ANPR constantly seeks ways to enhance the ranger professions. This issue of Ranger is an expanded special edition produced in partnership with the National Park Service and focusing on the Interpretive Development Program (IDP).

You may remember that the Fall 2001 Ranger, also a partnership edition, dealt with the NPS Fundamentals program. Just as Fundamentals is pertinent to all NPS employees, so is the IDP. At one time or another all disciplines are involved in public contact. The IDP translates across disciplines to help staff communicate park policies and principles. Whether it is a formal nature talk, directions to the nearest gasoline station, a presentation at a public meeting or a conducted activity on a battlefield, the IDP is relevant to the discharge of our duties.

ANPR has been long overdue in continuing this type of collaboration with the Service in order to provide insightful and useful information on programs of relevance to our members and all NPS employees.

As our mission states, ANPR is charged with defending and promoting the continuous enhancement of the vital natural, cultural and caretaker resources of the national parks through education, training, advocacy and public information. The IDP goes hand in hand with that mission.

This issue of Ranger has an expanded print run, and copies will be distributed throughout the Service over the next several years. ANPR hopes to continue this type of partnership by producing similar issues with a focus on developments in law enforcement, administration, maintenance, resources and other disciplines. By sharing our knowledge, experience and training we will all become better stewards for parks, visitors and each other.

ANPR forges new ground with this issue of Ranger. We wish to thank the vision and work of Corky Mayo and the entire interpretive division in WASO, Mather Training Center and Albright Training Center.