ANROA in ALBERTA

In Memory: Bob Mickelson

2009-03-09T13:31:00.000-06:00

As written and read by Conservation Officer Kerry Hope:

Bob Mickelson dedicated himself to for much of his working years. The man behind the uniform is here because Bob was my mentor, my neighbour, one of my heroes and my friend.

Bob started working in Parks in maintenance. His drive and hard work was recognized by his supervisors and he was successful in competition to become a Park Ranger. Early in Bobs career the parks department decided that its Rangers should be educated to a certain standard. Bob and many of his contemporaries were thrown into what was called the basic parks course and the advanced parks course, a two year process that challenged many of the old-time park caretakers. Many did not make it through that process but Bob applied himself and succeeded. He told me that his family was the reason he made it through and joked that it was a humbling experience being helped by his teenaged daughter with his algebra. Hard work and Humility were lessons that Bob taught by example.

In the years that Bob was a Park Ranger the role was a real way of life and not just a job. That way of life included families who shared the isolation and the politics of living in the park and often being the only emergency contact. Because of Bobs dedication to parks, Irene was partly married to Parks. Bob didn’t tell me that he loved Irene (guys don’t usually use those terms) but it was apparent in many ways. He did tell me how important she was to him being able to do the job that he did. He was always very proud of his kids and from my experience that was with good reason. There are other people here who can talk about Bob the family man, so I’ll move on to telling you more about some of the other things he loved. The importance of family was a lesson that Bob taught by example.

Years ago when we had large teams of staff living in and around Parks they became communities that were built in the spring and dismantled to an extent in the fall. Bob had a way of pulling together a team and Irene had a way of building a community. Bob respected the guy who cleaned the toilets and he made you know that you were important to him. I remember his way of squinting a little bit and nodding as he listened to people intently. He was very good at figuring out, in his words, what made someone tick. Bob was a natural leader who cared about people and this was rewarded with dedication and a high standard of park operation. A sincere caring for people and how that converted to good leadership was a lesson that Bob taught by example.

Bob had a great sense of humour. When he thought I was being too serious he would lighten things up with one of his stories or some corny joke. I wish I could remember the things that we laughed about but I just remember laughing with Bob till tears came. His humour seemed spontaneous but it was also polished not to be hurtful to anyone. He had a self-deprecating sense of humour that cut through formality and lightened any situation. Joking about himself put people at ease and endeared himself to everyone who he contacted. Seeing the lighter side of life and not taking yourself too seriously was a lesson Bob taught by example.

Bob had a deep feeling for the natural world. You could see him light up when he talked about seeing griz tracks or if he saw a new moose calf in the park. He told me that the mountains are different every day and I know he appreciated them every day. It wasn’t unusual for Bob to come in to the office or the shop and say something like “did you see that sunrise this morning” or “did you hear that owl hooting last night”. Bob was one of the old style of Rangers who was on the land and was part of it all. His identity was tied up with the natural communities that he protected. Appreciation for nature was a lesson Bob taught by example.

Bob Mickelson was very widely liked and respected in the Alberta Parks organization. Sometimes he made his manager squirm a bit with his strong feelings and outspokenness. He also backed me up as young ranger with much less earned credibility when I got on a rant or two. Government is an environment where diplomacy and problem resolution are rewarded. These are good things and Bob was good at them but never at the expense of what was right. The courage to speak the truth when it is not convenient to do so was something that Bob had. Courage was not rewarded by the system but it was recognized by people around him. Courage and commitment are lessons that Bob taught by example.

I don’t think that Bob and Irene had a lot of money. Being a Park ranger didn’t pay all that well but I know that Bob was very rich in many ways. He had a partner who he loved and who loved him. He had a great family he was proud of and a deep appreciation for the important things in life. That was enough to achieve in one life but his influence lives on in untold ways. He touched and influenced many lives and now we tell the people who we supervise that there was an old ranger who told me something one time…. We pass it on. And they pass it on. For me, part of Bob is still out in Switzer Park and part of Bob lives in the people he touched.

Profile: Anita Schmidt - Camrose District

2009-03-09T09:08:00.000-06:00

After surviving most of her life overseas (Trinidad, Iran, Egypt, and Scotland) as an ‘oil brat’, Anita came back to Canada and went to the University of Alberta. After the usual gruelling 4 years, she received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Forestry in 1990 and later completed an honours diploma in Landscape Architecture from the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) in 1992. Schooled and trained to be a ‘landscape forester’ (design pretty cutblocks), she was reviewing the bulletin boards her last year of University. The advertisement for a Seasonal Park Ranger was pointed out to her. On a lark, she applied for the job and has never really looked back.

Hired in 1990 as a Seasonal Park Ranger at Vermilion Provincial Park, she always wondered how a forestry graduate could be placed in a location with, comparatively speaking, not a heck of a lot of trees. Was it something she said in the interview?

Regardless, she survived her first summer and went to NAIT to continue with her schooling. The Seasonal Park Ranger gig was great and in 1991, she found a summer position at Pigeon Lake Provincial Park close to her family (aunts, uncle, cousins, etc.) on the other side of the lake in the Thorsby community.

After graduating from NAIT in 1992, Anita was at a bit of a loss as to where to go to become a landscape forester. It was back to Pigeon Lake for another adventure filled summer. For the winter, she volunteered to help with the development of new trails and stayed in one of the park residences. Time passed and before she knew it, Anita had worked for the summer of 1993 and was volunteering for a second winter period. Waaaay back then, the volunteering way of life was easier to come by and worked out great for on the job training. It also put one in the position to take on jobs that occasionally showed up.

In 1994, Anita was offered the Park Ranger II position at Pigeon Lake for the summer. This is where she started to learn some of the ins and outs of supervising. In August of 1994, Anita was approached and asked to consider a position at Fish Creek Provincial Park in Calgary. Hmmm…a full time position. Not a lot of thought required there. It was off to Calgary and a big city way of life.

