Take Care, Sleeping Bear

Being a Law Enforcement Ranger for the NPS means that your office can be in some of the most beautiful places in the world. It's now the middle of August, I have returned home to Philadelphia, and I am definitely missing the most beautiful place I've ever been to. My final week was bittersweet, knowing that I would be leaving soon, yet still having a great experience and learning up until my last second in Michigan.

SLBE's UTV (Utility Task Vehicle)

On one of my final days, I had the privilege to do beach patrol with District Ranger Andy Blake and Ranger Jamie Westenfelder. This involved riding the Polaris along the coastline from an access point to the bottom of the Dune Climb. This is a common route when we need to make rescues at the Dune Climb, so it is important to practice driving the route and to make sure it is possible to get to the different points. Everything went smoothly, and we were able to get to the different points in a timely manner. When someone is in need of medical assistance, every second counts. 
 

Dune Climb (400 ft. tall) from the bottom

Coastline of Lake Michigan
with Empire Bluffs in the background

 Keeping with the topic of being urgent while responding to medical calls, my final hours of working as a ProRanger at SLBE were spent at an accident scene where a male on a motorized scooter fell 50 feet over a guardrail. It was a serious accident with gruesome injuries, and it reminded me to always be prepared for anything, no matter the time or day. Even the last 10 minutes of your shift can turn into 5 hours of overtime in the blink of an eye. It also made me look forward to taking EMT courses before I graduate so I can be more of a help in the future.

And now, I have the completed the most rewarding experience of my life: being a ProRanger at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. I feel like I've grown a lot since arriving in Empire, Michigan in May, and I can't thank the people at SLBE enough. I am looking forward to my senior year of college, and I wish the best to the members of my cohort who are going to the Seasonal Law Enforcement Training Program.

Sunsets at SLBE will be missed

Thanks for reading the blogs, now go out and find your park!

-Tim Greene

We Can Do 3 Internships, Right?

As the time at our parks is nearing the conclusion, it's definitely odd to think about the drastic turn that our lives are about to take. It is already August, and my senior year of college is right around the corner. As I think about walking the streets of Philadelphia, going to class, and enjoying the smells of the subway, I realize how much I am going to miss Sleeping Bear Dunes. Not just because of its beauty, but because of the people here and the nature of the job. Being able to work and patrol with the Law Enforcement Rangers has been the greatest privilege, and I've learned more than I can even start to explain. Last week involved a great amount of being out in the field and patrolling. During a patrol, we stumbled across a site where illegal camping has been occurring.

Illegal campsite

Just off the beach and hidden in deep forest, the shelter pictured above is quite common and we are working to enforce that people aren't destroying the landscape and illegally camping in wilderness areas. It was an impressive structure, but it has no room here.

Bottom of Pyramid Point

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore consists of 35 miles of coastline along Lake Michigan, and we try to monitor many beaches. It amazes me that people feel like a National Park would be a good place to smoke marijuana or perform certain activities, but that's why we need law enforcement. I have been exposed to many great learning opportunities this summer. I have seen how Rangers handle themselves, in situations that may be uncomfortable for some, with ease. Even giving out a written warning notice could turn hostile, but handling yourself in a cool and collected manner can go a long way in helping everyone stay happy and healthy.

Warning Notice Book

My supervisor had me fill out warning notices for people who had glass on the river. I am fortunate that I have gotten lots of practice with making contacts with visitors, and I now feel more comfortable. Coming up: one more blog, last week at SLBE!

My Summer View: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

My front yard

Cone Master

Collateral duties are miscellaneous tasks that are completed outside of your main role. They are a huge part of being a law enforcement officer, and collateral duties can be just as important to the whole operation of the park as your "normal" obligations as a ranger. In my time working with Ranger Schad, I have seen how collateral duties are necessary and directly contribute to the park. As the park's safety officer, he showed me how they perform the annual safety audit in the park's many buildings. He also did inventory on all firearms and ammo. In addition, yet completely unrelated, we also got to set up cones for 2 of the park's concerts. It's honestly an art form, and should not be taken lightly. I took pride in making the cones look good. 

