LANCASTER, Tenn. (Aug. 6, 2015) – Each summer Corps of Engineers park rangers go into overdrive with boat patrols, programs and events, supervision of recreation areas, shoreline management, and overall assistance to lake visitors. The many responsibilities can be overwhelming, but this year the load is lightened at Center Hill Lake thanks to the outstanding work of a summer ranger.
Park Ranger Dylan Hamlet joined the staff for the summer recreation season and assists with many projects around the lake. But perhaps his biggest impact is expressing the importance of water safety to visitors of all ages. He assists rangers on boat patrols, works events like “National Get Outdoors Day” and the “DeKalb County Fair,” and presented weekly programs at Lighthouse Christian Camp. Hamlet sometimes works with other rangers, but is often trusted to solely represent the Corps.
“Center Hill Lake is fortunate to have Dylan Hamlet as a summer ranger,” said Resource Manager Kevin Salvilla. “His winning attitude and positive outlook makes working with him a pleasure. He is a committed public servant and is focused on the public's safety. Ranger Hamlet is a natural leader who instills trust and confidence in his teammates, and we look forward to seeing him accomplish great things. ”
Hamlet’s leadership skills also carry over to his work with volunteers. This year, two student volunteers expressed an interest in a future with the Corps and volunteered. Hamlet worked with them, delegating maintenance work needed around the project, aiding them when necessary, and most importantly, giving them a foundation of what the Corps does and how it affects local communities.
“With so many activities and visitors during the summer, it can be hard to give everything the detail needed,” Park Ranger John Malone explained. “Having Dylan here this summer lifts a huge weight off the rest of us. He is very responsible, and can handle anything we throw at him.”
Hamlet is currently a student at Tennessee Technological University. He plans to graduate this December with a bachelor’s degree in Conservation Biology.
(The public can obtain news, updates and information from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District on the district’s website at
www.lrn.usace.army.mil, on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/nashvillecorps and on Twitter at
http://www.twitter.com/nashvillecorps. The public can also follow Center Hill Lake on Facebook at
http://www.facebook.com/centerhilllake.)