With ticket book in hand and sitting proudly in the golf cart, the once shy and not overly assertive Anita got over herself the first two days at Fish Creek. Through a variety of events, eventually Anita took on a position as the Park Ranger for the Ghost and Waiparous area. Now that was a blast. Mountains, trees, winding gravel roads and pretty much alone…what more could a girl ask for? A year later, she was assigned back at Fish Creek. Amazing what a difference a year could make. Parks was now amalgamating with Fish and Wildlife. The job was changing and Anita was being introduced to a whole new way of doing business.

In March of 1999, Anita was called into the area manager’s office. The position was now permanent. No more ‘super wage’ as it was known at the time. It was also time to consider moving on. With the amalgamation and switch to Conservation Officer, positions were opening throughout the province. Almost through a comedy of errors, Anita found herself packing up and moving to Manning, Alberta right in time for the hunting season. Now we are talking trees…and lots of them! More than once that first year, the culture shock brought about comments of her being totally out of her element. From the big city to the far corner of Alberta at Bistcho Lake doing commercial fishing checks. It doesn’t get much different than that.

Wow…now a home owner too! Mobile home, but all Anita’s none the less. And a dog too! Life up north was wonderful. So much time spent outdoors. This is also where Anita got hooked on Search and Rescue and dog training. The bear work, seeing wolves, seeing the Chinchaga caribou, seeing a live lynx, communicating with hunters and trappers, and lots of driving…the north country was amazing. Writing this now brings a strong feeling of nostalgia.

But life must go on!! More changes occurred and Fish & Wildlife separated from Parks. With the changes came a new location in 2004. Literally having the house picked up and moved to Camrose, Anita is now the officer in charge of Miquelon Lake Provincial Park. As of June 2009, she will have been here for 5 years. That is the longest she has ever lived in one place since leaving Egypt in 1985. 2009 also marks her 20th summer with Parks. Not so bad for throwing your name in a hat and seeing what happens.

Anita is a member of Wetaskiwin Search and Rescue and also holds the Vice President position with Search and Rescue Dog Association of Alberta. One day, she hopes to become a search dog handler. She has maintained her interest in dog training and is the instructor for dog bite prevention for Conservation Officers and field staff for Alberta Parks. Anita is currently the Member at Large representative for ANROA and has filled the secretary position for one term.

Quote:
“By mistake, I have found my passion. This has been an incredible career that I continue to look forward to going to work every day. I have no regrets and highly recommend it.”

Profile: Donna Schley - Kananaskis Country

2009-03-02T14:26:00.000-07:00

Originally from the Okanagan Valley in BC, Donna along with her three brothers were always outdoor enthusiasts. She pursued a career in parks after participating in the Canadian youth project Katimavik where she was introduced to the Natural Resource Officer functions in Yellowknife, NWT. After graduating in 1981 with a diploma in Wildland Recreation Management from Selkirk College in BC, she began her career with Alberta Provincial Parks as a seasonal Park Ranger in the Bow District of Kananaskis Country in 1982.

Donna worked seasonally in the Bow District for several summers improving her skills in enforcement, backcountry, resource management and public safety. As a Kananaskis Country officer she wanted to become a trusted member of the public safety program so she actively pursued skills on and off the job that would improve my backcountry skiing, avalanche assessment, search and rescue, climbing and mountaineering ability.

Following her Mom and Dad’s advice Donna worked hard to be an effective Officer unaware that she may have been breaking ground for future permanent female officers in a male dominant career. As part of a mutual training program with Kananaskis Country Public Safety Specialists, Donna became the first female to complete the Calgary Firefighters Aquatics Rescue Specialist training in 1987. In 2003 she was part of a group of Kananaskis Country Officers that received the Alberta Emergency Services Medal in recognition of our work to provide public safety and mountain rescue.

In 1985 she was successful in competing for a winter extension in the Bow District (who knew that all those days on my skis would be instrumental in securing fulltime employment). After working several years as a temporary salary officer she became a permanent officer in 1988. That same year Donna was selected as a member of the team of Park Rangers who would perform helicopter sling rescues during the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics at the Nakiska Ski Area, venue for the alpine skiing events.

In 1989 she met her future husband Paul Price who was also pursuing employment in Kananaskis Country. They have shared their lives, passions and dreams ever since. In October 2008 they spent twenty-three days trekking in Nepal; the views of Mt. Everest glowing in the jet stream are something she will never forget!

In 1993 Donna was transferred to Kananaskis District where she took over the responsibility in managing the large complex backcountry area including four backcountry patrol cabins. The opportunity to be a Conservation Officer and help to protect Alberta Parks and the people who recreate in Kananaskis Country has been a source of pride and has helped to define her personally. The Alberta Natural Resource Officers Association helps to form a “family” of support and shared goals with other Conservation Officers throughout the province. Donna is the present K-country rep for ANROA.

Profile: Glenn Harvey - Cold Lake District

2009-02-08T17:30:00.000-07:00

After completing high school in St. Albert, Glenn overlapped his time attending Lethbridge Community College, with a previous commitment in the Canadian Armed Forces Reserve – Maritime Command Pacific. Many exciting weekends and summer months were spent as a signalman aboard small training vessels, the McKenzie Class Destroyer Escort HMCS Saskatchewan and the Tribal Class anti-submarine Destroyer HMCS Algonquin. Glenn spent so many hours flying between Alberta and CFB Esquimalt in Hercules aircraft that he started to think that he was in the Air Force rather than the Navy. After attending classes in Renewable Resources Management – Enforcement for a year, he knew his true calling and the relationship with the Navy ended.

The next summer Glenn tried for a Seasonal Park Ranger position but was turned down due his incomplete Diploma (that’s what they told him anyways). However he found a terrific summer job as a Fishing Guide on Great Bear Lake.

