17 New Rangers Graduate From MPS Ranger School

Crisfield, MD (March 8, 2010) — On February 26, 17 new rangers graduated from Maryland Park Service Ranger School, marking the fourth class of new graduates since February 2009.
“Our rangers inspire Marylanders to enjoy and learn about our natural resources in a safe and responsible manner,” said Governor Martin O’Malley. “I congratulate and thank our new rangers, who will be serving both citizens and visitors as they work to sustainably manage our treasured state parks.”

The 4-week academy was held at Janes Island State Park in Crisfield, Md., incorporating classroom instruction with practical park experience through the operation of the park. The graduates, comprised of park employees both veteran and new, completed training in various aspects of park operations. Students experienced real life scenarios and instruction involving resource management, search and rescue, campground operations, park maintenance, resource interpretation and diversity in education.

“For more than a century our rangers have been the guardians of these places, serving as mentors protecting our visitors and enriching their experience,” said Maryland Park Service Superintendent Nina Settina. “Ranger School provides employees with a strong foundation on which a long and successful career can be based.”

A Maryland park ranger devotes professional responsibility for stewardship and protection of Maryland’s natural and historic resources, incorporating education, enforcement, management and conservation when serving park visitors.

Graduates: Angela Baldwin, Newark, Md. Tina Bianca, Kingsville Jeanette Bitzel, Ocean City Jessica Conley, Queen Anne Eric Creter, Boonsboro Michelle Elliott, Rising Sun Nancy Gardner, Annapolis Kristen Gregory, Centreville Dean Hughes, Baldwin Karen Jarboe, Lanham Shawn Johnson, Snow Hill Jaime Kimble, Salisbury Melody Nevins, Ellicott City Roland M. Powell, Havre de Grace Sarah Rodriguez, Frankfort, DE Mike Travers, Annapolis Stephen Youngkin, Jr., West River

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2009, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 467,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov