June 26, 2018 News Release from National Park Service Midwest Regional Office
Eric Gabriel
Omaha — National Park Service Midwest Regional Director Cam Sholly announced the selection of Eric Gabriel as superintendent of Ice Age National Scenic Trail. Gabriel is currently the Chief Ranger of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex. The complex manages three contiguous park units: North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. He will assume his new role early this fall.
“Eric has a very wide range of leadership experiences in many parks and a proven record of collaborating successfully with partners and stakeholders,” said Sholly. “He also has the added benefit of growing up near the Ice Age Trail and Kettle Moraine in Sheboygan County, and will make an outstanding superintendent for this incredible trail.”
“It’s a great honor to be selected as superintendent of the Ice Age National Scenic Trail, Gabriel said about his appointment. “As a Wisconsin native, growing up in Sheboygan County, I formed a deep connection to the Ice Age Trail. While attending the University of Wisconsin Madison, my experiences along the trail continued to grow. The Ice Age Trail’s world-renowned glacial features and diverse landscapes provide a connection for people and communities to the natural world. It is an incredible resource. Moreover, I am excited to work with Ice Age Trail staff, park partners, and stakeholders to preserve and protect the trail while providing great opportunities for the public to enjoy.”
For the past three and a half years, Gabriel has served as the Chief Ranger of North Cascades National Park Service Complex where he oversees the Visitor and Resource Protection Operations for three national park units. He manages district operations, law enforcement, emergency medical service, search and rescue, aviation, boating program, dispatch operations, wilderness program, and emergency and all hazard incident operations.
Gabriel has over 25 years of experience working for the National Park Service in a variety of parks including North Cascades, Glacier, Yosemite, Grand Teton, Grand Canyon, Big Bend, Sequoia/Kings Canyon, and Rocky Mountain.
Gabriel is a recipient of the U.S. Department of Interior Medal of Valor for lifesaving activities in high-risk situations. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1988 with a B.S. in Earth Science Secondary Education. He enjoys hiking, climbing, skiing, hunting, and spending time with his wife and kids in the outdoors. He and his wife, Tracy, and their three children are looking forward to relocating to the Madison area where they have lots of family.
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