This got us all on top of a roof right in the heart of Boston with a great view of the downtown and surrounding area.

 View from the building

We were setting up their equipment simultaneously as the workers back at the Navy Yard were setting up theirs. Their equipment was set also set up atop a building for the best communication. After a few hours of set up and coordination we were set to go on our way, unfortunately leaving this great view behind.

Another angle from the top

Reporting back the following day I took part assisting in some patrol work throughout the park, through a mostly quiet day, but when there is down time there is always work to get done. Our task for the day was to clean up some of the strictly law enforcement areas including the firearms room and firearm cleaning room. For law enforcement these areas being kept up with are a top concern and can quickly become a safety hazard, but with a little attention and some elbow grease they are looking good as new.

Firearm cleaning room looking good

Last week I also got the chance to get on the boat again, something I never plan on turning down. Boat patrol through the Harbor and Islands is an awesome experience, but we had a different mission this time. In coordination with our natural resources department we went to pick up two rangers collecting data on one of the islands. Their work was checking on the islands ecosystem and its well-being.

View of the Boston Harbor Islands (Spectacle Island in view)

Stay tuned for more ProRanger adventures as I talk about law enforcement scenario drills in my next post!

Life's Been Good

Looking good beneath the USS Constitution (now out of dry dock)

A Hard Day's Night: Getting it Done Right

Last week was my second and final week of maintenance where I moved from grounds work over to building and utilities to see another side of the operation. With buildings and utilities I got to learn about the work order process and how prioritization of jobs within the park are decided. With this in mind I went out in to the field with a few different rangers to partake in a few of the work orders that needed to get done.

One of the work orders I joined was for the historic Commandant's House. The large windows on the front face of the building had been painted over and were stuck from the paint drying over them.

As you can see we definitely want these beautiful windows to remain intact and operational in preservation of the house. Surveying the windows we decided to grab chisels, hammers, and a crowbar to take care of the situation. With the hammer and chisel we carefully cracked the seam over the window edge taking effort to not harm the rest of the paint or window itself. After going around what we safely could we were able to pry the window loose with a little help from the crow bar. Working steadily we were able to make our way through all the windows and safely open them all.

working with the chisel on the window

Another work order I assisted in was with a door that would no longer shut in one of the park housing units that was being renovated. Being an access door this was designated as a top priority in the work order list and resulted in our immediate attention. Upon surveying the older door we decided to use an electric portable planer. This was able to smooth the door almost enough. To finish the job we redid some of the old screws losing their hold and tightened the door into place. Now it is safe and secure ready to be used.

The door in place post work

Although work orders can be exciting, safety always must come first, and this week I also took place in a safety training for the maintenance workers to refresh themselves on safe operating procedures. This training was focused around chemicals and sewage in the park system and different types you may see if you find yourself at different parks. Make sure to stay tuned as I continue to learn on my internship here in Boston.

Paradise City: My Favorite View in the Park

Nighttime view from the top of building 109 in the park

Dirty Deeds: Time to Clean Up

Starting last Monday I began my time with maintenance, and with a park that sees a few million visitors every year, that is busiest in the summer, there was plenty for me to get involved with. Last week a lot of our focus was getting right into getting our hands dirty and pulling weeds. Because we protect the resources both historically and naturally a weed killer that would pollute the soil is out of the question. Even though the park is in an urban setting there is never a lack of weeds to clear out of the roads and historic areas.

We actually started right outside of the barracks (where I am staying) meaning I had the best possible commute for a couple days with the work literally being on my doorstep. Though the commute was easy the work certainly is not and working only a couple weeks with maintenance I am quickly learning just how difficult it really is. Thankfully it is still rewarding to be able to look back at the areas we cleared out and see immediately the contribution we have made. Though picking out weeds around the Navy Yard was satisfying, it was pretty awesome when we got to work underneath the USS Constitution in Dry Dock 1 and pull out the weeds there.

