The Park Law Enforcement Association's purpose is to improve law enforcement, visitor protection and park operation services through professional development to assure a better quality of life and leisure opportunities and experiences in local, state and national park and recreation areas.
World Ranger Day 2006 – 2026: 20 Years of World Ranger Day
A Legacy of Protection, Courage, and Service
As we mark 20 years of World Ranger Day, we honour the extraordinary courage, commitment, and sacrifice of rangers across the globe – those who stand on the frontlines protecting our natural and cultural heritage.
This year’s theme recognises that rangers are working in a world defined by rapid and complex change.
From escalating climate extremes and biodiversity loss to increasing human-wildlife conflict, organised wildlife crime, and shifting social and political landscapes – rangers continue to serve as essential planetary health workers, safeguarding the future of our planet under ever more challenging conditions.
Join the movement
As we celebrate World Ranger Day, we invite you to join the conversation on social media using the following hashtags. When sharing these materials online, please use the official hashtags to amplify our collective voice: #WorldRangerDay2026
Click Below to Print Your Flyer and Share your Picture to Social Media!
We Stand - PDF Print Out & I Stand - PDF Print Out
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CONFERENCESConference training sessions are designed to address current trends in park law enforcement and visitor protection. Field trips provide a personal experience to see firsthand how other agencies are managing daily operations and special events. This is an excellent opportunity to meet other park professionals from across the country and learn from each other. | SCHOLARSHIPS & AWARDS
The Park Law Enforcement Association Awards & Scholarship program recognizes the outstanding work and accomplishments of men and woman in the park law enforcement profession throughout North America. We encourage nominations of deserving officers and agencies. | MEMBERSHIPThe Park Law Enforcement Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the park law enforcement and conservation profession through specialized development, thus improving the quality of life and leisure opportunities in and around local, state and national park and recreation areas. |
Law Enforcement in Parks
August 19, 2025 by Jody Maberry
Law Enforcement in Parks with Chip Huth.mp3
"Every contact we have is an opportunity to build or destroy a relationship.”
When Phil Gaines and I first met, it was during a debate about law enforcement in parks. Law enforcement in parks is one of those topics that never lands neatly. It stirs opinions, passion, and often brings more questions than answers.
For this episode, Phil and I were joined by Chip Huth, a retired Kansas City Police major with 30 years of experience and a deep love for the outdoors. Chip understands that while parks exist to preserve beauty and provide experiences, they are not immune to the realities of crime, conflict, and crisis. He reminded us that while the responsibilities of the job matters, so does the way we show up for people.
Chip believes that at its core, law enforcement is about connection over authority. He challenged us to remember that every interaction is a chance to build trust, whether you are leading a SWAT team or guiding a family on a park trail, The way you make people feel matters more than the badge on your chest.
This conversation isn’t full of a bunch of strategies and solutions. And that’s actually on point. Leadership in parks, much like in life, is rarely about perfect answers. It’s about recognizing trade-offs, being open to change, and caring deeply for people. That’s where the real work begins, and that’s what makes conversations about law enforcement in parks worth continuing.
A Look at the Park Law Enforcement Association
AUGUST 4, 2020 BY JODY MABERRY
Today, Lt. Mark Caughlin, District Manager with Larimer County Department of Natural Resources and President of Parks Law Enforcement Association, joins us to discuss his career pathway.
Working within the Colorado county system, Mark explains how his jobs have been impacted by the Fort Collins population boom as well as the coronavirus. He also talks about his responsibilities with Park Law Enforcement Association and how he hopes to inspire more park ranger training programs around the country.
Mark also talks about resource protection and mentorship as cornerstones to excellence in the park ranger industry.
https://parkleaders.com/a-look-at-the-park-law-enforcement-association/
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