Wrangell-St. Elias Is America's Largest National Park; July 31st Celebrates The Work Rangers Do

 Celebrate World Ranger Day Next Week 

NPS Rangers at work around Alaska. (Photos, Country Journal Archives) 

Edited from a piece sent by the Association of National Park Rangers

July 26th, 2025 

The 433 places protected by the NPS are in every state, and collectively, bring in over $55 billion to the American economy – $16 times every dollar the government invests in them. Communities near NPS sites benefit tremendously from the presence of their nearby parks. 

Rangers are not just defenders of wild life and protected and conserved areas, but they also are planetary health workers, often operating in isolation, under-resourced, and under threat—yet they continue to serve with professionalism and commitment.

It is important to remember that we need more rangers, not fewer, if we are to continue to protect the world’s most important places for both the health of the earth, and for humanity.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

· Thank every park ranger you encounter for their service to America. Show some love!

● Treat the national parks like you own them – because you do! Respect the rules, take out all your trash, and be safe.

● Call the Washington office of your Congressional representative and both your senators.