Although Petrified Forest has been conducting a herpetological study for more than 20 years using seasonal staff, this summer represents the first time the park has ever had permanent staff specializing in natural resources.
Andy Bridges, who has been one of the seasonal staff in recent years, steps into the role of wildlife biologist and will begin determining what the park has in terms of natural resource data, coordinating the work of others in continuing inventory and monitoring activities, and representing the park on issues of natural resource protection.