Comments on: Thoughts on two years with the National Park Service

By: Steve

Steve — Sun, 12 Jul 2026 20:10:18 +0000

That sounds like a heartbreaking experience….Being confronted with the untenable challenges of the job, but also (it sounds like) the disillusionment with an institution in an engineered decline. Most people make careers in public land management because they are dedicated to an ideal. It’s very sad to hear they’re going through this. I hope Joan is ok.

It took courage to leave, I think. Still, what an impasse.

The NPS, UFS, and BLM continue to be diminished and distorted. It would have continued to get worse for you: less support, witnessing the real mission continually undermined. Who knows what it would have done to your emotional and family life. You made the right call.

Thank you for sharing. It’s a valuable account.

By: Paul Mags

Paul Mags — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 18:20:46 +0000

Thank you so much for the gracious words and sharing your experience as well.

I felt honored and privileged to support the NPS. And I still do.

By: Stan Allison

Stan Allison — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:06:29 +0000

I understand where you are coming from. I had a 25 year career with the NPS and overall it was amazing! However, the end was rough because of poor managers that made my work miserable. Like any institution, the NPS has both good and bad aspects. For me, whether it was good or bad, I always would fall back on the mission of the NPS which I still strongly believe in: The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

Like any institution run by humans, the NPS has both the best and worst of humanity. Like you, I choose to remember the best and let go of the worst.

Thank you for your service to our National Parks and National Park employees!