Hi Allison,

Thank you again for taking the time to speak with me. I've reflected on our conversation and want to offer some additional context for the record—both to clarify key points and to express concern about how some of what I shared may be interpreted.

Throughout our conversation, I sensed a familiar pattern—where thoughtful, human interactions were being reframed post hoc as "inappropriate" or "concerning." That reframing is not new to me. I experienced it often during my time at Honeyman, and it appeared again during our call.

Some moments I feel are important to emphasize:

- Ryan telling me to "eat glass" during our March 5 meeting was not a miscommunication—it was inappropriate and aggressive. What I did not mention in the call, but now want to add, is that he used this same phrase in the Welcome Center the very first time he confronted me. That makes it a pattern.

- At the end of that March 5 meeting, Ryan spent five minutes repeating that "I could just leave" if I felt uncomfortable. That wasn't support—it was pressure.

- Logan's behavior, including doing stretches in front of me during a long shift at the Welcome Center, created discomfort and blurred boundaries.

- Logan also told me that Ranger Leaf would train me, a commitment he never followed through on—Leaf had no knowledge of it. That breach was the final breakdown of trust.

- Ryan admitted in our meeting that he never gave me the benefit of the doubt, beginning with my initial interaction with Kati.

- The journal incident was misrepresented. My comment to the ranger assistant—"not all rangers are helpful"—was not a criticism of staff. It was an appeal to ensure the journal was not ignored in the lost and found. As someone who has been homeless, I know the emotional significance of a journal.

- The issue of guest perception was related to my early text message to Kati when the power went out. My statement that "I own this problem in the eyes of guests" was an accurate reflection of how guests see park hosts—as the first point of contact.

The common thread in all of this is how I've held leadership accountable in writing. The primary concern Ryan raised in that March 5 meeting was not my behavior—it was my emails. The discomfort stemmed not from what I said—but from the fact that I said it in a format that created a record.

Additionally, I am aware of at least three other volunteers who have had similar challenges with Ryan. His behavior is not isolated. His approach to volunteers appears to follow a consistent pattern.

I'm not sharing this to escalate or attack, but to ensure that the story doesn't get flattened into something it never was. I've remained calm, communicative, and reflective throughout my time in this program.

All I ask is that this be viewed with honesty and fairness. I am not asking for special treatment—just integrity in how this is held and assessed.

The integrity of any volunteer program depends not only on the contributions of its volunteers—but on the willingness of leadership to be accountable when trust is compromised.

Please include this message in my file as part of the ongoing review.

Warm Regards,
Sam White

Hello Sam,

After reviewing the dismissal as a park host from Jessie M. Honeyman State Park, your service, and communications with and about OPRD these past three months, we've identified that this volunteer relationship is no longer mutually beneficial.

As stated in your volunteer service agreement, we require volunteers to "Engage in welcoming interactions with the public, staff, and other volunteers: volunteers must be … professional towards…other volunteers, employees….at all times." While you are able to share your opinion, perspective, and experience as an individual with the public, the public comments made about staff regarding your volunteer service, were not in line with expectations set forth in the agreement. At this time, OPRD has found that you are not able to professionally represent the volunteer park host program.

As part of your dismissal, any future assignments you had scheduled will be cancelled. If you have not already returned your volunteer uniform items at Honeyman, please drop uniform items off on the bench outside of Umpqua Lighthouse State Park's office door.

Thank you for the time you did dedicate to support our state park system and state park properties. I wish you the best in any other volunteer opportunities you may pursue with other organizations. Please find an official letter of dismissal and your volunteer agreement attached to this email.

Respectfully,
Allison Watson