A Park Ranger Story

In 2015, before our first season in the Grand Canyon, I had the chance to meet with three park officials – Doug, the head of commercial services, Betsy, the lead field ranger, and Mark, the head ranger of the backcountry office. Today I was included on an email blast from one of them informing recipients that they were retiring, as of 10.30am this morning. I don’t know the circumstances, but there is a story to share, because it feels like Mark has been our Grand Canyon Guardian Angel over the last several years! And I don’t think we’re alone in that feeling.

I’ve only met Mark once. For like 15 minutes. In 2015. But he, and his office have fielded what must seem like 100s of calls from me and the TSX team as we’ve navigated some growth challenges, and quirky permit updates.

Like back in 2017, when we led a group of friends down into the Canyon for a reunion weekend, the “Whiskey Business” crew : ) Our groups are fun, and sometimes boisterous – not usually a problem in remote Sierra terrain. But we quickly learned that late night drinks, laughter, and tall canyon walls aren’t the best combination when others are resting near by. We were reported, and had our first (and only!) tangle with the law upon exit. Mark was there as a sounding board. He knew our mission. I felt he believed in us. He advised softly how to get back on track with other parts of the park service. As a young company, we followed his advice and grew stronger out of that experience.

In 2020, when COVID hit, we were nearly shut out from operating for the entire year when the window to submit a Commercial Supplemental plan opened, and then shut, in a matter of days over a long weekend.  When we realized what was happening, we reached out to Mark. He empathized with our situation, and advised on some paths to consider. I want to believe he advocated for us behind the scenes, but I have no evidence; he was professional in every interaction. After a few weeks, we were able to navigate the system and affect the change required to continue operating through COVID – no place we’d rather be! I don’t think we would have made it through that year without his guidance.

But more importantly, from the outside looking in, Mark just ran a positive mission driven operation – genuinely working to help people get access to the Canyon and it’s healing properties – while navigating the array of permit regulations and compliance requirements. He provided sound, reasonable advice as we floated new ideas and new locations we were considering. It always felt like he had our best interests at heart.

However, bonus for me, was being included on this retirement email blast with other people he has undoubtedly touched in a positive way. Several, who I don’t know, but have prominent experience in the Canyon, responded back to the full chain expressing their appreciation and gratitude for Mark’s service, and friendship. I can only imagine the array of relationships he’s built, and lives he’s impacted, over the years.

We’ve interacted with a wide range of people through the many National Parks and Forests that we work with. Mark was one of the best. We wish him and his family the best in whatever life brings their way next!