Glenn graduated from college January 1980 and started work for Alberta Parks at Moose Lake Provincial Park, April 1980. As a Seasonal Park Ranger he was immediately challenged as there was no supervisory Park Ranger on site. Oh, the things you learn over the telephone! “First you need to hire booth and maintenance staff – all the forms are there somewhere. After you’ve done that order in the fuel, go to town for supplies, make sure that you schedule the staff so that they have the park cleaned and repaired and ready for the May Long Weekend. The booth staff needs to learn how to do the camping permits and deposits and how to direct visitors to park facilities. You’ll need to code and process all the bills for payment and don’t waste time getting them into the mail – the post office key is in a drawer or hanging on a nail with all the other keys that you’ll need. There’s a DPO book in the booth somewhere and a gas voucher book in your truck glove box. If you need tickets they are in the brief case. I’ll see you in a couple of weeks and by the way the fire hazard is extreme so there is a fire ban on and you had better get the fire equipment out and ready. Good luck!”

A week later things were progressing in the administration and maintenance end of things, and Glenn had hired a whole bunch of people from Bonnyville! Oh, and the park was on fire! You learn fast in Albert Parks.

So it went for the next few years: moving between Sir Winston Churchill, Long Lake, Cold Lake and then back to Moose Lake and Garner Lake. During those times full-time year-round work was available for wage staff and there were some challenging projects to get involved in.

In 1986, Glenn married one of the girls that he had hired to work at the booth in 1980. Glenn and his new bride set up house-keeping in all the glory and splendour of the “Permanent Ranger’s Residence” at Moose Lake. After a few days of living there it was not difficult to understand why Parks could not attract a permanent Ranger to this beautiful park. The mice and squirrels had invaded the mobile home years prior and left their mark. The trailer had no insulation left in its walls or floors since the squirrels had taken it all for their nests. In summer the temperature inside regularly passed 100 degrees and at the slightest hint of frost in the fall, the water and sewer lines froze. The squirrels had been kind enough to replace all the fibreglass insulation with dried mushrooms but they obviously didn’t have the correct R-value. The mice wore army boots and their marching back and forth to the kitchen kept Glenn up at night devising cleverer and more efficient killing machines. Despite a huge trap-line they continued to thrive. The bears were at the doors and the red ants attacked the residence in the millions.

In 1987 Glenn was asked to take on Garner Lake and all its PRA’s. The Permanent Ranger’s Residence there was nearly a dream house compared to the Moose Lake trailer. The cozy 742 sq. ft. bungalow had Roxanne sold on the move instantly since it came with a lawn, a vegetable garden and a garage, and the wildlife inside the house was minimal.

Finally, in 1990 through the long awaited competition, Glenn was hired on as a permanent Park Ranger III. Glenn and Roxanne stayed at Garner Lake and raised a family there until 1996 when they moved to a home outside of Parks. At this time the operations of Garner Lake by the Government was suspended and Glenn moved to an office in the Provincial Building in St. Paul.

There was no work in Parks for Glenn, so he worked with Fish & Wildlife for a couple of years until the official reorganization came about and formed the Natural Resource Service. He became a Conservation Officer and stayed in St. Paul and since the subsequent reorganization back to Parks, has stayed on as a CO with the Cold Lake District.

The majority of Glenn’s spare time is spent as a Scout Leader. He has enjoyed leading his Troops on all of the hikes and canoe trips and Jamborees over the past 25 years and plans on carrying on for another 25.

Profile: Scott Blake - Grande Prairie District

2009-02-08T16:55:00.000-07:00

Scott graduated from Lethbridge Community College in the spring of 1977 and started with Alberta Parks in a six month seasonal position as a Horticulture Supervisor for three Provincial Parks in Southern Alberta. (Beauvais Lake, Taber and Police Outpost). After making contact with the Park Rangers that summer, he decided to pursue that the avenue with Parks. In the spring of 1978, he was offered a Seasonal Ranger in charge position at Woolford Park for another six month position.

Then in the spring of 1979, he started as the Senior Seasonal Ranger at Kinbrook Island. A very short time there ( 3 weeks) he was offered a bit of an advancement and transferred to Willow Creek Provincial Park as the Seasonal Ranger in charge. It was again a six month position.

During the winter Seasons, Scott took another job as an instrument operator at the Canadian Sugar factory in Taber. But a position in the Parks was still his desire, so he went back to Willow Creek Park in the same capacity in the spring of 1980. During the late summer of 1980, Alberta Parks ran a permanent competition for a very limited number of Park Rangers. Scott was successful in that competition and was offered a permanent position at Taber Park starting in the fall of 1980. He was there for only nine months and then was transferred and promoted to a Park Ranger II position at Wyndhan Carseland Provincial Park. He remained in that capacity until July of 1988 when he was transferred and later promoted to a Park Ranger III position and stationed at Young's Point Provincial Park.

In July of 1990, he was transferred to Saskatoon Island Provincial Park. His family lived at the Park for seven years. After that time they moved into the Town of Wembley for five years before purchasing acreage just west of Saskatoon Park where they remain today. The number of Parks, staff and contracts he has managed has been increasing steadily since 2002 when he took on the position as the Grande Prairie District Team Leader.

Scott was in charge of the Northwest portion of the recruitment committee for eight years starting about 1992. He also served on the joint worksite committee for many years at various times. Scott has always enjoyed his positions as Park Ranger/ Conservation Officer because he likes people and enjoys the freedom of the job and the wide variety of work that it entails. Scott is well known in his community and has volunteered in many capacities including the Saskatoon Ag. Society, Wembley Ag Society, Wembley Minor Hockey, Wembley Baptist Church Youth Group, Canada Winter Games, Camp Wapiti and various senior level hockey organizations.

Scott is very much a family man and enjoys his time with his wife and 3 boys. He enjoys riding quads, sleds and motorcycles. The family also has 4 horses on their acreage that they enjoy. Scott is very thankful that he has always had so many high quality people to work with and have fun with in a rewarding career with Alberta Parks.

