I am amazed by the fact that we all have our versions of what wilderness is. In spite of being so intangible we had to create a set of rules to effectively govern these lands and define it in a specified manner.

Though we all have our different variations of what wilderness is – uninhabited valleys, waterfalls, granite cliffs and untamed wildlife — the Wilderness Act Of 1964 officially defines wilderness as areas in contrast with those where man and his own works dominate the landscape. These are hereby recognised as areas where earth and its community of life are untouched by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.

Management of a wilderness area falls under a hierarchical structure.  Various federal Agencies such as The U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, The National Park Service and The Bureau of Land Management are responsible for protecting and managing wilderness areas on different levels.

How this Inclination for an Outdoor job occurred?

I had a keen interest in studying the natural world in high school. Soon, I went on to pursue my degree in environmental studies at the University Of Washington Program on the Environment.  I first discovered my interest in working outdoors during my summer break. During the break I completed my George Melendez Wright Climate Change Fellowship program in Sitika, Alaska. This is when I found that I had a passion for park service which motivated me to hone skill set.

Eventually I became an interpretive ranger in the North Cascades National Park. After few months of working I realized that my passion specifically lied in interacting with people who go into the back country as they have the same level of curiosity and respect for nature as I have.

Tasks I Currently Have at Hand as a Back Country Ranger

Since my first season in 2015 in North Cascades and later in 2016 and 2017, I was able to acquire additional skills as a Leave No Trace Trainer, a Wilderness EMT and Technical Rope trainer. More so, I started ski patrolling at Mount Bachelor in the off-season, which also required me to maintain an Outdoor Emergency Care Certification.

My main job when I am in the office is trip planning, issuing permits, issuing Leave No Trace protocols to visitors who want to go on a backpack trip in the back country.  Also, I have to make sure that all the visitors are well informed of the precursory measures that need to be in place before they go out to enjoy the park for which I have to ask various questions regarding their health, equipment and reasons for the visit.

When in the field, I have to patrol more than 750 miles of wild trails in Yosemite. In addition to this, I check permits, respond to emergencies, answer questions and maintain crucial trails so that the hikers get a complete experience of the serene wilderness without any hassles.

What’s in for the Future?

Though I deeply love what I do here at Yosemite Wilderness Park, I don’t see myself in the current designation. It’s an unfortunate fact that the more you climb the hierarchical ladder the less you spend time in the field.

I imagine myself delving deeper into rescuing and research work or maybe working as a paramedic in the near future. Whatever it may be, I cannot detach myself from the wildness and rawness of these lands as they give me a sense of security and oneness with everything that exists on this sphere.