Who's Who

National Park Service (NPS)

Since its founding in 1916, the NPS has endeavored to preserve America's parklands for generations to come. It is responsible for preserving and protecting the environmental and cultural values of our national parks, protecting the fish and wildlife therein, and providing for the public use and enjoyment of the parks. Contact the NPS at Mount Rainier National Park, Park Headquarters, Tahoma Woods, Star Route, Ashford, WA 98304; (360) 569-2211.

Mt. Rainier Guest Services, Inc. (GSI)

Mt. Rainier Guest Services, Inc. is the park concessioner at Mount Rainier National Park. GSI operates the Paradise and National Park inns, as well as food and gift facilities at the Henry M. Jackson Memorial Visitor Center and Sunrise Day Lodge. GSI's goal is to provide the finest service for guests while helping the NPS to preserve the natural and cultural history of Mount Rainier. Contact Guest Services, Inc. at P.O. Box 108, Ashford, WA 98304; (360) 569-2275, or www.guestservices.com/rainier.

Washington's National Park Fund

This nonprofit organization works with public and private interests to support a variety of projects in Washington's national parks, including education and research, trail improvements and visitor enhancements. For membership information, contact the Fund at 2112 Third Avenue, Suite 501, Seattle, WA 98121; (206) 770-0627.

Northwest Interpretive Association

The association publishes guidebooks, trail guides and park newspapers, as well as operating book sales outlets in visitor centers and ranger stations at seven locations within Mount Rainier National Park and at 11 within Olympic National Park. Mail orders are accepted; please call (360) 569-2211, ext. 3320 for more information. For a catalog of maps and books about Mount Rainier, contact the Northwest Interpretive Association at 909 First Avenue, Suite 630, Seattle, WA 98104-3627; (206) 220-4140,www.nps.gov/mora/NWIA/nwia.htm.

Student Conservation Association

SCA is a nationwide force of high school and college-age volunteers who are committed to protecting and preserving the environment. Through internships, conservation jobs and crew experiences, SCA members are rising to meet environmental challenges while gaining real, hands-on field experience. They complete projects in every conservation discipline—from archaeology to zoology—and everything in between. In January 2007, SCA was named to direct volunteer flood recovery efforts at Mount Rainier National Park. SCA will work collaboratively with park officials to assess backcountry damage caused by last November's torrential rains, devise a restoration strategy and organize a multi-year volunteer work plan to engage trail coalitions, friends groups and individual volunteers. For more information about SCA or to get involved visit www.thesca.org.