Profile: Ray Gibson - Peace River District

2008-12-17T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ray grew up on a farm in Saskatchewan. After graduating from High School Ray spent a year working on a sheep farm. After a year of shovelling sheep manure Ray decided that a career in agriculture was not for him. Ray attended Lethbridge Community College and graduated in 1973 with a Diploma in Conservation Enforcement.

In May of 1973 Ray started work as a Park Officer Trainee at Cypress Hills. After Cypress Ray went on to Sir Winston Churchill Provincial Park. Ray moved in February, when he departed Cypress Hills a Chinook was blowing and the temperature was + 15, when Ray arrived at Sir Winston Churchill the temperature was - 45, as Ray looked out through the ice fog covering the lake he started to wonder where he had moved to.

After about a year at Sir Winston Churchill Ray moved further north to Gregoire Lake. When Ray arrived at Gregoire Lake there were no phone lines, there was a mobile phone that was set up in the staff house. A large horn was on the outside of the house went off when an incoming call occurred. If you were in the office you had to run to the house when the horn announced an incoming call. During the summer month when the nearby firetowers were manned you could call them and get them to contact their radio room in Ft. McMurray. This was how emergency services were called to assist with emergencies in the campground.

After Gregoire Lake Ray moved to Long Lake where his two Children Lance and Helena were born. Many a summer evening was spent canoeing and/or fishing with his children. After Long Lake Ray moved to Whitney Lakes where he first became exposed with contracts. The Ross Lake Campground was one of the first campgrounds to have a private operator.

Ray then took a minor career change and became the Resource Coordinator for the Cold Lake District (at that time area offices were called district offices). When the Cold Lake District Office closed Ray moved to Red Deer. By this time Ray had realized that being in the office was not for him. Reorganization gave Ray a chance to get back into the field where he spent two years in the Red Deer District being involved with Aspen Beach, Sylvan Lake, Red Lodge and associated Provincial Recreation Area.

Ray then moved to Peace River to become the District Team Leader for the Peace River District. Ray arrived just in time for the Lac Cardinal Rodeo which was an eye-opener. Ray jumped into the management and operation of the Wildland Parks - the canoe patrol of the Chinchaga Wildland and the snowmobile patrols in Caribou Mountains Wildland and the Peace River Wildlands are an enjoyable addition to Ray’s duties.

Ray was actively involved in the Hay-Zama twinning ceremony with the Dali Lake Nature Reserve in Mongolia China and the addition of a Conservation Officer and the opening of an office in High Level.

Ray is very proud of his years of service with Alberta Provincial Parks and his contributions to their enjoyment by Albertans and their guests, and his contributions to preserving Alberta’s natural environments.

Profile: Grant Kihn - Hinton District

2008-12-16T19:37:00.000-07:00

Grant was born and raised on a mixed farm in central Saskatchewan and loved working with horses and cattle, but saw there was little future in it. After working a couple summers at other ranches, Grant went to college in Vermilion at what was then Vermilion Agricultural and Vocational College (VAVC). During college Grant got a summer job with the Horticulture Crew based in Edmonton and traveled to several parks throughout the Province planting trees. In the summer of 1975 after graduation, Grant worked as a Park Ranger Trainee in Jarvis Lake Prov. Park under the direction of Bob Mickelson and in the fall was placed on the eligibility list for permanent placement as a Park Ranger I-II. During the winter of 1975/76 Grant worked at Crimson Lake Prov. Park on a Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP) for $4.00/hr cutting firewood for several parks in the West Central Region.

In the spring of 1976 Grant was given his first permanent posting in Crimson Lake Provincial Park under the guidance of Wayne Pedrini. In February of 1978 Grant was reluctantly transferred to Aspen Beach Provincial Park and learned the art of dealing with the depreciative human behaviour without the luxury of self defense training or related equipment. His supervisor, Erv Allen was a master at dealing with the public and Grant has many stories to tell of his two years there. As he would say “Aspen Beach is a good park to come from”.

In February of 1980 Grant and his new bride Carol, moved north as a Park Ranger II at his request, to Winagami Lake Prov. Park. There Grant got his first taste of operating his own park and became very involved with the local community. The mid 80’s were trying years for the Parks Division, between contracting out, privatization and downsizing there was much strain on the department, staff and their families. In the fall of 1987 political decisions were made to seasonalize several of the smaller parks in the province, one of which was Winagami Lake, so Grant with his now very young family were moved to Carson – Pegasus Prov. Park. During this relatively brief period Grant oversaw the Thunder Lake park operation (a satellite park of Carson-Pegasus) and in 1988 filled in as the acting Park Ranger III for the Young’s Point satellite park group. In spring of 1989 the decisions to seasonalize parks had been reversed and Grant was given the chance to return to Winagami, an opportunity that he jumped at. Although Grant and his family loved Winagami Park and the High Prairie area, the management practice of the day was to move Ranger staff every few years, and after about 8 years in the area, the writing was on the wall.

In the spring of 1990, with an attempt to hone his interview skills, Grant applied on a group of Park Ranger IV positions throughout the province. Grant was surprised to be offered the position in charge of the Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park and satellite operation and in August the family moved to Slave Lake. Grant greatly enjoyed the larger land base park and opportunities to work with oil and gas facility development and extraction activities and in particular problem bears. In 1998 came rumors of a merger of Parks and Fish and Wildlife and as part of this process the new title of Conservation Officer was born. Another less tasteful part of the process was for those in charge of their various responsibilities to compete and vie for the in charge status, and in November of 1998 Grant learned that he was unsuccessful in his bid. Once the initial shock wore off the following couple of years became a revelation to Grant of what he had really got into Parks for; field work, and that he never wanted to go back behind a desk again. Late in 2001 management decided that the amalgamation of Parks and Fish & Wildlife wasn’t working and the divisions were again split apart, and Grant was reluctantly cajoled into running the Lesser Slave Lake Park operation again. He had his taste of resource work again and he did not want to go back to a world of staff and contract supervision, phones, meetings, complaints and politics.

