RECREATION.gov
Episode Guest
Janelle Smith – Strategic Communications Lead
RECREATION.gov
Park Stats
- Created in 1995
- Central planning and reservation system used by 14 Federal agencies – nine of which make reservations available and include National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, US Army Corps of Engineers, and more. The remaining 5 agencies share their data and provide a fuller spectrum of public land and water recreation opportunities across the country.
- Fun Facts
- 5000+ facilities
- More than 121,000 campsites
- Gives access to more than 528 million acres of land
- Recreation like camping, hiking, scenic trails, biking, bird watching, boating, hunting, ranger programs…and so much more
- More than 10 million reservations were made on Recreation.gov in 2023
- There are nearly 23 million active user accounts
Speed Round
What is your earliest park memory?
Well, that would be going to the local forest near my house for a picnic with my family.
What made you love the parks?
I guess just the feeling that I had of being at peace. Just a peaceful feeling.
What is your favorite thing to do in our public lands?
Hiking or mountain biking. Those are my favorites.
What park have you yet to visit but is on your bucket list and why?
Oh, so many. How do I choose? Yeah, this is a tough one. Actually here in the state on the Sawtooth National Forest, Sawtooth National Recreation Area, Alturas Lake. Still haven’t been up to that, so it’d be an overnight backpacking trip.
What are three must-haves you pack for a park visit?
I still like having a map. Sounds silly, but I love having a map. Of course water, basic, basic, basic. And just a little nibble, like a power bar, some sort of energy bar.
What is your favorite campfire activity?
Just telling stories, just sitting around and enjoying the company of those I love.
Tent, camper, or cabin?
Ah, revealing me, cabin.
Hiking with or without trekking poles?
Mostly without, but terrain dependent, sometimes with if, yeah, it’s challenging.
And what is your favorite trail snack?
Just your basic trail mix. Yeah, pretty simple.
What is the best animal sighting that you’ve had?
The black bear with its cub from a safe distance.
What is your favorite sound in the parks?
I love to hear hawks as they’re hunting. It’s such a soulful, beautiful sound.
What is the greatest gift the parks give to us?
First experiences.