From the Superintendent’s Corner

My name is Curt Dimmick. I was selected as the new Superintendent for the Missouri National Recreational River (MNRR) and began working in this position in January of 2022. As the Superintendent I am responsible for all operations and management of National Park Service interests relating to MNRR.

I have worked for the National Park Service for 27 years with assignments at parks across the country. This is the 11th unit of the National Park System that I have worked in during my career. I have worked at Coronado National Memorial in Arizona, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Big Bend, Everglades, Great Basin, Great Smoky Mountains, Crater Lake, Mt. Rainier, and Pinnacles National Parks. This is my first permanent Superintendency with the NPS. Prior to this I worked as a commissioned law enforcement ranger and served as the Chief Park Ranger at my last four national park assignments. I held a dual position at Pinnacles National Park, where I also was the Chief of Resource Management. I have previously served in roles as an Acting Superintendent. I have a background in science and have a Ph.D. in Zoology from Northern Arizona University. Before working permanently for the NPS I held a variety of other positions in research, education, law enforcement and emergency services.

I grew up in Illinois on the banks of another large “M” river, the Mississippi River. My wife and I met in Yellowstone National Park where she was working as a seasonal interpretive ranger. We have three children: a 13-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter and a 6-year-old son. We live on a property just north of Vermillion along with 2 cats, 25 chickens and, as we have discovered over the last several weeks, a healthy tick population!

I greatly look forward to the opportunities to work with the staff and partners here at the MNRR to further our mission to preserve and protect the natural and historic integrity of the MNRR, to foster greater access and varied recreational opportunities, and to further connect citizens to the Park’s nationally significant natural and cultural resources.

Since arriving at MNRR, one of the things that has struck me most is how many people I have met have their own story about what connects them to this river. I have met people who moved here specifically to be near the river, as well as people who have lived in the area for years, but who have “discovered” the river and now spend as much time on it as possible. And there are the native tribes that tie their history and identity to the river. The river breathes life into this region and that is reflected by the people who live here, visit here, and experience its wonders.