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Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Thomas Kelly established the Division of Parks on October 1, 1970 and named Ted Smith Director. That same year, three state parks were designated by the Alaska Legislature: Kachemak Bay State Park (effective May 9), Chugach State Park (August 6) and Denali State Park (September 21). Nancy Lake State Recreation Area, created in 1966 and encompassing about 23,000 acres and the Chena River Recreation Area, created in 1967 and encompassing about 14,000 acres were the first two state park units designated by the Alaska Legislature.
This site has been set up to collect stories from present and former state park employees, volunteers and supporters in order to create:
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Roger MacCampbell,
Kachemak Bay State Park
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Bill Zack and a Haines Area Volunteer |
- a narrative for the history of each park unit, group of units or section within the division;
- a division-wide timeline (major policy and organizational activities and changes from 1970 through 2009) which will be helpful for new employee orientation;
- a chronological staff roster for each park or area.
Alaska’s state park system has grown to include 3.2 million acres in 131 units. Former state park director Neil Johannsen has referred to Alaska’s state parks as a “system of dreams.” Through your memories and stories we hope to record the work, the challenges and the efforts required by state park staff, volunteers and supporters to transform those dreams into reality. |
If you would like to share your experience with Alaska State Parks please fill out the 40th Anniversary Project questionnaire.
Please share this site with other state park staff and supporters and thank you for your time.
For more information, contact Claire Holland LeClair at (907)269-8696 or e-mail claire.leclair@alaska.gov. |
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Dave Stephens and Dennis Heikes near High Lake |
Lynn Goodman Grams, Glenallen
Rolfe Buzzell, OHA |
Kenai Area Staff 2003
Mike Goodwin, Bill Evans and Bob Dittrick |
Larry Wilder, MatSu Superintendent
Dave Porter Denali View North |
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