News Release

New Leadership at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park

Date: July 10, 2020
Contact: Peter Christian

Jason Taylor, Superintendent at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, in Skagway, Alaska, has been selected as Director for the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Rocky Mountain Research Station, in Missoula, Montana.

"I look forward to serving wilderness and wilderness values, and leading scientific efforts to help managers more effectively steward wilderness across the United States and internationally. That said, I will miss wearing the green and gray, and my many friends and colleagues, and looking out my window, seeing and feeling Alaska all around me. Alaska is a special place; it will be with me forever," said Taylor.

As superintendent for the most visited national park unit in Alaska, Jason successfully stewarded an international protected area while introducing thousands of people to extraordinary, remote, back-country experiences. He led short and long-term planning, guided change, integrated science into decision making, improved interdisciplinary cooperation, and built internal and external relationships and trust. 

 “Jason’s leadership abilities and enthusiasm for protecting Alaska’s natural and cultural resources will be missed, and we wish him well in his new position with the Aldo Leopold Research Institute,” said NPS Alaska Acting Regional Director Don Striker.

Angela Wetz, currently Superintendent at Fossil Butte National Monument in Kemmerer, Wyoming, will be filling in behind Jason on a detail not to exceed one year. Angela has over 7 years of experience leading parks in fulfilling organization improvements and providing a strong and healthy organizational culture. Some of Angela’s other assignments include Superintendent of Nicodemus National Historic Site, Nicodemus, Kansas and Chief of Resource Management at Devils Tower National Monument in Wyoming. Angela has a Bachelor of Science, Natural Resource Recreation and Tourism, Parks and Protected Area Management from Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado.

With a proven track record developing employees and improving park operations, Angela hopes to continue the work of stewarding the natural and cultural resources at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, while continuing to build partnerships with the community of Skagway, particularly as the park moves through the unprecedented coronavirus pandemic.

“Angela brings established skills and leadership qualities to the park that will be important in continuing progress on so many fronts as a permanent Superintendent is sought. We look forward to her thoughtful perspectives and approach,” Striker said.

Jason Taylor will continue to serve as the Superintendent of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park until July 18, 2020.  Angela Wetz, current superintendent at Fossil Butte National Monument has accepted the acting superintendent assignment in Skagway while a permanent replacement for Jason is found.