The National Park Service (NPS) Organizational Chart

The NPS is perhaps the best known of America's land management agencies. While it may conjure up images of Teddy Roosevelt inspecting Yellowstone, Yosemite or the Grand Canyon through the window of his famous monocle, what many of us might not realize is that the NPS is responsible for a wide variety of land designations. In addition to parks, the NPS also manages preserves, monuments, seashores, parkways and others. All together, there are 387 units in the NPS covering more than 80 million acres.

On March 17, 2005 IMBA signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the NPS that recognizes mountain biking as a legitimate activity on certain NPS lands. This formal agreement provides an important framework for working collaboratively to address mountain biking on NPS lands.

So how do you, loyal IMBA supporter, safely and effectively navigate the organizational maze that is NPS? Who calls the shots and whose duties relate to trail issues? To whom do you address your questions or concerns? While each unit's organization varies, both by size and focus, we have compiled a sample organizational summary that should cover the pertinent positions in your local NPS unit.

Local Structure

Superintendent: The person in charge of the local NPS unit. The superintendent usually focuses on "big picture" issues and can be considered the figurehead and top leader. They usually cede most day-to-day operations to the deputy superintendent. Superintendents are responsible for setting all local policy. This is done with input from you and also from mandates at the regional and national levels. In addition, this position is where priorities are set for all aspects of park management, ensuring the core mission is followed. The superintendent is the ultimate decision-maker in the NPS unit.

Deputy Superintendent: In contrast to the superintendent's long-term, big picture managerial focus, the deputy is often more involved in day-to-day operations. Smaller NPS units may not have this position.

Park Ranger (interpretive): There is more than one type of ranger. Interpretive rangers often collaborate with partner organizations to develop and present educational and interpretive programs. For example, the interpretive ranger or someone on their staff gave your last campfire talk. These people are terrific resources for understanding the history and ecology of NPS units.

Park Ranger (enforcement, protection): These rangers make sure park visitors abide by the rules and regulations. They are often the ones to issue backcountry permits. Depending on the unit, this person or their staff may also be involved in emergency medical care, firefighting, traffic control and resource protection.

Natural Resource Manager: These people can go by a variety of titles, but in general they're the ones in charge of the scientific branch. In larger parks this person overlooks a staff of biological technicians, GIS specialists and resource management personnel. Natural resource managers not only have a firm grasp on science, but they also keep a pulse on the ways planning and policies affect natural resources.

Administrative Manager: Controls all of the behind-the-scenes administrative responsibilities that keep an NPS unit alive: budget, IT, payroll, personnel, etc. You may not have a direct relationship with this person or department, but your NPS unit contact does.

Chief of Maintenance or Facility Manager: Typically in charge of the maintenance department in NPS units, they oversee everything from upkeep of buildings and machinery to roads and trails. Depending on the size of the unit, he or she may have one or more trail specialists on staff. Additionally, many large NPS units often employ entire trail maintenance crews in warmer months.

Regional Structure

All of the above positions occur at the local level. But much like other federal agencies, the National Park Service also has staff in regional offices throughout the country. The NPS is divided into seven regions, all under the Director in Washington, D.C.

What does this mean for trail users? Depending on the size and resources of your local NPS unit, sometimes not much and sometimes a lot. For example, each region has a facilities department, headed by a Chief of Facilities Management. This staff provides supplementary assistance and technical expertise to local NPS units on an as needed basis. This support can potentially cover all aspects of trail design, construction and maintenance.

"We're there if you need us." Local NPS units are not required to rely on regional support, but the smaller ones usually do. This is because they lack the staff resources found in many medium and larger units. If a local unit requires assistance in handling its trail issues, it can get help from the regional office.

Summary

There are many NPS positions that deal directly or indirectly with the issue of trails. If you have a good idea of who the best person is, you can call the NPS unit and ask for that person's phone number. General inquiries are generally best directed to the superintendent's office (in smaller units) or the chief of maintenance (larger parks). Remember, though, that these are general guidelines and you may find that someone entirely different is the trails expert.

Want to bring attention to an issue? Try a constructive letter to the superintendent and follow up with a phone call a week later. If you can, request a meeting with the proper person to discuss plans collaboratively.

Curious about other ways to get involved? See IMBA's Eight Ways Mountain Bikers Can Help National Parks.

Want to learn more about the NPS planning process? The National Parks Conservation Association has a helpful website dedicated to just that.