On snowmobile patrol in the Old Ski Bowl on Mount Shasta, Nick Meyers and his cohort Jonathan Dove, a longtime seasonal climbing ranger, stop near a wilderness boundary on the forest to take in the good views on the south side of the mountain. They patrol to ensure recreationalists are not crossing over wilderness boundaries, to assess the snowpack and to provide visitor information on avalanche and over-snow vehicle safety information. They always carry skis while on patrol in case of an emergency, either a rescue or a snowmobile break-down. (Photo courtesy of Jonathan Dove)
Nick Meyers has always enjoyed recreation whether it is mountain climbing or biking, kayaking, dirt biking, surfing, kite surfing, fishing, tinkering around the house, landscaping, working on motors, wood working, dog training or backpacking – he is all in. He also knows the value of working hard. It is that combination that made this 32-year-old who he is today with one of the most challenging jobs in the U.S. Forest Service as a lead climbing ranger on Mount Shasta on the Shasta -Trinity National Forest in California.
After getting his education at Feather River College and Western State College in outdoor recreation, Nick got his dream job at 19 on Mount Shasta and has been there ever since.
The job is extremely multi-faceted with a lot of public visitors in the field, public speaking and educational presentations to all ages, search and rescue operations and wilderness, trails, recreation and special use management. In the winter, the Mt. Shasta Avalanche Center opens. With almost 20 years of service, Nick and his crew are recognized by the U.S. Forest Service National Avalanche Center and operate December through March, issuing public avalanche danger forecasts and providing valuable, free avalanche awareness and companion rescue workshops to the public throughout the winter. The climbing ranger duties do not go away in the winter time however the avalanche center takes priority. They also help out with the fire program and mission of the Forest Service in times of need.
“There is a challenge almost every day,” said Meyers. “My favorite quote, maybe ever: ‘It takes a village …’ All of my challenges have not been overcome alone. Conversations with mentors, friends, family and co-workers have been a driving force for me in shaping my tactics to overcome challenges.”
“I’ve learned the value of listening,” said Meyers. “I’ve also learned the value of never judging somebody until you’ve walked in their shoes. It’s easy to judge and make a decision quickly. From my hundreds of visitor contacts, I’ve learned to take the time to really talk to a person, listen, find some common ground, and then engineer for compliance … or just to be a friendly forest ranger.”
One of his first lessons in life was about professionalism when he worked for his father who owned a golf club manufacturing business with a large dirt parking lot littered with pine trees.
“He made me rake the whole thing – not for punishment, but just because he liked it to look clean and professional,” said Meyers. “I remember I absolutely abhorred that job. He taught me a lot though and through that task, I learned the idea of professionalism. Professionalism can occur at all levels and makes a difference.”
The lessons of professionalism and hard work have certainly carried into his current position.
“This job is certainly not easy, but extremely engaging and a lot of fun due to its variable nature,” said Meyers. “‘If you’re bored, you’re boring …’ a friend once said. Some of the hardest days as a ranger are long search and rescue missions. Climbing and descending all day and night exhausts you beyond belief, mentally and physically.”
Recently highlighted in a story and podcast featured on the cover of Popular Mechanics for his survival work, Nick still gets the feeling of exhilaration with the search and rescue element of his job.
“Search and rescue with helicopters is pretty exciting, I can’t deny it,” said Meyers. “While helicopters are scary, nobody is going to deny they are awesome. Any little boy out there will tell you this and the feeling, for me, has not changed with age. I love search and rescue – everything about it … the challenge, excitement and the hopefully positive outcome.”
On a personal day off, Nick Meyers enjoys the splendor of the slopes as he drops off a ridgeline in the Eddie Mountain Range through an area known as ‘Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse.’ The Eddie Range is within the forecast area for the Mount Shasta Avalanche Center, so even though it was a day off, Meyer took a “sampling” of the snow along with some amazing powder skiing. (Photo courtesy of Garret Smith)
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