~by Lora Koch, The Scranton Journal
It would not be surprising if you have met one, if not all three, of the fulltime staff for the Greene County conservation department.
Pat Soukup (pictured, right), ranger at Spring Lake Park, will reach 36 years of service in this month. Dan Sayre (pictured, left), park attendant, has worked for the department for 35 years, his first six years as part-time and the last 29 years as fulltime. The “junior” employee of the department is Dan Towers (pictured, center), conservation director, who celebrated 30 years in January. Together, they have more than 100 years of combined experience working for the residents of Greene County.
With responsibility for 20 conservation areas that cover more than 2,000 acres, this team has learned to work closely together over the years, and their rapport and shared work ethic is evident.
“We have the same staff we had 30 years ago, but have doubled our area with many more facilities to maintain,” said Towers.
“Spring Lake Park used to have 33 campsites; we are up to 123 now. We are so diversified and the work is labor intensive, so we work together as a team. We do all we can for the public,” added Soukup.
Their mission has always been to make the Greene County conservation areas accessible and a high quality experience for the public. A visit to the www.mycountyparks.com details the vast area they cover – such as Squirrel Hollow, Seven Hills, and Henderson Parks near Jefferson; Hyde Park, Horseshoe Bend, and Hobart wildlife areas near Scranton; and Pound’s Pits wildlife area near Grand Junction – just to name a few.
In addition, they manage the Raccoon River Valley Trail and all the river areas. “The residents of Greene County get a lot for their tax dollars,” said Towers. “It costs each citizen only $20 per year to have a conservation department.”
Towers reflected on changes during his service as conservation director. “We have different user groups now, with the bike trail bringing the biggest change. This is a whole new group of users, in addition to those who fish, hunt, and camp. The trail is now a big part of our programs.”
One of the most important projects over the years, in addition to the Raccoon River Valley Trail, has been improved access and wildlife areas by the river. “The river used to be very under-utilized,” said Towers. “We now have river access every four or five miles. We are seeing more paddlers, with kayaks and canoes very common on the river.”
Sayre added, “We provide places for people to fish and hunt, and access to the river. But if there is a crisis, like a drowning, emergency crews can use our access areas, like Henderson Park. So, there is value to parks beyond recreation. There is some benefit for all.”
The department’s commitment to Greene County is also evident in how they support the local communities. “We buy everything we can locally, such as lumber, cleaning supplies, and other materials,” said Soukup.
With more than 30 years working in conservation and so much responsibility, what keeps each day rewarding? “There is such a variety of work, and no two days are ever the same,” said Towers.
Soukup agreed, adding, “I like being outdoors and meeting people. There is never a dull moment!”
Sayre also likes working outside, and commented, “It can be the same, like with chores or mowing, but I get to be outside and meet different people.”
The next time you have the opportunity to go fishing, hunting, camping, trail riding, or paddling in Greene County, remember to appreciate the hard working conservation staff – and, if you see them, tell them thanks for their century of service! ~The Scranton Journal
