I've almost completed two full months of my position. When I last wrote I spoke about the beginning stages of my life in DC and working on the Hill. Let me cath you up and explain more in detail about my current tasks.

One of my current tasks is developing the New National Recreation Strategy. The Forest Service has called for a large scale revamping project due to Covid-19 presenting new challenges and ways of life. I am very lucky to have been included in this because i can now be a part of a largely impacting project. These are the top program managers, lanscape architects, and department chairs of the Forest Service. So far, we are only in the beginning brainstorm, promoting, and planning stages. Developing a whole new stategy is a very slow moving project that takes a lot of brain power but I am up for the task. My second large project that I mentioned last time was the development of content for the Forest Service Explorer App. This project entails me to gather specific information to be made into modules for the app. I am partnering with a past Resource Assistant who is passionate about presenting research for the benfit of the public. As of now, we have gotten our initial research done and will be meeting with the National Program Manager to review. 

Last time, I mentioned how working at the DC office is a great opportunity to connect with a variety of people. This is still ringing true as others who are in the Resource Assistant program and who work remotly for the Washington Office are coming to visit! I have had the pleasure of working with them for awhile now and they are super supportive in anyway possible. The other day they hit me with the good news that they're taking a trip to visit the office and to meet other employees! A couple of our supervisors are joining as well, so that's something to look forward to. 

Enough with the work stuff, haha! Relocating for this position was truly an amazing thing. In my free time I have taken the time to visit Great Falls National Park, Shenendoah National Park, and the George Washington & Jefferson National Forest. Having these gorgeous areas accesible to me gives me the opportunity to explore more of our National Forests! As an avid backpacker, I'll make sure to include any amazing views on my blog posts!

This month has really given me the opportunity to show others what I have to offer. I have now finished getting to know the ropes and it's time to really take on projects. Now that summer is coming to an end, the Washington Office's busiest seasons are Fall and Winter. I'll keep you all in the loop! Thanks for joining me again!

Agency: U.S Forest Service

Program: Resource Assistant Program (RAP)

Location: Washington Office Region 1