All will work in parks across the state
By Barb Pert Templeton
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has announced that following nine weeks of rigorous training, 48 park rangers graduated from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ newly formatted Ranger Academy. The graduation took place on April 3 at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon. The recent event marks a significant milestone for the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, as it represents the first time the department consolidated ranger training into a single, comprehensive program. Previously, the training was held as two separate sessions, according to a press release issued by the DNR. The course was broken down as follows: · Weeks 1 to 4: Commissioned rangers focused on intensive law enforcement and regulatory training. DNR Law Enforcement Division training instructors assisted with this year’s academy, ensuring consistent tactics and understanding across DNR responses. Rangers work closely with conservation officers to respond to incidents at park units across the state. · Weeks 5 to 9: Noncommissioned rangers joined the cohort to complete facilities management, public safety and park operations training. The academy welcomed rangers from parks across the state representing state parks and recreation areas, harbors and field offices from all over the state.
The curriculum was equally diverse. Rangers took classes that covered maintenance and
construction (plumbing, electrical, small engine repair), water safety, equipment operation,
CPR/first aid, search and rescue, survival tactics, criminal law, crowd control, firearm awareness,
basic chainsaw and more.
“We are very proud of the hard work, discipline and effort that our staff demonstrated throughout
the challenging nine-week academy,” said Chuck Allen, Parks and Recreation Division Strategic
Chainsaw training was part of the program for park rangers in the academy.
Operations Section chief stated in a press release. “Rangers need to be prepared for a wide array
of duties — from maintenance to law enforcement — and they play an important role in
providing critical safety responses for our visitors.”
Park rangers serve a vital public safety role in state parks, recreation areas, boating access sites and state trails. They provide world-class customer service and visitor education, and also maintain facilities and grounds, manage campgrounds and recreation sites, for millions of visitors each year. “The recent PRD Ranger Academy training made it clear that this is where we’re meant to serve,” said Ashtian Davis, class president and new ranger at Waterloo Recreation Area. “On behalf of the newest class of rangers, we’re honored to step into our new role and serve with pride and integrity.” Blue Water Healthy Living caught up with program operations chief Chuck Allen via email to find out more about the park ranger program.
Blue Water Healthy Living: What is the minimum/maximum age for a candidate to be accepted into the park ranger program? Do you welcome both boys/girls (or is it men and women?)
Chuck Allen, Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Operations Section chief: The minimum age for a Ranger to attend the academy is 21 years old. The State of Michigan welcomes all genders to be eligible to be Park Rangers. This year we had almost a 50/50 ratio of females to males at our Ranger Academy.
BWHL: What are the prerequisites for those interested in enrolling in the course? (ie high school grad, college grad, pre-testing for the program?)
Allen: The MDNR Park and Recreation Ranger Academy is open to only current Park and Recreation Rangers who have not previously participated in the Ranger Academy.
Chuck Allen, Parks and Recreation Division Strategic Operations Section chief.
BWHL: Are the classes at a certain location or online or both?
Allen: Classes are held at various locations. The majority of classes are held at the Ralph A. MacMullen Conference Center at Higgins Lake, Michigan. Students are also lodged at the conference center. In addition, Survival Tactics training is held at Kirtland Community College in Grayling, Michigan.
BWHL: In addition to classroom work how much outdoor/hands on work makes up the nine-week course?
Allen: It is about a 50/50 split between classroom work and outdoor field work. Most of the operational courses like equipment training, chainsaw training, search and rescue training, and construction training are held outside.
BWHL: Is having 48 new park ranger graduates a high for the program or is that about how many complete the program annually?
Allen: We have averaged close to 50 participants for the last several years at the academy. Ideally, we would like to be closer to 25 participants per year.
BWHL: Are any of the new rangers going to work in St. Clair County? If so, which parks will benefit?
Allen: There were two participants in this year’s academy from Lakeport State Park in St. Clair County.
BWHL: If someone is interested in becoming a park ranger with the DNR where to they go to apply for upcoming classes?
Allen: To be selected to attend the Ranger Academy you have to be a DNR Park and Recreation Ranger. To apply to become a DNR Park Ranger you can go to the website and search under Park and Recreation Ranger positions.
BWHL: Is there a cost to the park ranger students to take the nine-week course? If so, what is the cost?
Allen: There is no cost for Park Rangers to attend the Ranger Academy. All expenses for the academy are paid by the MDNR Park and Recreation Division.
BWHL: What is the starting pay for a newly graduated park ranger for the MI DNR?
Allen: Starting pay for a newly hired Park and Recreation Ranger is $21.39 per hour.
