ACT celebrates World Ranger Day

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service has organised a series of activities as part of World Ranger Day on Thursday 31st July.

ACT National Parks and Catchments Regional Manager Brett McNamara said being a park ranger can pose unique hazards and World Ranger Day was created by the International Ranger Federation to pay respect to rangers around the world who have lost their lives or been injured at work.

McNamara explained “In the ACT we are fortunate enough not to face the same risks as our colleagues in places like the Congo, where rangers have been killed by poachers and armed militia, but there are still risks in our job.

“Rangers can find themselves dealing with injured kangaroos on busy highways, removing venomous snakes and battling wildfires amongst other confronting duties. On World Ranger Day we hope to provide an insight to the challenges and risks rangers face.

“On Thursday we are holding a presentation, ‘A Day in the Life of a Ranger’, at Ribbon Gum in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve about the challenges and rewards of being a ranger in Australia.”

ACT National Parks and Catchments will also be screening a documentary by The Thin Green Line Foundation at the Namadgi Visitor Centre every day from Thursday 31st July to Sunday 3rd August, on the hour between 10 am and 3 pm.

The documentary explores the issues faced by rangers across the globe.

McNamara adds “while both of these activities are free, donations are greatly appreciated. All donations go to The Thin Green Line Foundation, the world’s only charity solely dedicated to protecting endangered species and threatened ecosystems by supporting park rangers.

“Thin Green Line provides rangers with anti-poaching equipment and training as well as financial support to the widows and orphans of park rangers killed in the line of duty.

“We encourage residents and visitors to get out to our great parks and reserves to help us celebrate World Ranger Day. It is an opportunity to glean an insight as to the role of a Park Ranger while experiencing the majestic beauty of our conservation estate.”

World Ranger Day was first celebrated in 2007, to mark the founding of the International Ranger Federation (IRF) 15 years earlier and to support the work of rangers as key protectors of parks and conservation.

It also commemorates park rangers who have been killed or injured in their line of duty.

For more information go to www.int-ranger.net

31st July 2012 - BRISBANE CELEBRATES WORLD RANGER DAY