In 2002 Grant saw a light at the end of the tunnel; a Conservation Officer II position in the Hinton District. Not only did this posting promise resource field work with plenty of mountainous backcountry, but they were looking for someone who could set up and oversee an equestrian patrol program for their backcountry, mainly in Willmore Wilderness Park. When Grant was advised of his successful application for this job he was ecstatic. After 28 years in Alberta Parks he finally had his dream job, and moved in April of 2003. This did not come without some family sacrifices however. Grant’s family stayed back in Slave Lake until September to allow his daughter to complete her schooling in familiar surroundings. Grant remains currently in charge of the backcountry and equestrian program areas in the Hinton District and is also the West Central Area’s Firearms Committee Representative and Instructor. Grant has assisted in putting on several basic equitation courses and parks horse packing clinics.

Grant has been a firearms instructor since 1991, and was instrumental in getting a review of parks policies and procedures with respect to firearms and problem bear management after the tragic fatal mauling of a teenage boy in Marten River Campground in Lesser Slave Lake Prov. Park in 1991. Grant also pioneered some of the standard conditions of industrial activities in provincial parks (which are much more stringent than that of our Land Use counterparts). Grant has fulfilled his role in Hinton by getting an equestrian patrol program established and running smoothly including the acquisition of horses, tack, trailers and other equipment.

Grant is eligible to retire with 35 years of service in 2010. I guess we will have to see if he is having too much fun to call it quits or hang around a while longer.

Profile: Monica Kirtley-Wark - Grande Prairie District

2008-12-14T14:50:00.000-07:00

Monica attended Lakeland College Fish & Wildlife program in 1990 and was fortunate enough to experience the STEP program with Red Deer Fish & Wildlife in 1992. That got her hooked, so in '93, off she went to Lethbridge Community College to enrolling the Conservation Enforcement program. Fish & Wildlife wasn’t hiring officers and although the technician work was interesting, Monica’s other half was now way up North. A quick look at the map, getting her name on the parks seasonal hiring list and a phone call later, she was introduced to Moonshine and Dunvegan Provincial Parks.

Monica was posted at Historic Dunvegan for the summers and then back to Moonshine for the winters. Extensions and projects kept her busy. Pretty soon she was supervising other seasonals at both parks. Historic Sites lost their full time programmer for Dunvegan so, for 6 years she even ran the interpretive program at Dunvegan, dawning a periodic costume for a school program was not out of the ordinary. Interpretive, maintenance, booth staff and seasonal rangers kept her hopping. But, in the government world, nothing stays the same. Booth staff positions were eliminated, the maintenance program shuffled, along came Special Places and the newly dedicated sites. A management shuffle and Dunvegan fell under Peace River. The long-Term-Wage factor kicked in. Park residences were removed. Ministerials were combined and Monica was happy. She felt like she had a tiger by the tail, the best of both worlds. During the amalgamation she was positioned out of the Fairview district and loved her job! There was never a dull day, always something new. Then another election, cabinet shuffle, and ministerial divorce. Back to parks and back across the river to Spirit River. A leg injury and family responsibilities kept Monica on the down low for a few years, but she is back now. Some may call it back to the same old, same old. Not so, her job is ever evolving that no two seasons are ever the same, it keeps things new. The opportunities offered in the Grande Prairie District are incredible and she hopes she can take advantage of all of them.

Monica is a horse person and has used them with the Parks Mounted Patrol Program. Prior to parenthood, she enjoyed a variety of outdoor sports including skiing, hunting, hockey, curling, horseback riding, biking, golf, etc. Volunteering on the local search and rescue team was one of her favorite groups. One day she'll be able to do those things again but for now Monica is happy just teaching her kids and being their cheer leader. Her and her family enjoy camping trips together, and she takes advantage of every opportunity to foster a love of nature in her family.

Monica enjoys new challenges and learning and looks forward to discovering what the next 15 years will hold for her.

Profile: Myles Jensen - Rocky Mountain House District

2008-12-03T14:21:00.000-07:00

Myles started his journey with Provincial Parks at Park Lake Provincial Park in the summer of 1971 as a summer labourer doing the variety of maintenance functions in a park. This must have done something to inspire him as he enrolled at Lethbridge Community College in Renewable Resource Management, the next year he returned to Park Lake as what was titled a Beach Patrol Officer.

The summer of 1973 Myles was brought back to Park Lake as a park Officer Trainee and worked Park Lake for the summer and fall and then moved over to Taber Provincial Park for the winter.

In May of 1974 Myles was given his first permanent position at Cross Lake Provincial Park. As well as a permanent position Myles met his wife Carmen and they were married in 1975. While on their Honeymoon Myles was transferred to Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park after five years here he was transferred to Wabamun Lake Provincial Park for a short 8 month period.

In 1980 Myles was promoted to a Park Ranger III in charge of Winagami Lake and Hilliards Bay Provincial Parks.
After three years here Myles was promoted to a Park Ranger IV position at Miquelon Lake Provincial Park.

Ten years here and then the Mountains called and Myles and family moved to Rocky Mountain House in 1990.

Over the time in Rocky the job changed a few times and Myles was a Park Ranger IV, a district Resource Conservation Officer and is currently the District Conservation Officer.

Over the years Myles was responsible for the seasonal hiring program for about twenty five years and is extensively involved in search and rescue both as a trainer for the department and as a volunteer in civilian search and rescue.

He is a past President of the Officers association and has remained involved with this organization. This organization recently honoured Myles with the ANROA Unsung Hero Award. Over the years Myles has been involved with a variety of community clubs and a leader in the Junior Forest Warden Youth Program.