Cones were set up to prohibit parking to provide easy
access in case of emergency at the Dune Climb Concert

Ranger Schad and I helping direct traffic at the
Dune Climb Concert

I know setting up cones and directing traffic isn't the hardest of jobs, but it still takes communication and teamwork. I know I have repeated it in previous blogs, but the staff at SLBE continues to show me how to operate as a well-oiled machine. 

Taken from the top of Pyramid Point Trail

As I write this blog, I am exactly one week away from my last day of work. It completely blows my mind how fast this summer has gone by, and it will be hard to say goodbye. On the bright side: still one more week! Thanks for reading.

Major SAR at SLBE

It has been very busy at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The weather has been perfect for visitors to enjoy their summer here in Northern Michigan, and with high visitation comes the high probability for accidents to occur. Recently we concluded a body recovery mission on Big Glen Lake, which is partly on park property. Many different agencies were involved, including the Michigan State Police, Department of Natural Resources, Grand Traverse and Leelanau County Sheriff's Offices, Glen Lake Fire Department, National Park Service, and even the Coast Guard.

Glen Lake Fire Department's boat

This was the first time that I had been a part of a recovery mission, as opposed to a rescue mission. The physical aspect was trying, but there was also a mental aspect because of the circumstances. I was extremely lucky to be surrounded by a talented and experienced team.

NPS boat: The Raptor

I worked with Ranger Jamie Westenfelder, and our job was to help set the perimeter around the Glen Lake Fire Department's boat. They had an ROV (remote operated vehicle) with side-scan sonar, a camera, and a propeller that was searching underwater. The event was covered heavily by the local media, so many people knew better than to come close to the boats. On the 5th day of the operation, the Michigan State Police had a cadaver dog assist on the search, which ultimately helped end the mission. It was a great feeling being able to provide closure for the family, yet the circumstances still left for a somber mood. However, being able to witness and learn from such great teamwork, perseverance, professionalism, and leadership was a privilege and will stick with me as I move forward in my career.

Big Glen Lake

With any incident comes lots of work behind the scenes, and a Major SAR (search and rescue/recover) is no exception. My supervisor, District Ranger Andy Blake, showed me the process of how to properly manage such a large event. He explained how to fill out the Major SAR Report, displayed how and why he kept track of every single detail of the mission, showed great empathy and support to the family, and kept calm and focused throughout all of the operations while being a great leader.

It won't always be easy, but this event has helped me to look even more forward to such a rewarding career. Only a few more weeks left at SLBE, let's make the most of it! Until next time...

Most Beautiful Spot In: Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

It's tough to choose the most beautiful spot in such a scenic area.
I chose this picture that I took from the top of the lighthouse on South Manitou Island.

Happy Holidays

While working as a ProRanger, it becomes crystal clear that the schedule of a Ranger is far from a normal 9 to 5. With that schedule comes working nights and holidays. 4th of July weekend at Sleeping Bear Dunes was the busiest I have seen that park thus far, and it was a bit chaotic. 

Drinking seems to be the theme for the holiday.
We confiscated alcohol from minors.

Unfortunately, the holiday weekend began with finding minors in possession of alcohol. It is a shame that people celebrate Independence Day by getting hammered, but such is reality. This theme continued when we answered a call of an intoxicated female walking along the beach causing a concern for other visitors. When we contacted her, she was clearly lost and not sure of what was happening. It was a great experience for me to see how District Ranger Andy Blake handled the situation, as the lady was not cooperating. Due to the circumstances, the contact resulted in an arrest after Ranger Blake had no other choices. The three of us took a trip to the Grand Traverse County Jail, and I was able to witness the intake process. 

