Ronald P. Schafer, Superintendent of the L.A. District of California State Parks, passes away
Schafer was integral to the partnership that led to the establishment of the IoE La Kretz Center, in addition to numerous achievements in his role with the California State Park organization.
With great sadness the Institute of the Environment reports on the sudden passing of Ronald P. Schafer, Superintendent of the Angeles District of California State Parks. Schafer died Wednesday evening due to complications from a stroke suffered on Sunday, September 10th.
Schafer oversaw 18 state park units in the Greater Los Angeles Area, including 12 units within the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. His numerous accomplishments include:
- Managing efforts to open up new state parks in the urban core of Los Angeles, were the need for parks is most acute.
- Despite deep budget cuts, increasing access to parks and programs through a variety of creative partnerships.
- Most recently, working with the National Park Service and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy on the development of a new inter-agency visitor center to increase awareness of park facilities and the unique natural and cultural history of the Santa Monica Mountains.
Schafer's great enthusiasm, energy, and relentless pursuit of excellence have left an indelible mark on the public lands in Southern California. His loss will be deeply felt and mourned by those who care about our state park system, including many National Park rangers who worked so closely with him.
To read the Los Angeles Times obituary click here.
Published: Thursday, September 16, 2010
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