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April 09, 2026
Following nine weeks of rigorous training, 48 park rangers graduated April 3 from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources' newly formatted Ranger Academy at the Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center in Roscommon.
The 2026 ranger graduation 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.
The PRD Ranger Academy's new nine-week curriculum was streamlined so that newly hired commissioned rangers and noncommissioned rangers could create a cohesive team-building environment:
From Twin Lakes State Park in Houghton County in the western Upper Peninsula to Belle Isle Park in Detroit in Wayne County, the 48 graduates represented state parks and recreation areas, harbors and field offices from all over the state.
Just as the rangers represented a broad geographic spectrum, their 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 Operations Section chief. "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, and ensure compliance with facility regulations to support safe, enjoyable visits for millions of visitors each year. They work closely with DNR conservation officers to help protect Michigan’s natural resources, the environment, and the health and safety of the public through effective law enforcement.
"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."
Learn about DNR career pathways and job opportunities at Michigan.gov/DNRJobs.
For more information regarding the PRD Ranger Academy, contact Chuck Allen at 989-305-1684 or AllenC9@Michigan.gov.
Accompanying photos are available below for download.
