On the Move: Biscayne Superintendent Margaret Goodro heads to Lake Mead NRA

March 2019 – Biscayne National Park Superintendent Margaret Goodro is headed west to assume the top job at the Lake Mead National Recreation Area. The National Park Service announced the move on March 25 (see below). No word on a replacement yet at Biscayne National Park. The SFNPT has worked with Goodro and park staff to remove tons of debris from Biscayne beaches and coral reefs as part of the park’s Keep Biscayne Beautiful campaign. Learn how you can support the campaign through the Biscayne National Park Stewardship Fund.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE / Date: March 25, 2019

Margaret L. Goodro Selected as Lake Mead National Recreation Area Superintendent

HOMESTEAD, FL – Margaret L. Goodro, superintendent at Biscayne National Park, is selected as “Senior Executive Series” superintendent for Lake Mead National Recreation Area in Nevada and Arizona. Since October 2016, Goodro has been serving as the superintendent for Biscayne National Park.

“Superintendent Goodro was a stabilizing force at Biscayne National Park after a divisive General Management Plan update, and is well-deserving of her recent promotion,” said Senator Marco Rubio. “Her skill in repairing the fractured relationship between the Park and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to the benefit of the Park’s diverse recreational communities was nothing short of impressive. Even as she departs, I will ensure that her promising efforts to improve the visitor experience, and to protect and restore the Park’s natural resources to their full splendor, will serve as a foundation for a better Biscayne for years to come. The next Superintendent has some very large fins to fill.”

While at Biscayne, Margaret authorized the creation of the Biscayne National Park Institute, the only marine institute in the National Park Service. The creation of the Institute expanded access for park visitors to get out on the water and experience their park on eco educational adventures. This partnership has expanded access to more of the park for more visitors than ever before. As a result, about 35,000 visitors enjoyed new adventures, 22 local jobs were created and close to $200,000 in support went to the park. This unique partnership is viewed as a creative and successful model for the National Park Service.

During Hurricane Irma, Margaret served as the park’s Incident Commander. The park sustained about 7 million dollars of damages and it was estimated that the park would not reopen for several months. Margaret leveraged NPS staff and volunteers to open the park in just a few weeks to support the local communities with recreation and tourism. The TV series “Rock the Park” joined the recovery efforts. 

Working with park staff and several park partners, Margaret launched a messaging campaign, Keep Biscayne Beautiful, to raise awareness about Biscayne Bay and unite actions of individuals, organizations, and agencies to keep Biscayne beautiful. Over 155 tons of marine debris has been removed from the park so far – helping to save coral, sea turtles, dolphins, fish and lobsters!

Margaret and her spouse Melinda, along with their dogs Qynn and Moose, will be heading to Nevada in May.