Stuart West Selected as Superintendent of High Plains Group of Parks in Colorado and New Mexico

DENVER, Colo. — Acting National Park Service Regional Director Chip Jenkins announced the selection of Stuart West as the new superintendent for High Plains Group of parks in Colorado and New Mexico. The High Plains Group includes Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, Capulin Volcano National Monument and Sand Creek National Historic Site. West has worked for the National Park Service for more than 30 years, most recently as the chief ranger at Acadia National Park in Maine. He began his new assignment on September 29th.

“Stuart’s extensive experience in visitor and resource protection will enable him to effectively manage the High Plains Group of parks,” said Jenkins. “He is dedicated to the National Park Service’s core mission to preserve park resources and provide a world-class visitor experience.”

“I feel honored to have been selected to head the High Plains Group of national park sites,” said West. “I look forward to the opportunity of working with the surrounding communities, tribes and High Plains Group staff. I love how the three parks (Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site, Capulin Volcano National Monument and Sand Creek National Historic Site) represent such a breadth of visitor experiences and recreational opportunities.”

West began his career at Gateway Arch National Park, MO, as an interpreter. From there, he worked as a district interpreter at Arkansas Ozarks at Buffalo National River and later became a law enforcement ranger. His next position led him to Prince William Forest National Park, VA, where he eventually became the chief ranger. West then took a position at Acadia National Park, ME, where he served as the branch chief of remote areas. Halfway into his 16-year tenure at Acadia National Park he became the chief ranger.

West graduated from Virginia Tech with a forestry degree and an emphasis in park management. He dabbles in many things, but his main pastimes include oil painting, woodworking, home repairs and being outdoors. West is excited to explore the Colorado region.