Off the job Myles enjoys a variety of woodworking activities outdoor pursuits of hunting, fishing and camping.

Myles is married and has three children one of which has also joined the Conservation Officer series.

Profile: Logan VanImschoot - Red Deer District

2008-11-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Logan grew up around the Provincial Park system. He spent most of his time fishing, hunting, hiking, skiing, canoeing, dirtbiking and enjoying the outdoors of the Hinton area. It was this history and the love for parks that led Logan to become a Conservation Officer.

Logan graduated from Lethbridge College with a Bachelor of Applied Conservation Enforcement Degree in 2004. After his first year in College, Logan worked in the Edson District with the Alberta Conservation Association as a Fisheries Technician. Logan started with Parks as a Seasonal Conservation Officer in 2003; he spent his first two summers in the Spirit River District, then transferred to Rocky Mountain House District in 2005. Throughout these years he also took advantage of other wage positions such as; a Maintenance Service Worker with Parks and as a Seasonal Fish and Wildlife Officer with Sustainable Resource Development.

In June 2007, Logan was hired on permanently at Pigeon Lake and Buck Lake Area in the Red Deer District.
In October 2008, Logan and his wife moved to an acreage west of Sylvan Lake when Logan transferred to the south portion of Red Deer District. Working out of Aspen Beach Provincial Park, Logan patrolled and worked in Provincial Parks such as; Aspen Beach, Jarvis Bay, Sylvan Lake and Red Lodge. Logan also enjoys being an Instructor with the Parks Division Water Safety Committee.

Logan gained a lot of experience in his role as a Conservation Officer II; which led him to accepting his current position in May 2011, as the Red Deer District Team Leader.

Logan a proud father of twin girls continues to love his career as a Conservation Officer and the associated lifestyle. He is always looking forward to his next shift, and the surprises that come his way while on patrol in the Red Deer District.

Profile: Steve Cooney - Cold Lake District

2008-11-11T23:40:00.000-07:00

Steve was raised as an Air Force “brat” and born in Grostenquin, France. He had to move around a fair bit as a kid due to my father’s career spending 2 years in France, 7 years in Quebec, 2 years in Alberta and 8 years in Nova Scotia.

He attended Lakeland College in Vermilion in 1978 and graduated in 1980 with a Diploma in General Renewable Resource Technologies. Steve spent his first summer with Alberta Parks in Gregoire Lake PP working on the capital construction crew in 1980. He then returned to Lakeland College in the winter of 1981 and completed his diploma in Fish & Wildlife Technologies. In the summer of 1981 Steve returned to Gregoire Lake Provincial Park as a Seasonal Ranger.

He started working at Whitney Lakes Provincial Park in December of 1981 with Rick Johnson being his immediate supervisor. Unfortunately, due to a serious knee injury that required surgery and a summer of physio-therapy he was let go at Whitney in June of 1982. He changed careers slightly and worked as a Fish Technician Assistant in St. Paul during the fall/winter of 1982/83.

Steve then returned to Parks in March 1983 and was posted at Cold Lake where he became the Senior Seasonal Ranger . He worked in this 11 month ‘super wage’ position until winter of 1987 when he became Ranger-In-Charge of operations at Moose Lake Provincial Park (still on wages). Finally in 1990 he became the Ranger III in charge of the Cold Lake operations in a permanent/salaried position. Since the separation with NRS, Steve has been working with Kerry Hope out of the Cold Lake District.

Steve has become very involved in community sports, which includes volunteering as a baseball coach for 12 consecutive years and co-ordinator of the local Jack Rabbit cross-country ski program for kids for a 5 year stretch. Steve has also helped out several of the Parks training crews such as the Control Tactics core, Water Safety Core and has been involved in seasonal hiring.

Profile: Kerry Hope - Cold Lake District

2008-11-11T22:52:00.000-07:00

Kerry’s Parks career started in the summer of 1979 at Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park. Kerry worked a summer and fall at Notekiwin Park, north of Manning and was then fortunate to get on temp-salary for a year and then permanent in 1981. A posting to Wabamun Lake happened in the Spring of 81 where he stayed for 2 years. In 1983 Kerry was moved a little west to William A. Switzer, where he stayed approximately 7 years. In 1990, Kerry was relocated to Whitney Lakes where he stayed until 1999 when the NRS amalgamation happened. Since then Kerry has worked out of the Cold Lake Office. Some of the Parks in Kerry’s control includes Cold Lake, Moose Lake, English Bay and Whitney Lakes

Family is a very important part of Kerry’s life. His recreational time is usually shared with his wife or other people in his family. He is a regular cross country skier, hunter, hiker and canoe paddler. He has always had an interest in how people respond to challenges and enjoys reading or watching accounts of expeditions and outdoor adventure through history.

His Parks career, and even to an extent, his personal development has been influenced by some very good Park People who he came to respect and emulate. A passion for protected areas and a sense of connection to the people of Parks continues despite the ups, downs and changes to organizations. He was at the first meeting of the Alberta Park Rangers Association in the early 80s and has been a member in various capacities ever since. Kerry was and still is a part of the establishment of our new association, ANROA and served the membership as president for the first two-year term.

Kerry plays a large part in training our officers in Control Tactics and has become one of the well versed instructor core.

Kerry's Quote: “The many hats that Park Rangers and Conservation Officers have worn over the years and continue to wear, as well as the training that has been provided in so many disciplines has been exceptional. Being able to do the right thing for people, to be able to protect wild places and to pursue over-lapping personal interests reminds me how fortunate I am to be part of it all.”

Profile: Doug Pilkington - Red Deer District (Retired)

2008-11-10T21:58:00.000-07:00

In 1963, Doug worked for Imperial Oil as a Process Operator in Norman Wells, Northwest Territories. After 6 years of freezing cold temperatures and hords of bugs a new career was in the works and the direction was back down to the Prairies. Doug started his main career with Provincial Parks in 1969 at Entrance Park (now W.A. Switzer). The next spring he moved to Thunder Lake to cover off for a Ranger that had fallen ill.

