Since graduating from the University of Minnesota, Crookston with a degree in resource management in 1998, Crandall has been assigned to four different parks; Itasca State Park as security ranger and resource technician, Hayes Lake State Park south of Roseau as park manager, Lake Bronson State Park as assistant manager and Scenic State Park.

“Every place I’ve worked is a little different and unique,” he said, with visitors who have their own set of expectations. Hayes Lake and Bronson, for instance, are parks that are especially used by local residents while Scenic is a destination park where people may travel a long distance to stay for a week.

He feels, however, that it is always important to establish partnerships with local support groups and get feedback. He would also like to see the community enjoy more use of the park, pointing out that not only has the daily rate dropped to $5 a car for local residents who may want to spend a day in a beautiful setting, but there are also a lot of fun things to do including fishing, hiking, swimming and picnicking. The park rents boats, oars, canoes and paddles (no motors), so visitors can go out on the lakes as well as fishing from the two available fishing piers. A full year car pass that is good at all of the 72 state parks is $25.

For campers, there are over 90 sites, including 4 boat-in campsites on Sandwick Lake and 2 hike-in sites on Pine Lake. In addition, there is a group campsite across Highway 7 on Lake of the Isles that can be rented at $45 up to 15 people; $3 a person over that number.

If using firewood, however, there are stringent new rules to protect the park because of the devastation being caused by the emerald ash borer in neighboring states as well as to prevent transmission of a number of other pests and fungi. Only firewood purchased at the park or from approved vendors is allowed; bundles are $4 at the park.

Looking to the future, Crandall sees a number of improvements he would like to see funded, including 4 season camper cabins. The current guest house has been well used, but will be closed because of age and a failing septic. Electrical service to the campsites needs to be upgraded, again because of age but also because more campers require higher grade service.

Crandall would also like to bring back the naturalist program to the park, and restore the Chase Point trail – one of the finest he has seen - with fine gravel to protect the exposed red pine roots and with a rebuilt platform at the end of the point.

It’s been a variety of locations and work experiences over the last nine years for Crandall and his family, wife Patricia and sons Jordan (7 years old) and Josh (5 years old). But the young family has looked forward to each move – it’s an adventure for them, he said.