Helping a Network Be Relevant to Parks

Bill Johnson

Southeast Alaska Network

April 2014

What the I&M survey told us Use of I&M information:

Many respondents were concerned that parks seldom apply I&M data for resource management, or that the I&M focus is too narrow to meet management needs.

Integration with parks: All I&M staff understand that parks are the number one client for I&M work. They all see the need to communicate far more effectively with parks.

Networks feel external to parks: Network operations are distinct from park operations; a gulf can exist between the two, which is increased because of overall poor communication.

Communication: The need for more, better, and consistent communication … among networks and with parks, was expressed in almost every response.

Let’s have some immediate gratification We tweaked our Weather

and Climate program to provide information of immediate operational value to: Rangers Visitors Researchers

This enhances park safety considerably and management appreciates that very much

Latest weather observations

Coming soon to a wilderness trailhead near you

Total cost for tweak: about 32 staff hours start to finish

Perceived park benefit: priceless

Cost / benefits?