Thursday, July 25, 2013

On July 30, World Ranger Day Celebrated at Rocky Mountain National Park

The staff of Rocky Mountain National Park invite you to celebrate World Ranger Day as we recognize world conservation areas, and the professional staff, the Rangers, who form the Thin Green Line around these most valuable resources. On Tuesday, July 30, park staff will show "The Thin Green Line" an international ranger documentary made by Australian ranger, Sean Willmore. The program will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center auditorium in Rocky Mountain National Park.

The International Ranger Federation (IRF) was founded to support the work of Rangers as the key protectors of the world's protected areas. In 2006, at the World Ranger Congress in Scotland, IRF delegates decided that July 31 of each year, beginning in 2007, would be a day dedicated to world rangers. The first World Ranger Day fell on the 15th anniversary of the founding of IRF on July 31, 1992.

In 1872, Yellowstone National Park became the world's first federally designated national park. Since then, according to the International Union for the Conservation of Nature, over 100,000 protected areas, representing more than 10% of the earth's landmass, have been established around the world.

The English word "ranger" reflects the guardians of the Royal Forests in 14th century England, protecting the King's lands from poachers. Today, Rangers in protected areas throughout the world continue this role for the public, not just for the royal families. Rangers are the key force protecting these resources from impairment. They do this through law enforcement, environmental education, community relations, fighting fires, conducting search and rescues, and in many other ways.

You can come show your support for the Rangers of the World at this free program on Tuesday, July 30th, at 7:30 p.m. at Beaver Meadows Visitor Center.


Jeff
RockyMountainHikingTrails.com

No comments: