News Release

Roy Zipp Selected as John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Superintendent

Roy Zipp Selected as John Day Fossil Beds National Monument Superintendent

NPS Photo.

News Release Date: November 12, 2020

SAN FRANCISCO - The National Park Service (NPS) has selected Roy Zipp to serve as the superintendent of John Day Fossil Beds National Monument starting November 22. Zipp currently serves as the superintendent at Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve in Washington.

“Roy brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in natural and cultural resources management, science and stewardship, conservation planning, special park uses and partnerships and civic engagement,” said Acting NPS Regional Director Linda D. Walker. “His skill in working with rural communities and building partnerships makes him a great fit for this position.”

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument in central Oregon offers the public an understanding of the Earth’s history through geological and paleontological resource exhibits. The park is one of the few areas on the planet with numerous well-preserved and ecologically diverse fossils entombed in sedimentary layers found in close proximity to datable volcanic rocks. Zipp will oversee all the management aspects of the park, including planning and programming, public relations, administration, resource management, safety, interpretation, visitor services and facilities maintenance.

“John Day is a fascinating place for contemplating the Earth’s history, ‘deep time,’ and the evolution of life on Earth following the extinction of the dinosaurs,” said Zipp. “My National Park Service career began in the sciences, and it feels good to return to these intellectual roots at this park. I’m excited to become a member of the community here.” 

In Zipp’s current position as superintendent of Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, he manages the NPS lands and facilities within the park in coordination with state and local governments and non-profit partners.

Prior to coming to Ebey’s Landing National Historical Reserve, Zipp worked at North Cascades National Park for 13 years focusing on diverse issues including sport climbing, fisheries management and flood recovery planning. During his first permanent position with the NPS at Big Thicket National Preserve in Southeast Texas, he partnered with the Nature Conservancy to establish a longleaf pine restoration effort that is ongoing. Zipp began his career with the NPS in 1992 through the Student Conservation Association at Mount Rainier National Park, monitoring mountain lakes and streams. He has been with the NPS for 24 years.

Roy holds a bachelor’s degree in Biology from McDaniel College and a master’s degree in Environmental Management with a focus on water resources from Duke University. He and his partner Brenda Binkerd, and their two barn cats, Mojo and Winston, enjoy wilderness adventures, eating from their own garden and simply playing outside.

John Day Fossil Beds National Monument was established in 1975. However, the fossil resources of the John Day River Basin have been studied since the late 19th century. Following early research in the area, the State of Oregon set aside lands containing some of the significant fossil deposits as part of the state park system. Three Oregon state park sites were then included as the heart of the National Monument. Today, the monument includes three separate units: the Sheep Rock Unit within Grant and Wheeler Counties, and the Clarno and Painted Hills Units within Wheeler County. For more information, visit the park’s website: www.nps.gov/joda