California State Park Rangers Association
2024 Honorary State Park Ranger Award
Dr. Walt Lara, Sr.
2024 CSPRA Honorary California State Park Ranger Dr. Walter Lara, Sr.
The Stetson presented to Dr. Lara as part of the CSPRA 2024 Honorary Ranger Award has a special provenance. It is a legacy Stetson original purchased in 1973 and worn by Ranger Gary Howard. Read the complete note below that was inserted into the hatband.
Dr. Lara on project work day.
Honorary Ranger Plaque and Stetson presented to Dr. Lara by
District Superintendent Victor Bjelajac and former Superintendent Bill Beat, Ret.
Nomination Committee
Chair Lynn Rhodes
President Dave Carle making introductions
of honoree and guests
Provenance and History of this Legacy Ranger Stetson
This felt dress uniform Stetson hat was worn and donated to CSPRA by Ranger Gary Howard for use in the Honorary Ranger Award. Gary’s career spanned from 1973 to 2004. He worked in park assignments including Palomar SP, Ventura Channel Coast Beaches, Bodie State Historic Park, Sierra Nevada State Parks, and retired in 2004 as a Supervising Ranger after 31 years of park service.