Rangers of the Lost Park – Details, episodes & analysis

Liz & Mikayla welcome President of the NFFE Executive Board Warner (Andy) Vanderheuel and NFFE General Counsel and Labor Lawyer Yvette Piacsek to a special episode highlighting federal worker legality issues, concerns, and current events. Also discussed is how current federal workers (including rangers within public land federal agencies) can safely and effectively use their voices to highlight their personal perspectives and information they wish to share publicly.

The National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE) union has a long history of supporting working-class federal employees and their families. They have been integral for current federal workers experiencing hardship instilled by the current administration.

For insight and guidance regarding how rangers and federal employees can carefully elevate their voices, skip ahead to 31:00.

To learn more about NFFE, visit their website at www.nffe.org.
Follow NFFE on Instagram @nffe_union.

To learn more about the Forest Service Council, visit their website at www.nffe-fsc.org.
Follow NFFE-FSC on Instagram @nffe_fsc.

Other Resources Mentioned:
Rise up: Federal Workers Legal Defense Network
AFL-CIO
Office of Government Ethics
Workforce Reshaping Operations Handbook

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email us at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.
Follow us on Instagram @rangersofthelostpark.

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In this second episode of 'Rangers of the Lost Park Podcast,' hosts Mikayla Moors and Liz Crandall discuss the turbulent experiences of federal public land employees post-January 2020. They highlight the chaos and emotional toll of illegal terminations, probationary firings, and reduced staffing in agencies like the National Park Service and the US Forest Service. The episode features testimonies from affected employees, revealing critical staffing shortages, unsafe working conditions, and the mental health impacts on public servants. Liz and Mikayla share their personal journeys into federal service, the challenges they faced, and their continued advocacy efforts. The episode aims to raise awareness about the struggles these workers endure and emphasizes the importance of supporting public lands and their protectors.

Thank you so much for being here. To connect with us further, head over to our Instagram @RangersoftheLostPark

Liz: @oregonhuntress
Mikayla: @mountain.mikayla

From Oregon to Colorado, two young Rangers have teamed up to advocate for all things public lands and the outdoors. As former National Park Service and US Forest Service field workers themselves, Liz and Mikayla invite you to join them on their new journey to speak up for those who may not be in a position to themselves and shine a guiding light into the raw and real truths behind the agencies and organizations who protect our natural spaces. 

This episode consists of introductions and brief dives into the lives of Liz and Mikayla, as well as the acknowledgement of indigenous peoples and stolen land, and a brief explanation of America's Best Idea. How can you help voice your concerns and perspectives regarding public lands? This is explained toward the end of the episode for those who wish to learn more.

We are just getting started and excited to have you here! To connect with us further, head over to our ⁠Instagram ⁠@RangersoftheLostPark

⁠Liz⁠: @oregonhuntress

⁠Mikayla⁠: @mountain.mikayla

Joining Liz and Mikayla is Wildlife Biologist Ben Vizzachero, who discuss their crazy experiences at the State of the Union (Joint Address) in Washington DC on March 4, 2025, which they attended in-person as the honored guests of specific members of Congress.

Ben (or Benji) shares his passion and love for his work as a biologist for the US Forest Service, including how he got into his field of work and how he continues to fight for his job. He also provides some really fun and interesting facts about several wildlife species, including birds and crabs.

Like Mikayla and Liz, Ben was illegally fired by the Trump administration in February, and has stood up for not only himself but all federal workers who do important deeds to protect our public lands. He even stood up directly to Elon Musk, in person, and to find out what all was said, you'll have to tune in and listen to this special episode!

All views expressed in this episode are our own individual opinions, and do not reflect the views or perspectives of the US Forest Service or any other federal agency workers.

Check out Ben's Instagram: @territory_ranger
Indivisible SYV: @indivisiblesyv

Follow us on Instagram: @rangersofthelostpark.

For episode suggestions and feedback, please email us at rangersofthelostpark@gmail.com.

Please download, subscribe, and leave us a review! Thank you for listening!