Increased numbers of park rangers support park visitation through pandemic

South Australia has 138 rangers on-the-ground to support visitor experiences, care for the state’s parks and wildlife and adapt visitor experiences to make them safe in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.

National Parks and Wildlife South Australia Executive Director Mike Williams said the trend of social distancing in our state’s beautiful national parks has seen an increase in visitor numbers over the past few months.

“South Australians are very keen to get out and about, and have experienced a 50 per cent increase in the number of visitors to our national parks over the last few months compared to previous years,” Mr Williams said.

“The State Government’s full complement of 138 park rangers, a 50 per cent increase in the number of rangers since early 2018, have been essential to support the growing number of park visitors during the coronavirus pandemic.

“Park rangers are at the forefront of conservation in South Australia and the parks that they look after provide a critical refuge for South Australians, given their abundant space for applying social distancing.

“Our park ranger workforce and increase in park visitation recently demonstrates the State Government's focus on improving park visitor experiences and the protection of South Australia's environment.”

World Ranger Day celebrates the work rangers do on the ground to protect natural and cultural heritage, as well as other operational and environmental educational efforts.

To find out more about visiting South Australia’s iconic parks visit: www.parks.sa.gov.au