SAR at Sleeping Bear Point Trail

The holiday weekend also consisted of a search and rescue where there was a lost man reported on the Sleeping Bear Point Trail. We hiked a few miles through the sand, only to get a call that he was reunited with his family. Although it was hot and hilly, it was a great feeling that there was a happy ending. 

So, I didn't make the 4th of July seem to be a very pleasant experience... yet it truly was. Aside from the arrest and citations, most people use the national park the way it was designed to be used. Many people enjoyed the beaches, hiked the trails, had picnics, and attended professional firework shows around the surrounding towns. Working to protect America's natural treasures was especially rewarding during the holiday. 

The celebration continued with a bunch of the rangers going to the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. 

2016 National Cherry Festival

As a ProRanger, we have a unique opportunity to work and travel to places that we may have never seen otherwise. I believe it is important to explore the community as much as possible, and do as the locals do. Northern Michigan is known as the cherry capital of the world, and Traverse City has held the National Cherry Festival in some capacity for nearly a century. This year consisted of a carnival, many food and drink vendors, and even a concert featuring Vanilla Ice! 

Yes, Vanilla Ice. 

Until next time!

Down By The River

Week 4 was the most action-packed week in terms of law enforcement experience. A total of 8 agencies took place in the Platte River Saturation Patrol on Saturday, including the NPS, DNR (Department of Natural Resources), Benzie County Sheriff's Office, Michigan State Police, and Traverse Narcotics Team. The Platte River is a popular destination for people on kayaks, canoes, and tubes to float down and enjoy a day on the water. It is the ideal environment to bring your family and friends for some relaxing time in the outdoors. The goal of the saturation patrol was to help restore the friendly environment that has fallen victim to underage drinking, drug usage, and glass bottles.

Platte River Saturation Patrol

I learned a lot of great skills during the patrol. I was stationed with Ranger Mazurek, Ranger Chalup, and Ranger Westenfelder, who are all extremely experienced and were quick to show me the ropes. Ranger Mazurek was on the lookout upriver and would communicate to me what he sees through radio, and I would pass that information to Ranger Chalup and Ranger Westenfelder. They would then make the necessary contacts in our attempt to clean up the river.

Being a ProRanger, it is always a balancing act of what we can and can't do because we aren't the typical ranger. Being very involved while having a direct impact on who gets contacted, taking notes on ranger's observations, and communicating under stressful situations was exceptionally rewarding. Just during one day, we witnessed multiple cases of PCS (possession of a controlled substance), MIP (minors in possession of alcohol), public intoxication, and even responded to a heart attack.

Not too many pictures were taken due to the high volume of people, contacts, and being engaged in the task at hand.

The Platte River Saturation Patrol was a great way to show that rangers are out and about. In no way is this operation a secret, and the overall public response was positive. Protecting the parks is the responsibility of everyone involved, and hopefully because of these patrols, more people will be able to enjoy this place in a healthy manner. My week continued as I was able to patrol with Ranger Mazurek. 

Being here for 16 years, Ranger Nate Mazurek knows this park like the back of his hand. He knows where people like to hang out, where illegal activities happen, and most importantly, where to get the best snacks. He has been a great mentor to me, and I am excited to spend more time with him. In addition to daily patrol, he also gave me the opportunity to see the Leelanau County Dispatch Center. 

Multi-tasking professionals.
Leelanau County Dispatch Center

It was nice to see the faces of the voices that I have heard for the past month. The dispatchers do amazing work for the park and county, and I can't stress the importance of their job. During my hour at dispatch there were multiple 911 calls, and a large amount of miscellaneous calls such as traffic stops and location check-ins. It takes a special and talented person to work for dispatch. 

The days at SLBE are still exciting, action-packed, and rewarding. Plus, it doesn't hurt to unwind at a bonfire on the beach with friends after a day of work. 

