Where Are All the Park Rangers?
Park rangers have a massive job that goes unnoticed by many. Patrolling the area, enforcing regulations, and answering questions are just portions of what rangers do.
They’re a highly respected position in parks and on other public lands. Today, we’ll take a closer look at this vital position and how we can help them protect the lands we cherish. Let’s get started!
People Are Misusing Public Lands
Public lands are a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you’re RVing, tent camping, or looking for a trail to hike. However, the remote locations of these lands also are the perfect place for seedy behavior.
We’ve seen an epidemic of public lands shutting down due to people misusing the land. Large parties have damaged vegetation, raw sewage pollutes the land, and drug overdoses have taken lives.
When these behaviors become regular occurrences, officials take action. This can result in shutdowns and reduced access for everyone.
In these instances, the ones who suffer most are law-abiding citizens. Those who respect the land, obey stay limits, and practice leave-no-trace etiquette are often left to find new locations for camping.
What Are Park Rangers Doing About It?
Due to the misuse of the lands, park rangers often shut down or limit the use of public lands. Agencies assess the best procedures for reopening to ensure the protection of the land. The reopening process can take weeks or months, and it’s not always a guarantee.
Some public lands that were popular locations for boondockers reopen after shutdowns, but only for day use. This can be frustrating for those who think of the spot as their go-to place for camping. Protecting public lands is the biggest concern for park rangers; opening the land for recreational purposes is not a top priority.
Some public lands reopen, but only after a significant overhaul of the infrastructure. Some of these lands create established campsites and camp host positions, and some require camping permits. This seems to be a good compromise in what once felt a bit like the wild west in terms of camping.
About Park Rangers’ Duties
If you’ve ever seen a park ranger in a park or on public lands, they’re likely doing some aspect of their long list of duties. What looks like cruising around in a truck, a boat, or even on horseback is them patrolling the parks and lands. They’re often looking to enforce and educate users on park regulations and will issue citations when needed.
Enforcing regulations and issuing citations are tiny aspects of their duties. Park rangers also need to conduct investigations and write reports regarding park activities. This could be progress on various goals or initiatives the agencies are doing or how guests use the land.
One additional duty that rangers often have is performing search and rescue activities. When adventurers get lost in the wilderness or become injured on the lands, rangers must spring into action. Depending on the situation, rangers can find themselves in dangerous situations attempting to rescue others.
Why Public Lands Are Important
Public lands allow those who live in cities and other more densely populated areas to escape to the wild. Whether it’s for camping or other adventures, they’re the perfect place to enjoy nature.
Being out in the wild is often good for the soul and can help you connect with nature, yourself, and others. Using public lands improves the well-being of many individuals.
These lands are also important because they protect the plants, animals, and insects that call the ecosystem home. With the development of cities and large communities, these areas provide a place for displaced animals and insects to live.
What the Public Can Do to Help
Park rangers aren’t the only ones responsible for protecting public lands. It’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure they’re following the rules and regulations.
All individuals should follow stay limits, practice leave-no-trace etiquette, and report any misuse of the land or destructive behaviors.
The public must maintain a sense of responsibility for these lands. Tax dollars fund these lands, so you should feel a sense of investment if you pay taxes. We as humans have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that lands are available for future generators to enjoy.
Why Protecting Public Lands Matters
Public lands are important because they provide a place for recreation. Whether you’re looking to hike, boat, or enjoy some other outdoor recreation, public lands are a great space to do it. Without these lands, it would be more difficult to find places to enjoy these activities.
However, we’d be self-centered to say that it’s only about us. A wide range of plants, animals, and insects might not survive as easily if it weren’t for these lands. By protecting these lands, we’re also protecting the various species that call them home.
So the next time you see a park ranger out and about doing their job, tell them thanks. Tell them you appreciate them for doing their job to protect the lands that you enjoy using. It’ll probably be well received and likely make their day. What’s your favorite way to use public lands?
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