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Lou, My apologies, I meant nothing derogatory by the use of the word "stunt." Perhaps "feats" would be a better word, or just "jumps." As for the climbing ranger question, there are many rangers in Yosemite who climb, and many who are involved in climbing issues (rescue, education, enforcement, etc), but for the last handful of years I've been the only one who's job concentrates mainly on climbing issues. I guess that means I'm the only "climbing ranger," at least in semantically speaking. Also, just to clarify, I'm not in that position currently. I've always been a seasonal employee (summer only), though for the first time I'm staying in Yosemite this winter to do video production work for the park (nothing to do with climbing, base jumping, or law enforcement). Cheers, -Link

Glad to see some folks are psyched to talk, and my apologies to those who think my presence is a bummer. My only reason for joining the conversation was to address the rumors and criticisms that relate to me personally. I'm here as me, not as a representative of the park service. Chad, sounds like you had a bad experience with some NPS rangers. I wasn't involved, and like I said in my previous post: I've never had anything to do with base jumping (at least until now). I completely understand if you don't want to have anything to do with me. No worries, I don't take it personally. That being said, for you to tell the world I'm a loser simply because I work for the National Park Service is on par with me disliking someone simply because they're a base jumper. I don't have anything against your sport, and I'll judge you for who you are, not for what stereotype you might fit into. David, I honestly don't know enough about BASE jumping to have an opinion just yet, so what I said before is true: I'm impressed by some of the stunts you guys (and girls) pull off. That's pretty much it. As for whether of not it should be legal in Yosemite, there's obviously lots of baggage around the issue... everyone seems to be operating on stereotypes from years past... referencing incidents from before my time. I'd rather make up my own opinion based on the issues and people of today. Some of what I've read on this forum makes me think there's hope for BASE jumping to someday be condoned on public lands, and some of what I've read makes me think that possibility is a long way off. I'm not here to open a big debate, and I don't plan on defending or criticizing the current NPS policy. As I've learned in the past, people have trouble separating what I say as an individual from what I say as representative of the National Park Service, so for now I'll just keep learning about your sport and reserve judgment on the "future of BASE jumping in Yosemite." As for whether or not one conversation between a seasonal ranger and some base jumpers will make an ounce of difference in the long run... I'd like to think it could; you have to start somewhere. Regardless, at least it's interesting. Cheers, -Link

This is the first time I've ever been on this site, so hi, nice to meet you all. I'm Link, the guy who (according to rumor) hates base jumpers and should work as a sperm bank security guard (instead of a climbing ranger in Yosemite). First off, I'm only on this site because someone told me they'd heard nasty things about me on a base-jumper forum. Since I don't have anything to do with base jumping (and never have), this came as quite a surprise, so I thought I'd check it out. Low and behold, apparently I'm far better known to the base jumping community than I thought... somewhat odd since I've never had anything to do with the sport. Even more strange was the email (that showed up while I was writing this post) offering me a base jumping clinic. I'll cut to the chase. Here's a few things to get on the record. Feel free to quote me, copy and paste me, whatever. - I haven't ever base jumped, though I've been considering sky diving (gotta try it once). - I haven't ever busted a base jumper. - I haven't ever tipped off anyone else who's busted a base jumper (despite what you might have read elsewhere). - I haven't ever been involved in a base jumping bust. - I have never turned a blind eye to base jumpers or otherwise participated in an illegal jump (nor do I plan to). - The only base jumps I have ever seen were on the same day Jan Davis died (yes, I was involved in the recovery). - Yes, I have worked five summers as a seasonal climbing ranger for Yosemite's wilderness department (three as a back-country ranger before that). - Technically speaking, my father is not, in fact, a howler monkey, though he will appreciate the compliment. I came to Yosemite because I love this place, and I've stayed a seasonal peon ranger for eight years because I still love this place. My job has always revolved around wilderness ethics, education, and climbing; never base jumping. Since the personal attacks on this site are, well, personal... I thought I'd step up and say hi instead of hiding in the shadows like I've been accused of doing. Again, this is the first time I've ever been on this site and the first time I've known that the "base jumping community" cares (or even knows) that I exist. As for my personal beliefs about base jumping, they're pretty simple. I'm amazed by some of the feats you pull off, and I wish you the best of luck in enjoying your sport safely. Do I want to try? I'm more passionate about other things at the moment. As for how these beliefs relate to my job in Yosemite... they don't. Base jumping is not currently allowed in the park, and that's got nothing to do with me. If you want to see base jumping legalized, launching illegally and saying you want to bust the climbing ranger's kneecaps is probably not the best route to take. As for base jumpers as individuals, I've met some I respect and some I don't, just like climbers. Each of our communities is a mixed bunch, so I do my best to judge people individually. All I ask is that you do the same. I don't plan on being a regular visitor on this forum, just thought I'd toss in my two cents for anyone who's interested. As for the offer to check out a base jumping clinic... it's not out of the question... though I must say reading this thread makes me a bit more apprehensive about the idea. Good luck with your adventures, and if you ever want to have a chat in person, swing by the sperm bank. -Link