Community Connections
Healthy & Socially Thriving
Open Space & Mountain Parks
FY2025 Budget
Program Budget Overview
Description
The Community Connections program engages community members around the mission and vision of OSMP. This program coordinates public-facing community efforts in education, outreach, volunteerism, and Ranger Services, including volunteer projects and services, as well as the Junior Ranger Program; and visitor engagement, emergency response, and law enforcement.
Summary of 2025 Budget Enhancements and Realignments:
1) Base cost increases to account for living wage adjustments to temporary positions and minimum wage adjustments to seasonal positions.
2) Realignment of the Volunteerism, Service Learning & Partnerships work group to combine with the Education & Outreach work group. This includes elimination of a vacant Volunteerism, Service Learning & Partnerships Senior Manager position (-1.0 FTE). The work group previously reporting to that role will report to the existing Community Outreach Senior Manager.
Community Connections Subprograms:
Education & Outreach
Through conversations and programming, education and outreach co-create and deliver meaningful, relevant, welcoming, and inclusive experiences on the land that heighten understanding and appreciation of OSMP. Education provides a variety of public programs, inspiring nature connection, and provides information about safety issues, natural history, and resource protection. Outreach focuses on short educational and informational contacts. This includes information exchanges with the community and visitors at OSMP trailheads and places like the Chautauqua Ranger Cottage and public events.
Ranger Services
The Ranger work group provides four overarching services: public safety and system presence; resource protection; emergency services; and environmental education. Emergency response includes law enforcement, search and rescue, wildland fires, medical response, wildlife emergencies, and natural disaster emergencies. The Ranger team also enforces seasonal wildlife closures, and writes necessary tickets systemwide.
Volunteerism & Service Learning
Volunteerism & Service Learning recruits, retains, and coordinates volunteer service throughout the department. This includes individuals, groups, and ongoing and one-time projects and programs. Volunteers provide critical service to the department to meet its mission and goals. This sub-program also includes Junior Rangers. The Junior Ranger Program creates an enriching paid work experience for ages 14-17 dedicated to preserving land through trail maintenance, stewardship, and resource management service. It fosters awareness, knowledge, and respect for natural and human communities while cultivating personal growth.