Pacific West Region
Karen Beppler-Dorn Named Superintendent Of Pinnacles

Karen Beppler-Dorn has been named the new superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument. She will report to the park in early January. Beppler-Dorn replaces Eric Brunnemann, who is now the superintendent of Badlands National Park.

“Karen is a real team player and is committed to building effective partnerships with the local community,” said Pacific West Regional Director Chris Lehnertz. “Her strong leadership skills and deep passion for resource preservation will be instrumental in shaping the future of the monument.”

Pinnacles National Monument was established by Presidential Proclamation in 1908 stating that “the natural formations, known as Pinnacles Rocks, with a series of caves underlying them…are of scientific interest, and it appears that the public interests would be promoted by reserving these formations and caves as a National Monument, with as much land as may be necessary for the proper protection thereof.”

The park is located inland in the Central Coast region of California. Containing over 27,000 acres, the monument preserves geologic formations, talus caves, and wilderness and attracts approximately 174,000 visitors each year. While the preservation of geologic features was the impetus to create Pinnacles National Monument, the importance of both the natural setting and cultural history are recognized as integral to management of the unit. Pinnacles is also an important recreation destination for the region. Its hiking trails and technical rock climbing are internationally known.

“It is an honor to be selected as superintendent of Pinnacles National Monument,” said Beppler-Dorn. “The first time I visited the park, I was drawn to its beauty and peacefulness as well as to the multifaceted resources of the area. I look forward to building on the strong foundations already established by park staff with the community and working together to preserve the monument for future generations to come.”

Beppler-Dorn is a 25-year veteran of the National Park Service. She began her career as a law enforcement ranger at Cuyahoga Valley National Recreation Area in 1985. She has worked in many national parks from West Virginia to Washington, serving as a park ranger, resource manager and superintendent. Beppler-Dorn is currently serving as superintendent of Klondike Gold Rush National Historic Park in Seattle, Washington.

Well worth a trip to hike around the place. Plan on at least one night camping to get the opportunity to cover at least two or three trails.

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Old Dude