What is Park Break 2008?
bullet The purpose of Park Break! is to link graduate students with National Park managers in a seminar setting, while experiencing the beauty of a US National Park or protected area. A primary focus is  on successional planning through the professional development of the next generation of park managers and scientists.
 
bullet In the year 2016, the National Park Service turns 100 years old. Four years earlier, many states will shift to a population demographic where there will be a majority consisting of diverse ethnic and racial groups. In addition to this shift in the US demographics, many federal agencies are facing a large turn-over in their employees as the last of the baby boomers retire. In the professional ranks of the National Park Service (NPS) and the United States Geological Survey (USGS), there is a strong need to plan for the succession of these baby boomers in professional level positions. Park Break! is a cooperative venture between two federal agencies, two non-profits, and an institution of higher education.
Park Break Locations:
bullet In March 2008, four national parks will be hosted PARK BREAK! 2008. Each Break was designed as a week long field-based seminar with sessions on issues critical to the park coupled with exploring the park itself and opportunities to interact with leaders in conservation, policy, and science. The 2008 parks included:
 
bullet Acadia National Park
bullet Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
bullet Gateway National Recreation Area
bullet Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore
Park Break Design:
 
bullet Park Break! 2008 was a series of field-based seminars combined with technical assistance from USGS scientists and university professors. Each of the seminars focused on one park area and a theme. The 2008 themes included: (a) Civic Engagement, (b) Conservation Policy, (c) Global Climate Change, and (d) Wildland Urban-Interface. The themes were based on current issues and topics that are critical to the sustainable management of the US protected areas and were chose in consultation with the park break superintendents. Each seminar was designed to introduce the students to the issue as well provide the setting on the practical application of the management decisions.
bullet Students are in the process of submitting a peer review manuscript for a special issue of the George Wright Society Forum.
 
Park Break! Participants:
bullet Please click here for more information regarding your participation in Park Break! 2008.
                  2008 Fellows               2008 Scientists
 
Cooperating Agencies:

                                                                                                

                                                  

Park Break! 2008 Team
bullet Meet the Team!
Additional Questions?
Any additional questions should be addressed to Valerie Medrano.
Copyright © 2008  Park Break! 2008. All rights reserved.
Revised: 04/21/08.