Doug's next move came as a shock. A cement worker from the Bon Aventure shop came to repair the foundation on some gas pump and ended up informing Doug he was moving. A few days later Doug was off to Taber Provincial Park. Doug was stationed there for 3 years but spent two of these three years repairing the park as it was lost to yearly flooding. Due to the flooding and another illness, Doug spent part of a year at Writing-On-Stone. Even though Doug enjoyed shovelling mud and living in a hotel, it was time to move on and join the RCMP.

Several years later due to a shoulder injury, he was unable to continue with the RCMP. In 1976, thanks to their loss and Parks gain, Doug returned to Parks and was placed at Jarvis Bay/Sylvan Lake, just about the same time the Beach at Sylvan Lake was made into a Provincial Park for the second time. Doug remained there for 14 years as the Ranger-in-charge. In 1990, Doug was given the District Ranger position for the David Thompson District. Three years later, in 1993, he was moved over to Pigeon Lake as the Park Ranger IV. Doug remained at Pigeon and area through all the Ministry changes, till his retirement in May of this year (2008).

Doug was instrumental in the success of the Alberta Parks Water Safety Program and has become widely known throughout Alberta and several other Provinces. During his career, Doug also filled his boots as a Firearms Instructor, as a co-chair for the NRS Provincial Volunteer Committee, seasonal hiring co-ordinator and largely involved in the success of Peaceful Valley Provincial Recreation Area.

Some of Doug's noted achievements include the: Federal/Provincial Award, Community Service Award, Lifetime Volunteer Award, Duncan and Craig Award, Unsung Hero Award (ANROA) in 2007 and the National Parks Merit Award among others.

Profile: Wayne Edwards - Camrose District (Retired)

2008-05-26T23:33:00.000-06:00

Wayne started his career with Provincial Parks in January of 1962. His first job was a winter works project clearing brush along a roadway that was to be widened at Entrance Prov. Park (now William A Switzer). Wayne then went to work at Aspen Beach on July 1st 1962 as labour foreman for the summer. In the fall of 62 he was asked to move to Edmonton and drive the Parks semi-truck to deliver supplies to all the Parks in Alberta. He drove truck and worked out of the Bonaventure shop until 1965. In the fall of 65 Wayne attended an interview for a Park Warden position, was successful and was transferred to Kinbrook Island.

In 1969 he was transferred to Aspen Beach. While at Aspen Beach, Art Forsen and Wayne were the first Park Wardens in Alberta to be appointed as Peace Officers. At that time we had to go before a Provincial Judge to take the Oath of Office.

In 1972 Wayne was transferred to Bragg Creek as officer in charge and was at Bragg Creek until 1975. He then accepted a move to Fish Creek in Calgary. Here he was put in charge of Security and Enforcement for Fish Creek. Wayne supervised all of the seasonal Rangers and helped implement a very good relationship with the Calgary City Police. He took several courses with the City Police and was certified as a Radar operator. Wayne worked hard to gain the acceptance and trust of the City Police, and as a result Wayne was assigned a regimental number and a call sign for use of Calgary City Police radios. (In subsequent years most all the Rangers at Fish Creek were assigned call signs and radios.) As a result the park was the first outside agency to be allowed access to CPIC directly from our radios. (It should be noted that a number of Seasonal Rangers who worked and trained under Wayne’s supervision went on to careers in the R.C.M.P. and Calgary City Police. The City Police once commented about the excellent enforcement training that staff received at Fish Creek.)

In 1987, Wayne put his name into the Calgary City Police as a Police Security volunteer for the 1988 Winter Olympics. He was accepted and after training, he was given a supervisors posting at the Athletes Village, which was at the University of Calgary. This was where all the Athletes from around the world were screened and admitted to the village. What a great experience.
The last couple of years that Wayne was at Fish Creek, he was in the District Ranger Position. He spent a total of 15 years at Fish Creek.

In 1990 Wayne was transferred to Dillberry Lake as Ranger–In-Charge. While at Dillberry, Wayne sat on a joint Saskatchewan/ Alberta committee that oversaw the development of the Manitou Lake Sandhills management plan. A portion of the Manitou Sandhills was adjacent to Dillberry Lake. He only spent two years at Dillbery and was then transferred to Miquelon Lake/ Blackfoot. At this posting, Wayne had the unique experience of working at two Parks. Six months (summer) at Miquelon and six months (winter) at the Blackfoot Recreation Area.
When Parks and Fish and Wildlife amalgamated in 1999, Wayne took a transfer to Vegreville where he worked between Vegreville and the Blackfoot Recreation Area until his retirement in August of 2003. Wayne still volunteers at the Birkebiener ski festival at Blackfoot and assists with the Department’s boat course at Pigeon Lake.

Over the years the title of today’s C.O’s. changed from Park Caretakers to Park Officers to Park Rangers to what is known today as Conservation Officers.

Wayne had a total of Forty-one years and eight months of service with the Alberta Government.

Profile: Edwin Whitelock – Blackfoot/Cooking Lake (Retired)

2008-04-09T15:51:00.000-06:00

Ed started his career in Parks in May, 1970 as a Seasonal Park Officer at Aspen Beach Provincial Park. Prior to Ed’s start with Parks he was working in Bentley as a Feed Mill Manager, Grain Buyer and a Heavy Duty mechanic for the Railway. By a Ministerial order Ed was kept on as a Park Officer where is first boss was long time co-worker and mentor Wayne Edwards.

In September of that first year Ed was transferred to Winagami as the second officer there. By the fall of 1971 Ed was on the move again to Big Knife a park situated near Forestburg, Alberta.

