Striker named to top Denali National Park post

The National Park Service has named Don Striker as its new Superintendent for Denali National Park. Striker is currently superintendent for New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia. KTNA’s Lorien Nettleton spoke with Striker about his move to one of the nation’s most recognized national parks.

When the National Park Service’s Alaska Regional Director offered him the top position in one of the nation’s most celebrated National Parks, Don Striker started thinking about making the move north with his family right away.

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As Superintendent for New River Gorge National Park in West Virginia, Striker has experience with co-managed landscapes. The New River is a Wild and Scenic River, and the New River National Recreation area is adjacent to the park. As Striker sees it, the goal is not to haggle over ownership of land, but to cooperate together for the greater interest.

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As the park service moves forward, Striker says they have to evaluate the market for the American public, and in coming years the Park Service will have to evaluate how to stay relevant.

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Striker’s start date is in January, and despite the discouragement of the Park Management, he is considering driving the Al-Can in January to start orientation in Anchorage.