Getting to Know: Dan Foster

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Published: Friday, 28 June 2013 21:41

It is a unique crossroads where many species of plants and animals coexist unlike anywhere else.” 

Sound familiar? The National Park Service (NPS) isn’t describing Lake Roosevelt; it’s describing the Niobrara (pronounced Ni-o-brear-ah) River. In 1991, Congress designated 76 miles of this 568 mile river stretching across Wyoming and Nebraska as a National Scenic River.  Flowing through the Great Plains, the Niobrara is a marvel of culture, history and environment.

From this idyllic setting comes Dan Foster, the new superintendent for Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail.

Niobrara and Lake Roosevelt share, as do all the nearly 400 national parks managed by NPS, a scenic beauty, rich history and cultural legacy so astounding that we choose as a nation to protect them for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations.

Dan Foster, like others, chose to devote his career to the NPS mission. “I started out in Utah, which is where I got my degree from BYU in wildlife biology and range management. After working for the state, I started with the park service.” Thus far, the call to service has resulted in a twenty-one year adventure. Said Dan, “The essential challenge remains the same, how do we protect and preserve natural resources while preserving visitor experiences.”

Same challenge, yes. But also a challenge, like the rivers he loves, that carve out new bends and paths over time. “The National Park Service protects some of this nations' most treasured resources documenting how our world and we as a people have changed.  For example, Stephen Mather, the first director of National Park Service,” said Dan, “encouraged the building of hotels in parks and partnered with railroads to bring people to them. But with cars, campgrounds, and visitor expectations, the NPS has evolved, and will keep evolving.”

This sense of history and change gives Dan a sense of equanimity when he thinks about Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and vacation cabins that were permitted shortly after Grand Coulee Dam was constructed. “The NPS permitted the construction of vacation cabins to encourage people to come and recreate in the area. Over time, our desire to best match visitor needs with preservation goals took us in a different direction. That doesn’t mean the NPS was wrong, but is an example of how the agency and we as a nation have changed over time.”

Speaking of the area, Dan’s first impressions are that of most visitors. “Kind of amazing. Tribes have called this place home for over nine thousand years. Geologically, we’re talking over 13,000 years to the ice age floods. Then think about the natural resources: water, fisheries, timber, minerals. Beautiful place, great history.”

Another part of the NPS value structure that continues to evolve is partnerships. Dan’s practical approach begins with “I recognize all the goals of stakeholders aren’t the same.” That said, “I think we agree on an awful lot, can be honest about what we can and can’t do, and then set objectives together that we work toward.”

And working collaboratively begins with a team based management style Dan employs with staff. “The people working with me are good people; together we can make good things happen.”

So don’t be surprised when Dan comes to meetings and settings with an eye toward achieving consensus. “You need to remember,” said Dan, “one of my formative experiences at NPS was working at the Nez Perce National Historical Park. That has thirty eight parks sites in four states.”

Also, don’t be surprised if Dan looks to create new partnerships as part of finding new ways to bring resources to bear. He was, for instance, very impressed with the partnership between the Colville Tribes and state to build the new Keller Ferry, the Sanpoil, that will begin service in August. He also points to Stevens County working with NPS to preserve fueling at Daisy Station. “I feel like I’m coming into a good situation. These partnerships are outstanding.”

So what’s the most important thing to know about Dan? That’s easy, he said, “I value honesty and integrity above all else.”

And to get Dan’s eyes to light up, that’s easy too. Just ask about his family. Traveling from one location to another in service of NPS values was not a solo adventure. His wife, name??, of thirty-one years made sure to make it a family affair. They are proud parents of three kids, all married, and five grandchildren with another on the way. Together, they are food for the soul. Throw in some fly fishing, kayaking and old movies, and Dan’s ready to keep rolling right along in service of the NPS mission.