You are here

Death Valley National Park Appoints New Chief Ranger

Share

By

Compiled From NPS Releases

Published Date

September 28, 2024

New Death Valley National Park Chief Ranger Phil Johnson / NPS

There's a new Chief Ranger at Death Valley National ParkPhilip Johnson will lead the Visitor and Resource Protection program, which includes law enforcement, fee collection, emergency medical services, structure fire response, and search and rescue in the 3,400,000-acre park.
 
Last year Death Valley National Park’s Visitor and Resource Protection staff responded to 84 requests for assistance, 98 medical emergencies, 17 search and rescue incidents, 26 motor vehicle accidents, 16 structural or vehicle fire incidents, and 628 law enforcement patrol contacts.

Superintendent Mike Reynolds said, “I’m thrilled to have Philip Johnson at Death Valley permanently. He is a calm and collaborative leader. He brings a tremendous breadth of skills and experience.”

Johnson started his National Park Service (NPS) career as a volunteer for Yosemite Search and Rescue in 2002. He worked for the NPS at Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve and Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. He worked in Yosemite National Park for eleven years, leaving as the Valley District Ranger in 2021. He most recently served as the Chief Ranger of Devils Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes, CA. He is a two-time recipient of the Department of the Interior Valor Award.

Johnson commented, "I am looking forward to working with the incredible Death Valley team, the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe, park partners and cooperating agencies in protecting the park's natural and cultural resources for future generations of visitors. Our focus going forward is to build out our preventative search and rescue program, enhance our fee collection technology, continue the rehabilitation of park campgrounds and increase support for our patrol rangers." 

Superintendent Reynolds added, “I believe Philip’s approachable nature will strengthen our relationships with the many partners that help the park during emergencies.”

Johnson is a 2000 graduate of the University of California at Berkeley with a bachelor's degree in geography. Johnson said that he and his family (wife: Janet, daughter: Pearl, and son: Jude) are excited to explore the canyons and peaks of Death Valley National Park!

Related Stories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.