Thomas a Smith

A Ranger Pure and Simple. The Evolution of Parks and Park Rangers in America Thomas a Smith

Parks and park agencies are facing a huge challenge in the future from a growing population and a society becoming out of touch with nature. A former Chair of the Park Management Department at West Valley College, Saratoga, California and a long time seasonal Yosemite and regional park ranger, Tom Smith explores the origin of parks in America, the problems facing parks and park agencies in the future, and how rangers have evolved to fit into this changing culture in these modern times.

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"Tom Smith is a man who truly loves Parks. Equally, he loves the men and women who are sworn to maintain park resources, provide park interpretation, and protect the people who visit and enjoy parks on a daily basis." --Paul Romero, Former Deputy Director, California State Parks.

"What distinguishes this book from others on the origins of the United States park movement is that Tom also provides a very personalized and often (behind the scenes) historical and contemporary analysis of the operational challenges for all park units and rangers nationwide. --James Brady Former National Chief Ranger National Park Service