View under the constitution in Dry Dock 1

Also this week we were able to help a local NPS partner that gets local high school aged students involved in the Park Service. Their goal was to plant a garden area in front of the Commandant's house, and the work is coming along quite well. Armed with shovels and a bobcat we assisted with the transportation and planting of the trees/plants as well as locating the water lines running through the area.

Helping with the water irrigation system

Stay tuned for more coming this week as I continue my time with maintenance!

Sharp Dressed Man: Look at those boots

Earlier this summer I learned a very valuable lesson. How to shine my boots. Since then I have put in some work to make sure my boots are looking sharp, though they have yet to face the test of maintenance. The trick we were taught is to use a heat gun to bring out the shine in the boots, where some methods are less effective the heat gun works wonders on the shine. I have yet to get the "glass look" but I am on my way there.

Left boot before right boot after

In other news I also worked with rangers on the vehicle inspections to make sure our patrol vehicles are in tip top shape. Though some need an oil change or fluids topped off overall the fleet of ranger vehicles here at Boston is looking good. Persistent maintenance on these vehicles is of the upmost importance for us to function to the best of our abilities as rangers.

I have also been learning how to take down and properly fold a flag, which the law enforcement officers at Boston do everyday after the cannon fire marking sunset from the Navy. Though a smaller task to get done everyday there are citizens watching or casually onlooking at the rangers performing this ceremonial duty and helps keep our strong reputation within the community in which we reside.

Recently I have also continued riding along on patrols throughout the city including around the Navy Yard, Bunker Hill, the North End, downtown, Beacon Hill, and Dorchester Heights. Every area has its challenges and opportunities for me to learn.

Walk This Way: on over to Boston

After a long wait and much anticipation Adrian, Vicki, and Tony finally made it to Boston to visit for the program visit. With stated, "the most interesting itinerary," they came ready for a great visit. Starting bright and early at the Charlestown Navy Yard I brought them all on over the climb the 294 step Bunker Hill Monument. We counted this as PT for the day.

 Before the climb

Photo at the top of the monument. I made this picture larger just to show our beautiful glistening faces

From Bunker Hill we continued through to the North End of Boston following the Freedom Trail through Copp's Hill Burial Ground and the Old North Church. We continued on to Faneuil Hall stopping by the visitor center and catching the very end of a ranger talk by ranger Hannigan in the Great Hall upstairs. I also must note because everyone was being well-behaved I let them go into the historic chocolate store and try some old fashioned chocolate.

Old Fashion Chocolate exhibit (free samples included)

After a few miles of walking through Boston it became time for lunch. We chose to eat at a restaurant in Quincy Market behind Faneuil Hall and everyone was definitely ready to eat.

After lunch we continued finishing the trail through the Old South Meetinghouse, Old State House, King's Chapel, Granary Burial Grounds, a very brief walk through the Boston Common, and finally continuing onto the Boston African American Heritage Trail. After the Freedom Trail we wrapped up our time in North End with dinner at the historic Union Oyster House and dessert from Mike's Pastries (also joining us for dinner was a former ProRanger). Arriving back at the Navy Yard we had a meeting with my supervisor going over the program and my progress. After such a long day it was a good thing day two was set to be more relaxing.

(I hope the meeting went well)

Day Two: Day two began bright and early again with a tour of the Navy Yard facilities including the Constitution Museum, Visitor Center, USS Cassin Young, and Law Enforcement building. This was followed by a meeting with Chief where we presented him with a plaque showing our gratitude towards his and the parks support and involvement with the program.

Presenting Chief with the plaque

The rest of our day was capped off with a visit to George's Island. There we enjoyed lunch relaxed and roamed around touring the historic fort. The island was a lot of fun.

How we have fun

On the ferry back we had my evaluation and discussion of the program a vital step for my self improvement as well as that of the program. So far the summer has continued to be a success and I look forward to the future challenges and lessons it will bring. I would like to thank Adrian, Vicki, and Tony for coming as well as Mark, Chief Tinkham, and Brittney for their involvement as well.

Thanks for Visiting!