Karl Loftis

I am currently a Park Ranger for the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department. I am also a current undergraduate student at Oregon State University (OSU), working on my B.S. In Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences with a Specialization in Habitat Restoration through their excellent online program. I have taken classes so far in Field Sampling, Statistics, Environmental Laws, Environmental Science, and Biology. Besides some interesting projects for these classes, I have also done some habitat restoration and conservation projects with the City of Austin Parks. I will list some of my qualifications. I have over twenty years of experience in the parks, tourism and recreation industry including: • Park Ranger, including work on education and conservation projects as well as providing for public safety • Trail Maintenance and Trail Crew Leader in the Pacific Northwest • Adventure Tour Guide, including leading tourists Camping, Hiking and Backpacking, from Canada to throughout the United States and Mexico • Whitewater Raft Guide, in Alaska! • Parks and Recreation Operations and Maintenance • Parks Concessions in Lodges and Restaurants in Four National Parks. I have lived and worked everywhere from California to Alaska to Ireland and have come back with the stories to tell. I have worked for the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department since 2016, first on Parks Grounds and Maintenance and currently for the Park Ranger Division. Work as a Park Ranger includes: • Patrol heavily used City of Austin parks including the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Butler (Town Lake) Hike and Bike Trail • Lead and plan Ranger interpretation programs, including training and working with volunteer groups • Perform trail and park maintenance, and educate the public on park rules • Radio and assist City of Austin Police, EMS and Fire in emergency situations