Tropic native and former Capitol Reef National Park Superintendent Martin C. Ott is returning to Utah to accept an appointment as state coordinator for the National Park Service.
Ott will work toward maintaining close ties with the Utah governor's office and other state officials, the congressional delegation, county and local officials, other federal agencies and private sector and non-profit groups, said Bob Baker, Rocky Mountain regional director."With some 9 million people a year visiting National Park Service areas in Utah, the level of interaction between the (Park) Service and other entities is extremely high, and Marty Ott is the ideal person for the job," Baker said. Ott was recognized for being "as knowledgeable about National Park Service programs, activities and issues in Utah as anyone in the country."
His career with the National Park Service follows in the footsteps of his father, McCune C. Ott. The elder Ott was employed in maintenance, however, while his son has been involved in administration. Appointments as superintendent at two national parks highlight his career.
Ott is returning to Utah after a stint as superintendent of the Wind Cave National Park in South Dakota. He graduated from Utah State University in 1971 with a bachelor's degree in forest recreation.