Resident Ranger Kevin Grady joins host Melissa Arnold to reveal what park management really looks like, well beyond recreation. Hear his mountain lion encounter, how staff rebuilt after the Cal-Wood Fire and the 2013 flood, why wildlife/seasonal and muddy-trail closures matter, how elk management works, and the volunteer power behind it all—plus hear about Dottie, his search-and-rescue pup.

The episode includes:

• A close encounter with mountain lions
• Stories of wildfire and flood recovery
• Why closures (wildlife, seasonal, muddy trail) matter
• Elk management and adaptive strategies
• The vital role of volunteers
• Introducing Dottie, the search-and-rescue dog

Featured Resources

• Volunteer link for Parks – I mentioned that people could sign up to help: https://bouldercounty.gov/volunteer/parks-and-open-space/

• Elk Management Parks website: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/elk/
• Heil Valley Ranch Cal-Wood Fire Recovery webpage: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/heil-valley-ranch-cal-wood-fire-recovery/
• Parks & Open Space Flood Recovery Projects: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/management/flood-recovery-projects/
• Parks and Trails: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/
• Parks Rules and Regulations: https://bouldercounty.gov/open-space/parks-and-trails/regulations/