I am completing the practicum portion of my college education at Steamboat Lake State Park. I opted to work for this organization in this location for a number of reasons. Most importantly I wanted to work for Colorado State Parks because someday I may work for a government agency. If I do work for a government agency I would like to work for either the National Forest Service or the Bureau of Land Management. Working for State Parks is an excellent means of "getting my foot in the door". Working for this agency also facilitated for a work experience completely unlike anything I had done before. The second reason I wanted to work for Steamboat Lake S.P. is for the location. This state park is found 25 miles north of Steamboat and lies in the shadow of Hahn's Peak a very popular landmark of the area. Another major factor besides being in Colorado during the summer, which I had never really expereinced before, was the incredible fishing around the area. That was probably the decisive point which made me go to Steamboat Lake.
History - Steamboat Lake and Pearl Lake are both reservoirs that are fed by multiple streams. Prior to the purchase of these areas by the state of Colorado in 1964, these lands were used for livestock grazing. The dam at Steamboat Lake was completed in 1967; Pearl Lake dam was finished in 1975. Initially Steamboat Lake was game and wildlife land, and wasn't designated a State Park until 1972.
Mission Statement - Steamboat Lake State Park (SLSP) has only a mission statement. The mission statement reads: "A progressive team of professionals providing a quality environment for safe recreation, outstanding customer service, and responsible management of natural resources in a nationally recognized park setting." .
Major Policies - Personnel policies for SLSP are pretty standard for any government agency. Shifts consist of eight hours with a half hour lunch and two fifteen minute breaks throughout the course of the day.