Rapid City in western South Dakota held the honor of hosting the 27th annual Ranger Rendezvous Nov. 15–19, 2004.

About 115 members of the Association of National Park Rangers used the occasion to rekindle friendships, advance professionalism in workshops and panel discussions, and interact with inspiring speakers.

To many attendees, it was an ideal opportunity to see a new part of the country and visit the many national park areas within an easy drive. In addition, the Black Hills location was a chance, in a respectful atmosphere, to listen to and contemplate the concerns of American Indians about their homeland.

Rick Mossman and Laurie Heupel, program co-chairs, worked throughout the year to set up sessions focused on the theme “Following in the Footsteps of Lewis and Clark — Exploration, Partnerships & Preservation.” By nearly all accounts, their efforts were a success. The varied workshops and meetings allowed participants to learn about other disciplines within the park system, and to mix with the group in a friendly setting.

NPS Director Fran Mainella didn’t attend the annual event for the first time in her tenure, but she sent a taped message.

Some of the many highlights included:

• Welcoming remarks from all six superintendents of the national park sites in the Black Hills area.

• Presentation of the prestigious Mather Award by the National Parks Conservation Association.

• Participation in day-long insider tours of either Mount Rushmore and Wind Cave or Badlands and Minuteman Missile. Rendezvous attendees also visited Jewel Cave, Devils Tower and other park areas on their own to view the natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

• Inspiring and informative keynote speeches by Mount Rushmore Superintendent Gerard Baker, author Barry Lopez and rancher/author Dan O'Brien.

• A thought-provoking speech by park ranger Alden Miller during a special evening dinner at Mount Rushmore. Read more > >

• The NPS Film Fest, a yearly viewing of some of the best visitor center films. This year's offerings focused on Shenandoah, Stones River, Voyageurs, Chesapeake and Ohio Canal and Washington, D.C.

• A newcomers' breakfast, hosted by the board of directors, for first-time attendees to a Rendezvous.

• Presentation of four ANPR awards to key supporters of the association.

• A well-attended pre-Rendezvous training workshop, "Native American Relations - Cultural Considerations in Managing and Working with a Native American Workforce and Tribal Governments," presented by Dr. Jeff Thompson.

• Time for relaxation and camaraderie in the hospitality room.

• Drawings for raffle prizes and the special Super Raffle prizes.

• The annual photo contest of park-related images.

• Pre-Rendezvous workshop: "Failing to Plan and Save for Retirement is the Greatest Risk You Can Take," a free presentation by ANPR members Frank and Kathy Betts.

• State of the Association address by ANPR President Lee Werst. Read the full remarks here.

• Wednesday evening - An evening of dance and fun with music provided by D.D. and The Fayrohs.

• Thursday Field Stewardship Day
  • Mount Rushmore (Head Hike) / Wind Cave - Hike to top of the heads. Afternoon at Wind Cave - discussion on park management issues and optional cave tour.
  • Minuteman Missile/Badlands - Badlands park headquarters for discussions on park management issues and park tour. Afternoon at Minuteman Missile NHS. Visit included underground command capsule and silo site.

• Closing remarks: Longtime member Rick Smith, also past president of ANPR and the International Ranger Federation, gave the closing speech. Read the full version here.

RENDEZVOUS XXVII TASK LEADERS

Dan Moses - overall Rendezvous coordinator, mosesdd@aol.com

Rick Mossman and Laurie Heupel - program co-chairs, mossman@gwtc.net and chester@montana.com

Dan Greenblatt - Super Raffle, dan_greenblatt@msn.com

Wendy Lauritzen - exhibits, ohranger@dobsonteleco.com

Diane and Dan Moses - regular raffle, mosesdd@aol.com

Teresa Ford - photo contest, fordedit@aol.com