New First Peoples manager has passion for history

ULM – Before taking over as manager last month at First Peoples Buffalo Jump State Park, Rick Thompson managed Abilene State Park in Texas.

"It's about the same size as this park," Thompson said of his previous post.

However, Abilene has nearly 100 campsites and a swimming pool. The Texas park is much more recreation focused, compared to the interpretive focus at First Peoples Buffalo Jump.

Thompson is looking forward to combining his passions for history and natural resources into one position at the park outside Ulm.

A couple weeks into the job, Thompson has enjoyed learning about the buffalo jump, although he admits he still has lots to learn.

"I've always been a student," he said.

Thompson replaces Richard Hopkins who retired in November after 10 years as the park manager.

"I've got some big shoes to fill," Thompson said.

Thompson has been eyeing jobs in Montana for more than a decade.

"I lived in Darby for about three months 15 years ago," he said.

At the time, we worked on a trail maintenance crew with the Forest Service.

More recently, he did a family history tour of state. His great-great-great uncle was stationed at Fort Ellis, near present-day Bozeman, during the Indian Wars. Thompson researched his relative's history and visited the places in Montana he had been.

"I just fell in love with it and couldn't wait to get back," he said.

Thompson comes to Montana with his wife, who is originally from Eastern Oregon, and three daughters, ages 8, 6 and 4. The Thompsons are living south of Cascade and the two older daughters are going to Cascade schools.

The family prefers small-town life.

Before working at Abilene State Park, Thompson was at Big Bend Ranch State Park and Devils River State Natural Area.

"Both of those are two of the most remote parks in Texas," Thomspon said.

Thompson moved all over as a kid, but went to high school in Bowie, Texas.

He holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, and a master's degree in English literature from Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

His love for the outdoors led him to park management.

"I've always wanted to be involved in the outdoors," he said.

Thompson hopes to offer more programs at the buffalo jump this summer, and would like to continue to make the park a destination for Montana residents and non-residents visiting the state.

"I feel blessed and thankful to be here," Thompson said. "I just feel like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

Erin Madison is the outdoors writer at the Tribune. Follow her on Twitter @GFTrib_EMadison.