Local Ranger Wins National Award

Kennecott District Ranger Stephens Harper (center) with  Back Country Ranger Matt Smith and Interpretive Ranger Candice Rodrick

Troy Pierce

News Release Date: March 12, 2010

   Local Ranger Wins National Award

By Mark Keogh, NPS WRST

Stephens Harper, Kennecott District law Enforcement Ranger with Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, was recently awarded the 2009 Andrew Clark Hecht Memorial Public Safety Achievement Award. It is the highest award bestowed by the NPS for outstanding public safety achievement. 

For several years, Ranger Harper has led an effort to increase visitor safety by working on ways to reduce bear/human conflict in the park. Through Ranger Harper's leadership, the Kennecott District of Wrangell-St. Elias experienced a significant reduction in bear/human conflict in 2009.

Ranger Harper’s experience in Alaska parks includes Wood Tikchik State Park in Bristol Bay, Togiak National Wildlife Refuge, and Katmai National Park and Preserve. Ranger Harper makes his home in McCarthy, Alaska.

The Andrew Clark award was created in memory of Andrew Clark Hecht, the nine year old son of Dr. James and Amy Hecht, who died in 1970 as a result of an accident in Yellowstone National Park’s Crested Pool.