National Park Service and the University of Tennessee Announce New Partnership

Contact: Public Affairs Office, 423-569-9778

ONEIDA, Tenn. -The National Park Service (NPS) recently announced a new partnership with the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and three local NPS units to train the next generation of leaders in the fields of outdoor recreation and public land management.

"Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Obed Wild and Scenic River and the Manhattan Project National Historical Park offer a wonderful opportunity for students to extend their classroom experiences into the real world of natural and cultural resource protection," said Superintendent Niki Stephanie Nicholas. "Our park units also stand to benefit greatly from the students' creativity, insight and enthusiasm."

The School of Natural Resources and the Herbert College of Agriculture at the university recently created the Outdoor Recreation and Park Management program. Students in the program complete a rigorous course of academic study that includes a strong science-based curriculum, certification in critical skills such as wilderness medicine and swiftwater rescue and numerous field experiences at protected areas across the East Tennessee region and beyond. Activities such as rock climbing, kayaking, backpacking and camping are all part of the experience.

"We believe that a strong academic background in outdoor recreation and park management is one key component to preparing our students for their profession," said Professor Ryan Sharp, who has spearheaded the development of the ORPM program at UT. "Equally

important, however, is exposing students to real world experiences which provide context for what they learn in the classroom and which lay the foundations of the skill sets that they will further hone over the course of their careers."

The new partnership will focus on collaboration in five key areas.

• Students will assist with park programs such as Climb with a Ranger at Obed, special events like the Spring Planting and Storytelling festivals at Big South Fork, or other functions such as river cleanups and visitor center operations.
  
• Park staff will regularly serve as guest speakers in ORPM classes on topics ranging from interpretation and education to resource management.
  
• Big South Fork NRRA, Obed WSR and Manhattan Project will be regular sites for field trips, allowing students to connect with park employees and experience natural and cultural management resources firsthand.
  
• The parks will offer expanded internship opportunities to students.
  
• The parks will communicate closely with UT's School of Natural Resources regarding areas of needed research and study.

The partnership between the National Park Service and UT's Outdoor Recreation and Park Management program is a remarkable opportunity for developing the next generation of leaders through stewardship of natural and cultural heritage in national parks.

www.nps.gov

About the National Park Service. Established in 1916, the National Park Service preserves America's most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of current and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.