Vets Continue Making Memories

Rick Gale

As we celebrate Memorial Day this month, remembering military personnel who have died while serving in the United States armed forces, let’s also acknowledge those who are still serving their country in communities throughout Southwest Montana…

The Epic Yellowstone Fires of 1988

Rick Gale

One of my most memorable seasons in Yellowstone was in 1988. The fires of ’88 burned 1.4 million acres in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and 36% (793,880 acres) of Yellowstone National Park. These fires were the result of environmental and…

Boat Patrol on Yellowstone Lake

Rick Gale

I spent 22 summers in Yellowstone from 1978-1999 as a Seasonal Ranger, including serving as a campground ranger, road patrol ranger, boat patrol ranger, field training ranger, night shift supervisor, and crisis negotiator. Two of my 22 summers in…

Helping Veterans, Communities and Those Serving in Harm’s Way

Rick Gale

In 1997, a small group of Vietnam Veterans formed a local chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America to meet the needs of veterans and military families in Gallatin County and surrounding areas. Since then, the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter…

Make Every Day Count Graduation Matters Gallatin

Rick Gale

Chronic absence is a leading early warning indicator of academic trouble and later drop out.

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Tell the Mother I Have Found Her Child

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Crisis Negotiator

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Meals on Wheels

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Law Enforcement in our National Parks looks a lot different today than it did when I first reported in for duty at Lake Ranger Station.

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger “Holiday Inn Ranger”

Rick Gale

One of my first patrols into the Yellowstone backcountry as a green seasonal park ranger was a three day trip into the Thorofare. District Ranger Roger Rudolph thought it was a good idea for his frontcountry rangers to spend a few days in the…

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Come on now… Over the years, family and friends have listened to stories about my summers in Yellowstone as a Park Ranger. “Come on now, you’re just making these stories up.” “No I’m not. That’s…

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Good Evening Campers In 1975, it was estimated there were only 136 grizzly bears in and around Yellowstone. Today, Yellowstone is home to some 600 grizzlies. My ranger days in Yellowstone included a lot of late evenings trying to prevent grizzly…

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Running of the Bulls The most famous running of the bulls takes place every July in Pamplona, Spain. The runners are dressed in the traditional white shirt and trousers with a red waistband and neckerchief. They carry a rolled-up newspaper to swat…

Ranger Rick Part 2, More: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

Over the years, family and friends have listened to stories about my summers in Yellowstone as a Park Ranger. Here are just a few for your reading pleasure: Reporting for Duty Pris and I packed our van with clothing and household items and headed…

Ranger Rick: Tales From a Former YNP Ranger

Rick Gale

I was teaching at Venado Middle School in Irvine, California when I got a call from Ranger Roger Rudolph. At first, the school secretary thought it was a practical joke but got a hold of me anyway to take the call. “Hello.  This is Rick…