In my “Tales from the Trail” I usually highlight a place important to our story. This time, I would like to highlight someone important to our story. On December 31st of 2023, Dan Foster, long-time Superintendent of Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area, and Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail retired after over four decades of public service. While he worked on many efforts over the years with multiple state and federal natural resources programs, Dan’s time supporting Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail is something we should all be grateful for.
Since 1992, Dan has worked for the National Park Service in various resource management positions, including Superintendent at Niobrara National Scenic River. In 2013, he became the Superintendent of both Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area and Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail. In 2014, Dan’s leadership led to the development of the Trail’s Foundation Statement, which is still instrumental today in directing the focus and daily activities of the Trail. It solidified the notion of this public-private partnership we all call Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail today. Working in collaboration with partners across four states, Dan also led the development of the 2016 Long Range Interpretive Plan and, the following year, the Trail’s first Junior Ranger book. Dan was instrumental in influencing the City of Tualatin to develop an Ice Age Floods theme for many city attractions, including city parks, hiking trails, the library, and local businesses.
Dan’s commitment to securing additional resources for the Trail led directly to the National Park Service creating the Program Manager position which I am grateful to occupy today. For over a decade of his career, Dan led the Nation’s only National Geologic Trail. It’s not easy being the first, and Dan’s years of experience and leadership have given our Nation Trail a solid foundation to build upon.
Dan still lives in Grand Coulee, Washington, right on the Trail in the middle of Grand Coulee, and you just might see him paddling away out there on Banks Lake. Dan, we are truly grateful for everything you have done for the Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail!
Article by Justin Radford, Program Manager – Ice Age Floods National Geologic Trail, Acting Park Manager – Lake Roosevelt National Recreation Area