"Pure Michigan"

Program Visit: SLBE

My expectations for the “most beautiful place in America” (according to Good Morning America) were pretty high.  Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (SLBE) and its staff did not disappoint me!  I was joined on this visit by junior (pro) ranger Finn.  We visited during the second week in June while it is still pretty cool up in northern Michigan.  

We started the visit with a trip to the Visitor’s Center to pick up the junior ranger book.  ProRanger Tim Greene and Finn started working on it right away!  From there we proceeded to the Leelanau District Ranger Station and met up with Tim’s supervisor for the summer, District Ranger Andrew Blake. 

Tim and Finn working on the junior ranger workbook.

Tim Greene presents District Ranger Andy Blake with a plaque on behalf of the ProRanger Program.

Then we all headed to the park headquarters for a meeting with Deputy Superintendent Tom Ulrich and Chief Ranger Phil Akers.  This is SLBE’s third summer participating in the program and during our meeting the support for the program from the park’s leadership was clear.  They also provided some helpful feedback and suggestions for future improvements to the program.

Ranger Blake, ProRanger Greene, Chief Akers and Deputy Superintendent Ulrich

Then we were off for a whirlwind tour of the park!  As we toured the park, Ranger Blake pointed out areas of the park for Tim to be aware of, he reviewed the law enforcement challenges they typically encounter in various areas and the types of assignments Tim will be getting later in the summer.  He also took the opportunity to quiz Tim on our location on various roads and geographic areas to be sure that he was learning the park’s geography and would be able to accurately call in his location or respond the correct location in the event of an incident.  

Finn dug a "sitting hole" and relaxed to observe the sights

Ranger Blake also made several visitor contacts during the course of our tour while Tim observed.  Following each contact Ranger Blake explained the circumstances of the contact:  why he initiated it, his strategy for handling it the way he did and what he hoped to accomplish from the contact.  He also shared whether it was a typical contact for that area and what other ways that Tim could expect that interaction to unfold.  Some of these contacts included waving down a visitor who was clearly exceeding the park’s speed limit, educating some dog walkers about the areas where they could take their dog (they were about to enter an area where they could not), observing the activities of a known park tour group leader, among other contacts.  This was in addition to answering dozens of questions from park visitors about directions and making recommendations about the park’s highlights.

One of the 3 bays in the park

We ended the day with a demonstration of SLBE's UTV used for rescues!

Day 2 of the visit included a visit to the Platte District.  We were there on a cool, overcast weekday morning early in the season.  The Platte River looked calm and serene.  It was hard to imagine the huge crowds that will cause near gridlock on the river on an almost daily basis later in the summer.  Ranger Blake described the many law enforcement challenges they have there and the opportunities that Tim will have later in the summer to be a part of several "saturation" days where multiple law enforcement agencies will be coordinating their activities in order to keep the chaos in check.

Platte River entry point

No sign of the crowds to come

No visit to SLBE would complete without climbing some dunes!  We finished up the visit with the completion of the junior ranger program and a swearing in and presentation of the badge!  

Proud junior ranger

The dune climb!

Then we walked.  And walked.  And walked. It was a cool day with relatively small crowds, but Tim got a taste of the search and rescue challenges he’ll be seeing when the weather gets hot and the crowds get bigger.  He was already strategizing about some of the preventative search and rescue (PSAR) work he’ll be assigned to. 

Cherry pit spitting

 Olympic size cherry pit spitting arena

Lest you think the visit was all work, we spent the evenings enjoying the towns of Empire and Glen Arbor.  This area of Michigan is famous for its cherries.  So, we sampled a lot of cherry-flavored food (cherry salsa anyone?).  And, who knew that cherry pit spitting was a thing?  I was dubious, but it turned out to be pretty fun!  

After dinner entertainment

Something you don't see every day:  Fox running down the road with a hot dog and egg in its mouth

Unfortunately the weather wasn’t cooperative and we waited for those striking sunsets that never materialized, but we engaged in some competitive games of cornhole and enjoyed the beachside playgrounds (and the fact that it stayed light until nearly 10pm!).  There’s always next year!  

