Stemming from a passion and drive to support one another in the park ranger profession, the roots of the Rocky Mountain Ranger Association (RMRA) were planted in 2019. Many rangers from the Colorado front range area attended out-of-state conferences where they recognized the value of ranger-focused organizations to build community, advance the ranger profession, and incubate ideas and problem solving. After some preliminary conversations, a working group held what was essentially the first RMRA meeting in 2020.
Since those early days and initial conversations, RMRA has grown to approximately 300 members, representing 26 agencies across Colorado. RMRA has continued to build out its internal structure to include a full board as well as sub-committees supporting training, website and branding, awards and recognition, funding and events, and International Ranger Federation membership.
I had an opportunity to catch up with current RMRA Association Chair Benjamin White-Patarino, from the City of Louisville, Colorado, to learn more about RMRA.
What are the important aspects of RMRA for you as the chair?
We give people an opportunity to interact beyond their agency. It’s easy to get siloed off from each other and the professional networking opportunities were missing. We build a sense of community and shared experiences among rangers. Resource sharing such as helping agencies pool training opportunities and exchanging ideas helps to build more comradery and strengthens relationships.
How would you like to move RMRA forward as the chair?
Now that RMRA has structure to it, it’s important we continue to create a sense of identity with the organization. One way we do this is by providing deliverables to members so they have something to show for being an active member, such as networking events, annual awards and training opportunities. RMRA is a proxy to identifying with the ranger profession for active members. My hope is it will cultivate a ranger culture by encouraging members to interact in and out of uniform. We’ve added free and reduced membership prices for seasonal rangers and current students to encourage young professionals to join. We’re looking to groom our future work force and give them opportunities for professional growth.
What are your current challenges?
Primarily funding. We want to keep membership affordable but need a budget to sponsor trainings, put on social events, and grow our Fallen and Injured Ranger fund. Merchandise has helped generate funding while also building the brand. We’re also looking for engagement on the board and various committees with new or different members to bring other perspectives and ideas. There can be challenges participating on boards and subcommittees given agency rules about doing so on official time. Right now, we do have momentum as many members are excited to be involved as association identity is starting to take shape.
To learn more about RMRA and their current activities, please visit their website: Rocky Mountain Ranger Association.
Matt Wallat serves as a District Ranger with the National Park Service (NPS) in Colorado. His 20-year career spans eight different NPS units in six different states with assignments in patrol, investigations, program development, court liaison, training officer, and supervisor for 11+ years.
With a strong background in employee development, Matt is an active agency instructor/presenter, continues to evolve with his coaching practice, creates leadership development programs, engages in curriculum design work, and led a recent international training program in Tanzania.
He enjoys family time and many other interests including fly fishing, creative DIY projects, music, craft beer and Boston sports.
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