In the spring of 1973, Ed moved slightly north to Vermilion Provincial Park where he stayed until the spring of ’75 when the new classification series of Park Ranger came out. Ed started as the Park Ranger II at Garner Lake but was soon moved up to a Ranger III position. Three years later, in 1978, Ed moved over to Camrose as the Ranger in Charge.

Ed figured he needed to see the northern sites of the Province so transferred to Moonshine Lake as the Ranger in Charge. Ed’s area went from Rycroft, west to Moonshine Lake and all the way to the NWT Border. Parks he looked after included Notikewin, Dunvegan and later included small road side campgrounds such as Twin Lakes and Fort Vermilion. Needless to say Ed got a lot of traveling under his belt.
After 8 year of the North Country Ed decided to travel back to the area in which he started. In August 1990, Ed headed to Blackfoot where he has stayed. Ed had a small stint at Camrose from 1998-2001 during the SRD/Parks amalgamation but remained in charge of the Blackfoot area.

Ed will be leaving the department in June of 2008 with a wealth of knowledge that will be surly missed.

While in service some of Ed’s duties and affiliations included Land Management when in Camrose, Wildlife/Human conflict Management committee, East central Enforcement & Field Support Team, Planning and Resource Protection Team and the one that Ed really left his mark with is the Firearms Committee/Instructor and Gun Smith.

Ed’s Hobbies and retirement plans will include continuing with his small firearm repairs, instructing numerous courses for the Canadian Safety Counsel.

Profile: John-Anders (Andy ) McCracken – Edson/Carson District (Retired)

2008-04-09T14:04:00.000-06:00

Andy started his career in Parks in 1972 in Dinosaur Provincial Park as a Maintenance Service Worker for the summer. Andy’s cool job was in charge of irrigation.

Andy completed his Renewable Resources Environmental science’s diploma from Lethbridge community college in 1973 and launched his officer career as a Park Ranger I in Cypress Hills Provincial Park. In the three years that Andy was in Cypress he was in charge of the campground operations in Elk water, and the East of highway 48 sites.

Andy was promoted to Park Ranger II in December 1975 and was in charge of all operations within Cross Lake Provincial Park till December 1979.

In December 1979 Andy was transferred to Lesser Slave Lake Provincial Park where he was responsible for the management and operation of resource management, security, permit booth and maintenance functions.

Andy was promoted to Park Ranger III in charge of the operations of Young’s Point, Williamson, Saskatoon Island, Obrien and Homey Provincial Parks and the Provincial Parks Mounted Patrol/Parade Programs operations for 4 years from 1980 to 1984.

In December 1987 Andy was transferred to William A. Switzer Provincial Park as officer in charge. The winter magic program Andy started with the town is still running today.

Andy was promoted to Park Ranger IV in July 1990 and was in charge of all operations at Provincial Parks including Wabamun Lake, Hasse Lake, Pembina River, Thunder Lake, Calling Lake, Strathcona Science Park and nine recreation areas.

Andy was among the first in Alberta to be designated as a Conservation Officer. As a C.O. III Andy moved to the Edson area and was responsible for Resource Management Programs in the Area.

From May 2001 to Present Andy has been the District Team Leader C.O. III of the Edson /Carson District which includes Carson Pegasus and Sundance Provincial Park, Brazeau Canyon Wildland Park, Whitehorse Wildland Park and 16 recreation areas
and 2 natural Areas.

Andy is a current Health and Safety auditor and is a past instructor in the area of firearms, first aid, C.P.R. and Federal/Provincial Park Operations. Andy is also proud to be a past president of the Officers Association.

After 35 years of officer service Andy is proud to retire in 2008 and pass the reins of operation of the awesome Edson/Carson District to Conservation Officer Tom Sutherland. This will allow Andy to pursue his many interests and hobbies

Profile: Peter Crawford - Grande Prairie District

2008-04-06T23:22:00.000-06:00

Peter Crawford joined the Canadian Armed Forces at age 18 and served as a marine engineer mechanic aboard HMCS Annapolis for three years. He was temporarily deployed to HMCS Nipigon in 1985 and served with the N.A.T.O alliance as part of the Standing Naval Force Atlantic.

After leaving the military Peter enrolled in the Renewable Resources Technology program at Selkirk College in Castlegar, British Columbia and received a diploma in Wildland Recreation in 1993.

For the next couple of years Peter worked as a forestry technician and as a wildlife technician throughout southern British Columbia and on Vancouver Island.

In 1995 Peter moved to Terrace, BC and worked seasonally as an Auxiliary Park Ranger for the British Columbia Ministry of Environment, Lands and Parks in the Skeena District where he patrolled several coastal and backcountry areas of north western British Columbia such as the Khutzeymateen Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, the Kitlope Heritage Conservancy and Nisgaa Memorial Lava Beds Provincial Park.

Peter studied natural resources management at the University of Northern BC in Prince George and attained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Wildlife Management in 2002.

Peter then worked as an Auxiliary Park Ranger for the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land, and Air Protection in the Omineca Region of northern BC where he patrolled several front country and backcountry protected areas such as Sugarbowl-Grizzly Den Provincial Park and Kakwa Provincial Park.

Peter was hired by Alberta Community Development in May of 2004 as a temporary salaried employee and worked as a Conservation Officer 1 in the East Central Area patrolling protected areas such as Miquelon Lake Provincial Park and Cooking Lake – Blackfoot Grazing, Wildlife and Provincial Recreation Area.

Peter moved to the North West Area in May of 2005 and is presently working as a Conservation Officer 2 in the Grande Prairie District patrolling areas such as Saskatoon Island Provincial Park, Young’s Point Provincial Park and Kakwa Wildland Provincial Park.

Peter and his family currently live in the Grande Prairie area and have become quite accustomed to the northern living. Peter has become involved in the Seasonal Hiring committee and has just been accepted as the Northwest Rep as the Problem Wildlife Specialist (congrats Pete)