Sunset over Lake Michigan from Empire's town park

Thanks to Tim for being a great host, organizing a great visit and for being a great role model for an 8-year old.  Thank you to Ranger Andy Blake for his enthusiastic mentorship of Tim, his hospitality and for taking time out of his schedule to make our visit both productive and enjoyable.  And, thank you to SLBE Deputy Superintendent Tom Ulrich and Chief Ranger Phil Akers for their leadership and ongoing support of the program.

Up next:  Fire Island

Island Life

Hello, Tim Greene here from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. It's finally starting to feel like summer, with visitation and temperatures both increasing in Northern Michigan. This past week I was able to host Temple University ProRanger Program Director Dr. Vicki McGarvey, and I think she has an action-packed blog coming so I don't want to steal her thunder. Just a quick preview...

We had a great meeting about the ProRanger Program and SLBE.
Pictured (L-R): My Supervisor District Ranger Andy Blake, ProRanger Tim Greene,
Chief Ranger Phil Akers, and Deputy Superintendent Tom Ulrich.

Finn really enjoyed cherry pit spitting at
Cherry Republic in Glen Arbor.

Cherry pit spitting for distance? I've never heard of it either, yet it is another puzzle piece that makes this place so unique. In addition to cherry pit spitting, it just so happens that Sleeping Bear Dunes also has two islands as part of the National Lakeshore. North and South Manitou Islands are 12 and 16 miles west of the coast respectively, and I could go on and on about the beauty... yet it provided a great law enforcement experience as well.

South Manitou Island, with Ranger Station in the distance

From talking to other employees and even ProRangers of the past, I have heard that the crown jewels of this park are the islands. After a few days of experiencing them for myself, I couldn't agree more. However, it takes lots of hard work, unique skills, and organization to keep them operating smoothly. I had the opportunity to work with Ranger Jamie Westenfelder, who has worked at many parks including 9 years at the Grand Canyon. Being around someone with so much experience and passion for his job was a privilege as I tried to absorb as much knowledge as I could. 

Working on South Manitou Island is interesting because there are no Interpretive Rangers or Campground staff, so the LE Ranger is truly the do-it-all Ranger. We began with a boat tour around the perimeter of the island, and then welcomed lots of campers off the ferry. 

Our patrol boat, and transportation to and from the island.

Campground Registration

Pictured above, on Friday we checked camping registrations and Ranger Jamie gave a safety talk to help everyone have a safe visit. It is important to remember that being on an island may prevent quick responses to medical emergencies and resources, so it is important to always keep safety on the mind. Although the island appears to be paradise, safety never takes a vacation. The next day started early with going to the mainland to pick up other rangers, then continuing the rest of the day on the water.

Always on the lookout 

I was extremely lucky with weather conditions. It was sunny, warm, and the water was like glass. I have to remind myself that I am in Michigan and not the Caribbean with the clear blue water. We headed over to North Manitou Island to check on the Natural Resources staff who work on the island.

If you're looking for more of a wilderness remote area,
then North Manitou Island is your spot.

One of the biggest challenges that Sleeping Bear Dunes has is protecting the Piping Plover. They are an endangered bird species, and a third of the whole species calls SLBE home. All over the park, including on North Manitou, there are areas closed to the public because of the plover nests.

Closed Area on NMI

Pictured above are the signs that prevent visitors from going into the areas. During my time as a ProRanger Intern, I have learned that sometimes people choose to disobey signs, and this was the case this past week. Although we didn't get to contact the offenders, we were able to show our presence and educate a few visitors on the topic of Piping Plovers. During this visit to North, we received a SAR (search & rescue) call about an overturned kayak in Lake Michigan with the individual still in sight, yet unable to get back into the kayak in 56 degree water. Although this was not a good circumstance, it was great to see how our staff communicates with different agencies and works together to the quickest solution. This involved us hopping back on the boat and quickly getting to the kayak, helping the Leelanau County Sheriff's Marine Patrol rescue the individual and get everything to shore. It went flawlessly and it was a great feeling after my first successful rescue. After a long day on the water, I was able to explore the island a bit. 

