Local Becomes Ranger For Scott’s Gulf

A Sparta native has returned home to be the ranger of the new Scott’s Gulf Wilderness State Park.

Codi Welch became a full-time ranger in 2021 at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park in Nashville. Welch said she jumped on the opportunity to come back home.

“I always knew I wanted to get back to Sparta,” Welch said. “I was just waiting for the perfect opportunity and I found out Scott’s Gulf was going to be a park. I was raised just right down the road from Scott’s Gulf Wilderness, so I was like this is the perfect opportunity. That is why I wanted to come here.”

Welch has been in the park system for five and a half years. Welch said her goal is to establish programs for people in the community to enjoy.

“My goal specifically is getting ranger-lead programs in all different areas inside our park,” Welch said. “So not only are we going to be having historical programs, but also historical and cultural programs as well.”

Welch said protecting the park is a major part of her role but community outreach plays a role as well.

“We are really trying to get the community back involved in the park,” Welch said. “And let them know why we are here and what we are protecting so we are trying to get them more involved.”

The park has not officially announced its opening yet even though people can visit the park. Welch said being the ranger of a new park will be a different experience.

“I’ve never been at a brand new park before so different experiences are coming my way,” Welch said. “But we definitely have some hoops to jump through. Not only are we trying to get different facilities up and running, but our staff is also growing and it’s just something I am not used to. It’s probably not challenging but just learning what it takes to open up a new park.”