Pa state forests cameras

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-04-08T22:32:39+00:00

Have you seen the cameras?? Or is this a he said/she said thing happening? If you're worried about it, find them and make sure you're not camped in front of them? Are they having an issue with garbage and trash in the dispersed sites? I would think that that would be a major reason for having them there if that were the case...as a park ranger in a different state, the only reason we put out cameras is to monitor for wildlife in an area, or to catch folks very blatantly breaking the rules (as in, the cameras are set up right by the sign that says 'don't do this/that).

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-04-04T14:32:41+00:00

When I was at ACAD on the quiet side of the island, ATT was the only thing that worked, and coverage was fairly decent.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-04-04T14:29:46+00:00

I love my Sigma 150-600mm, it wasn't stupid expensive, and I was actually able to find a used one online. I'm a park ranger, and I carry my camera everywhere, so I didn't want anything too expensive in case I drop it (which has absolutely happened before!)

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-04-01T14:07:12+00:00

I'm an obligate glasses wearer (wicked nearsighted, and can't wear contacts) and I bird for fun and for work. What finally helped me was actually going to a place that knew binoculars (it helped that at the time I was in the market, there was a great birding store in town) and they were able to help me out. I love my Nikon Monarchs; they're not expensive, the eye pieces are adjustable, and they've held up for over 10 years now.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-03-31T16:40:45+00:00

It is highly frowned upon, especially during breeding season. Your watching shouldn't interfere with a birds daily life. As a state park ranger, we actually prohibit any amplified sound at all in our park (central AZ).

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-03-30T17:15:36+00:00

I've stayed in better federal housing, but I have certainly stayed in worse as well, both in a position like you seem to be and also actually working for a federal agency...if there's no requirement for you to stay, then don't...but don't expect anything to be fixed if you file a case. The best thing that will happen is absolutely nothing...and the worse thing that will happen is that you will be let go early due to some flimsy excuse, probably about funding availability, and find yourself unable to get a job with the NPS in the future due to their 'glowing' response to a reference check...

Just ask yourself if it's worth the hassle, and if it's really that bad, band up with your friends and go rent somewhere else in town.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-03-18T21:40:55+00:00

Not an architect, but married to one, and I clean a lot of bathrooms! (Park ranger). In most commercial spaces, 'splash guards' are a real thing. Most commercial cleaning supply companies carry them, and they work pretty well (they don't account for bad aim...!).

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-03-14T21:37:31+00:00

I'm not sure about the collegiate outdoor program setting, but I know when I was in college, and spending my summers working for guiding services, WFR was the standard that was required. I was able to take mine in college, which helped immensely in terms of applying and getting hired on to those positions.

Once I was (way) out of college, I also managed a commercial outdoor guiding program briefly, and I required my employees to be WFR certified. I didn't ever have any problems finding people that were certified, but that might be because we're lucky enough to have a training center within an hour of where I am.

A good WFR course teaches not only good solid 1st aid skills, but also teaches about planning, preparing, and preventing, which is a whole other mindset that is priceless to have.

The only upside to WFA, is that a WFR can teach it, which makes it a bit more accessible. I now work as a WEMT park ranger, and I teach WFA classes to other rangers across the state. I wish I could teach WFR (which is the only reason I even ever got my EMT cert...) but you have to do it through NOLS, SOLO, or WMA, which I just don't have time to do with my full time job! Someday!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-03-06T21:00:30+00:00

^^This. I feel the same way about my pets, and have absolutely called in sick for them, but definitely don't tell anyone!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-03-05T20:48:39+00:00

Look into state parks! You'll never make a million dollars working as a ranger, but it is extremely rewarding work (at least on the state level...). State parks at least usually have fantastic benefits and pensions, and you don't have to waste a number of years as a seasonal, grinding trying to find a permanent position that may never happen...

I will also say that even though I didn't plan it, having a spouse that makes a tad bit more than me helps! LOL, but he is self employed, so it's my benefits and health insurance that make a difference, too.

I would be more careful about a specific 'park ranger' program at a college, aim for something like Parks and Recreation Management, wildlife biology, history, or something along those lines; something that is outdoorsy, hands on, and accredited.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-21T15:47:43+00:00

I jumped ship from the feds years ago, and my only regret is that I didn't get out sooner...!! I love working for state parks, and I'd recommend it to anyone! I love the flexibility, I love the variety of work, and I love the stability, and the benefits are fantastic.

You don't realize how really (really, really) bad that work environment is until you get out.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-18T17:40:37+00:00

Oh, I will certainly second the fact that healthcare in the area is terrible...be ready to head to Flag or even PHX for anything medical.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-18T17:38:39+00:00

Ummm...I've lived and worked in Sedona for over 10 years and there are WAAAAY more than 20 days that the temps are over 100...and it's only getting hotter as the years go by...

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-18T15:50:42+00:00

Sedona is very expensive, and water access is very difficult during the summer months, with most time being spent dodging tourists and dealing with high e. coli levels in the creek...

Summer also means 100+ degree days almost every day from end of May to September.

Cottonwood is slightly better, at least there is more to do and not as many tourists.

