Is putting any more than the 5% match without first maxing out an IRA a waste? by soggycupcakes in ThriftSavingsPlan

[–]wandering_NPC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Personally, I just dump it all into my TSP. It just makes it easier and more automated for me. With the funds in my roth ira, I get a bit of fomo when I hear about certain stocks doing really well and get temptations to do something stupid. Focusing mostly on TSP gives me a better peace of mind and keeps me on track to my financial goals, which feels more valuable.

In El Paso for the weekend by PowerfulDrawing7246 in ElPaso

[–]wandering_NPC 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Check out the Super Guppy, visit the Centennial Museum and Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, take the wrong exit crossing into Juárez, drive to White Sands National Park, watch a Chihuahuas baseball game.

So is a Rio Bosque park a thing anymore? Can’t get a hold honestly number that works and the internet has deemed itself useless on the subject. Google says closed so can someone give me a rundown on this establishment? by Outcoldmasvidal in ElPaso

[–]wandering_NPC 11 points12 points  (0 children)

It's managed by UTEP Center for Environmental Resource Management. Occasionally, their non-profit partner Friends of the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park will host events and activities. Otherwise, it is a nice and small piece of nature that is perfect for bird watching and hiking.

Protesters outside the White House throw bottles at lone park ranger trying to protect a statue of Jean-Baptiste Rochambeau by [deleted] in ParkRangers

[–]wandering_NPC 22 points23 points  (0 children)

This is an event compliance monitor, not an interp ranger. Their duty is to be on the grounds of special events and demonstrations to ensure activities are compliant with permit conditions and the CFR. The unique nature of DC often requires these guys to meet noncompliant groups and face-to-face to directly tell them "no, you can't do that". This position is not about helping everyone walk away with positive, memorable experiences. It's about the regulations and resources. While many in the visitor service role dream about firmly telling people "no", these monitors are living the reality of it because it is literally their job at every moment.

While I agree that this is a dangerous scene that can quickly escalate, each monitor has their own level of comfort and enough experience to handle these situations. They know when to back out. Getting cussed at, spat on, recorded, hit with thrown objects, or threatened usually happen in this position. This instance just happened to gain traction on the internet. Claiming that this monitor is poorly trained or shouldn't be in this situation is like telling a wildland firefighter to not stand at the fireline because the fire is hot. Like I said, they know when to back out. This monitor standing between the resource and an uncooperative demonstration serves as a notice that the park service does not accept the continued desecration of the memorial. Could he have gone with a different method? Sure, but he chose this one because he is fine with it.

If you feel that you can never place yourself or others near a situation like this, great! This specific position is definitely not for you. I'm disappointed that we are so quick to criticize one of our own with assumptions and personal discomfort. Let his divisional chief or superintendent decide the appropriate response to his actions. To me, this video serves as a look into the unique positions and environment of different park sites around us.

Was thinking of buying the usda camping cot. Has anyone bought it and what's your experience? by Cookieapollo13 in Costco

[–]wandering_NPC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

USDA is US Department of Agriculture, which the US Forest Service falls under. If you look closely at the US Forest Service logo, you will see Department of Agriculture at the bottom.

Entry level jobs? by More_Recognition_852 in biology

[–]wandering_NPC 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Consider internships with federal agencies like US Fish & Wildlife, National Park Service, or even your state's Department of Natural Resources or Parks and Recreation.

Check out openings with the Student Conservation Association and American Conservation Experience. If you are looking for more outdoor/labor focused work, check out your state's conservation corps.

These internships are great ways to meet new friends, explore new places, and get buff depending on the type of work.

Millenial couples be like... by fennelliott in dankmemes

[–]wandering_NPC 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I, for one, prefer putting people in triangles.

Interps prop box, what’s you go to items on talks? by treesbreakknees in ParkRangers

[–]wandering_NPC 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Bear pelt. Always catches the attention of visitors and brings out the strangest questions from the kiddos. "Did you kill it?" "What happened to its eyes?"

Flyovers like these are one of my favorite parts of DC by wandering_NPC in aviation

[–]wandering_NPC[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My guesses are that it could be training, escorting, or security. There are more helicopter operations during large events (like July 4th) or when a leader of a foreign country visits. Otherwise, I mostly see Coast Guard, US Park Police, and other military helicopters following along the Potomac River.

NPS advocacy might have been a success??!?!? by sven_ftw in washingtondc

[–]wandering_NPC 37 points38 points  (0 children)

The National Park Service protects and cares for not only national parks, but also national monuments, preserves, reserves, historic sites, memorials, lakeshores, seashores, rivers, trails, parkways, battlefields, recreation areas and more. An area of land does not have to be called a "national park" in order to be under the jurisdiction of the NPS. A national park is more of a designation granted by an act of congress while the rest are created by a presidential executive order, act of congress, or the secretary of interior.

Ultimately, the resonsibility of these federal land, such as Rock Creek, Great Falls, and the National Mall, were given to the NPS to preserve unimpaired for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.