SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — The National Park Service has appointed Jason J. Taylor as superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex, which includes North Cascades National Park, Ross Lake National Recreation Area, and Lake Chelan National Recreation Area. He is set to begin in late September.
Taylor has over 20 years of government experience and has served as acting superintendent of the North Cascades National Park Service Complex since May 2026 where he led park operations, resource stewardship, visitor services, and partnerships. Prior to joining North Cascades, Taylor served as Superintendent of Indiana Dunes National Park. He also served as Director of the Aldo Leopold Wilderness Research Institute, Superintendent of Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, Regional Chief of Natural Resources Science and Management Team for the NPS Alaska Region, and Chief of Natural Resource Management and Science at Cape Cod National Seashore. He also held several positions with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and USDA Forest Service.
“The North Cascades National Park Service Complex is home to some of the most inspiring landscapes, unique resources and meaningful experiences on the planet. It’s also a place built on exceptional partnerships with Tribes, local communities, researchers, educators, and philanthropic organizations. I look forward to getting to know the places and its partnerships more deeply and to working alongside the extraordinary people who steward them.” -Superintendent Jason J. Taylor
Taylor has a doctorate and a master’s degree in natural resources and environment from the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment and a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Michigan–Flint.
The North Cascades National Park Service Complex protects more than 684,000 acres of rugged mountains, glaciers, forests, rivers and lakes in northwestern Washington. The park complex preserves nationally significant natural and cultural resources while providing outstanding opportunities for recreation, education, and scientific research in partnership with Tribes, gateway communities and organizations throughout the region.
While Taylor officially assumes the role as superintendent in September, there is much to do in is current acting role as wildfire conditions in the North Cascades National Park Service Complex are active and changing quickly, with the Border 2 Fire and Luna Fire both continuing to burn under hot, dry weather. The National Park Service says smoke is present in the Ross Lake area, fire restrictions remain in effect, and area, trail, and camp closures are in place for public safety.
