NPS super heading home

By SANDY LONG

UPPER DELAWARE RIVER REGION — “It’s been an interesting ride,” said Vidal Martinez repeatedly, as he prepares to relinquish the reins of his 18-month stint as superintendent of the National Park Service (NPS) Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River (UDSRR). Martinez has accepted a position as superintendent of Prince William Forest Park (PWF), a 15,000-acre park in northern Virginia.

Martinez is leaving the local post in part to be closer to his family, who reside only 20 miles away from PWF. Martinez came to the Upper Delaware region from George Washington Birthplace National Monument near Colonial Beach, Virginia. Making the change from that historic setting to the UDSRR proved unexpectedly challenging.

“I had wanted to diversify my portfolio to be more exposed to natural resource issues,” said Martinez. “Be careful what you ask for!” he joked.

The UDSRR oversees 56,000 acres of land bordering the 74-mile-long river corridor. It is managed cooperatively with local governments through the Upper Delaware Council (UDC) and other partner organizations, as over 86 percent of the land is privately owned.

“I was taken aback by the complexity of this unique arrangement,” he said. “It’s been interesting to deal with such a multitude of issues and interests.”

Despite the brief duration of his term here, Martinez faced a number of urgent and intense issues, ranging from a controversial quarry expansion to the giant power lines proposed in the New York Regional Interconnect project to flooding-related issues such as the Flexible Flow Management program.

Restoration work at the Roebling Bridge and interpretive improvements at the Zane Grey Museum, as well as the establishment of the Mongaup Visitors Center, have consumed attention, even as the overriding issue of natural gas extraction has become a primary issue to be focused upon.

“Through it all, I found that the constituents are passionate about the resources,” he said. “They take pride in the history of their culture. It’s my hope that there’s a happy medium that can be reached on the gas drilling issue, and that the natural resources will still be protected.”

Following a recent drowning, Martinez began making strides on implementing a mandatory life jacket resolution during hazardous conditions on the Delaware. Encountering both support and resistance, Martinez asserted he would exercise his authority to activate the resolution if necessary to save lives. He said NPS staff will continue to work out the details and that the new resolution will be posted on the National Register.

“The momentum is in place and my successor will follow through because of the support from the regional office on this,” Martinez explained.

“I’m leaving with mixed feelings,” Martinez said. “There has been a steady stream of challenging issues, a test of ability and stamina,” he said. “But I have a passion for the proactive work we’ve been doing here, and a close relationship with the staff. I’m saddened, but also relieved to be closer to home.”

Martinez said he’s been impressed with the variety of viewpoints represented by the constituents who seek to protect the river, and proud of what the NPS has accomplished interacting with them. “We’ve worked hard to present a convincing argument that the NPS is a valued stakeholder, not a threat, but an asset to the community,” he said. “I’m proud of my staff, and grateful to them and the UDC for helping me through my transition and supporting the vision we put in place as a valued voice in the community.”

A 34-year veteran of federal service, Martinez will assume his fourth superintendent position in late October. A time frame for his replacement has not been established, and may involve relocating another superintendent or advertising the opening. “Either way, they’ll be looking for the right individual to handle the complexity of the position,” he said.