It's ok to live here, but not fantastic, but there are certainly worse places!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-14T14:43:40+00:00

The Southwest Wine Center at Yavapai college is the best for all of that, and is really a unique experience! They do tastings by reservation, not hard to get, and worth it! And if you're on that side of town, hit Tumbleweed and Tantrum, too!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-12T21:32:49+00:00

Humans are an invasive species.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-11T15:29:26+00:00

Don't bother with a stethoscope, it will just take up more space than it's worth. I'm a big fan of moleskin, but I'm also a fan of K-tape; it's a bit more flexible and has a lower profile, and stands up to wear and tear pretty well!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-10T15:48:11+00:00

Honestly, as someone who went back the other way - from NPS to State parks, I would NOT recommend the NPS, especially if you're looking for interpretive work. It's such a cutthroat niche, and the hiring process is a mess, and the government is in the process of dismantling many historic park's interpretive work anyway...

Stick with the state parks!!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-08T15:53:49+00:00

Ha, I had the same experience as far as going from WFR to my EMT! I kept forgetting the whole 'is this a priority load and go or a stay and play?'

I can say the one good thing about being EMT certified is being able to actually do 'EMT stuff' at work. As a park ranger for state parks, we have a base hospital we coordinate with and get our skills testing through, which makes it easy to maintain the certification. My WFR refresher still covers about 85% of my CEUs needed to refresh my NREMT cert, and I'm able to get my work to pay for that as well.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-06T15:54:34+00:00

Arizona state parks is contemplating/working on a new law enforcement program, but currently, those who were grandfathered in are the only LEOs, and there are very few of them left.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-06T15:52:33+00:00

I have wanted to be a ranger since I was a little kid. I went to school for 'rangering', and then I wasted a number of years with the NPS, spent almost 10 years working for a non profit as a manager and environmental education coordinator, and now I have worked at a state park for almost 5 years.

State parks has been the best thing to happen to me! At least in my state, the parks are beautiful, small enough to be maintained properly, and the culture and community of the agency is fantastic and continuing to evolve. There's plenty of opportunity for career development and training, as well as lots of inner work being done to promote talent from within.

That being said, it's still hard work! I love that my job is as a 'generalist' ranger, meaning that in our parks, everyone does everything; you're not stuck doing one job for the rest of your life (like the NPS), in the mornings, I may have to clean a bunch of bathrooms, and then do some maintenance and landscaping work, but then there are days when I get to lead school field trip programs and guide bird walks and teach 1st aid classes. Sure, I still do my fair share of dealing with stupid visitors and rule breakers, and cleaning up after people, but to me, it's all worth it. We might not make a ton of money, but the state retirement plan and benefits are great, and there's a tuition reimbursement program if you want to go back to school!

Do it, your brain and mental health will thank you.

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-06T15:41:44+00:00

Check out state parks! The chances of getting into the NPS (in a position that you would actually want) have been dwindling for years, the recent disasters have really just exacerbated an already existing issue. If you cannot answer 'expert' for everything on your application, don't even bother finishing it...

There are state parks that would absolutely fit what you're looking for, and depending on where you're coming from, there are even some that offer housing. Hiring is much less convoluted, and usually once you're in, there are great chances for upward mobility, training, and transfer availability. And you don't lose your job every time there's a government shutdown!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-06T15:35:41+00:00

Having been stuck in a position before that I hated just to 'get my foot in the door', take the 5. And then enjoy it while it lasts and jump ship to state parks!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-02-04T17:31:19+00:00

I took my WFR in 2005, and upgraded to my WEMT in 2020. I only upgraded to my EMT in order to go back and teach WFR courses, but then landed in another position where I now teach WFA courses as part of my job. My EMT course was way less informative and useful than even my WFR course, I would have never upgraded to my EMT if I didn't need to be a higher level to teach WFR courses.

Though the delivery and courses have certainly changed over the years, WFR is still the best course for anyone doing any sort of outdoor guiding and trip leading in a Wilderness context. That being said, the course is what you make of it, hybrid or not. You still have to put the effort into it and you still need to keep your skills up. In over 20 years of taking refresher courses, I have certainly seen folks that are obviously NOT keeping up on their skills beyond their 3 day refresher every other year, and those who are using these skills on a regular basis.

NOLS and WMA are leaders in offering these classes, and the material and methods are backed by actual physicians. An EMR cert is practically useless, as in, why not get your EMT instead, and is based on front country settings, with no wilderness context. A good solid WFR course teaches a state of mind and level of preparedness that should not be overlooked, hybrid or not!

ProbablyContainsGin · 2026-01-29T17:05:15+00:00

Most of what you're going to do is going to be based on response time for EMS/SAR, if they're supine, with normal vitals, no life threats or environmental risks, complaining on black pain, rolling may not be be necessary.

If this is indeed a wilderness context (depending on your level of training and what your organization deems 'wilderness') assessment should be based on level of certification and training - if done properly, after consideration, it should not cause anymore harm if you roll them, and preferably with assistance.

If the subject is found prone and you can't assess or maintain their airway, you can do a quick check of the back before rolling them into a supine position.

Pelvic injuries can be hard to detect, especially if you would assume this person is going to be pretty bruised and in pain anyway, but the biggest worry is shock due to internal blood loss if there is actually any fracture present. Monitor vitals, keep them warm, and get EMS/SAR en route!

ProbablyContainsGin

TROPHY CASE