SMI Lighthouse

South Manitou Island was popular in the 19th and 20th centuries as a harbor and fueling station. In 1901, the United States Life-Saving Service built a station on the island, which is now the Ranger Station. There are over 50 known shipwrecks around the island, some still very visible from the surface. Because of the shipwrecks, a 100-foot tall lighthouse was built in 1871 and is still standing. Tours are given daily to visitors thanks to park volunteers.

Shining during the night

During my last night on the island, we were able to go to the top of the lighthouse. I'm not a huge fan of heights, but I was too busy being in awe of the view to be scared.

Paradise... the view of the coast of SMI from the lighthouse.

My experience on the islands is one that I will never forget. It is interesting to note how the methods of law enforcement change according to the environment that you are in, and that only makes me more excited to see what happens next. Until next time, take care and thanks for reading. 

Training, Teamwork, and Triathlons

^Alliteration is always cool, right? Anyways...

Week 2 at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has proved even further that I am in the right place. The scenery is still as stunning as the first time that I saw it, the staff continues to be welcoming and friendly, and I am excited that the rush of summer is just around the corner. Before visitation really picks up as school gets out and the Michigan weather gets warm enough for beach visits (hopefully soon), we have had many training opportunities in the park.

SLBE's UTV is a valuable resource for
Search and Rescues around the dunes.

My first training took place towards the end of Week 1, where I took radio training and then an online course to learn how to safely operate our UTV (Utility Task Vehicle). Week 2 began with new-employee training on Monday, which was followed by all-employee training on Tuesday. Sitting in a meeting for two days may not seem fun, but it was truly beneficial to hear from other divisions and get a better grasp on how the park operates as a whole. Next, Wildland Fire training...

After the meetings, I was able to attend a Wildland Fire Safety Refresher with fellow SLBE employees from all divisions. We were taught things such as recognizing risks and hazards, and then went outside for hands-on training. We each had to deploy and get into personal fire shelters with our feet positioned towards the fire (not real fire) in less than 30 seconds. We also discussed the different aspects of the fire engine, and concluded with a hose lay. All of this training has reinforced the idea that teamwork is necessary to succeed in all aspects of this job. The staff at SLBE have continuously showed me that they have a great sense of teamwork already established, and that was put to work before, during, and after the M22 challenge.

Before the M22 Challenge

Around here, they have many traditions. I missed the Asparagus Festival in the middle of May and I am eagerly awaiting the 91st annual Cherry Festival in the beginning of July. Another great tradition is the M22 Challenge, a run-bike-paddle event that Sleeping Bear Dunes hosts each year. 900 athletes participate in a 2.5 mile run, 17 mile bike ride, and 2.5 mile kayak paddle. With so many athletes and spectators in the middle of the park, it was important for everyone to be on the same page. This planning began months in advance, and thanks to everyone knowing their roles, great communication, and an organized incident command system, the event went extremely well.

The weather was absolutely perfect.

The M22 challenge was a spectacular event where so many people were able to use the natural resources that the park has to offer. Although waking up at 4 in the morning for a 5:30am meeting and standing in the hot sun directing traffic for 6 hours may not seem like the greatest time, it was extremely rewarding to be able to work as a well-oiled machine and have things run so smoothly. My supervisor, District Ranger Andy Blake, continually stresses how important operational leadership can be, and I saw that first hand. After the M22 challenge, we all had a meeting where Ranger Blake discussed what went well, what didn't go well, and asked us for different aspects that we should start, stop, and continue doing. Because of his leadership, the event will continue to improve. 

Thanks for reading, and be sure to stay tuned.