Twentynine Palms resident and Joshua Tree National Park’s former Chief Ranger, Jeff Ohlfs, has been named the 2018 Honorary Ranger by the California State Park Rangers Association. Reporter Mike Lipsitz tells us why…
Jeff Ohlfs retired in 2016 after 32 years in the National Park Service. The previous 26 years were served here at Joshua Tree National Park. Ohlfs began his career with the Park Service in 1981 as an intern at Pinnacles National Monument, and served at a number of national parks, recreation areas, and monuments. Throughout his career, Ohlfs has been deeply involved with the lnternational Ranger Federation and the World Ranger Congress. He grew up visiting state parks and has been to all 292 current state park units, 90 former state park properties now operated by other agencies, and has visited every State Park Historical Landmark. The award is in recognition of Ohlfs lifetime work and focus on the association’s ideals, mission, and environmental issues. The 2018 Honorary Ranger award will be presented at the State Park Rangers Association membership meeting in September.
