Newport, PA – Today, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined staff and families at Little Buffalo State Park in Perry County to celebrate the 2025 graduating class of the department’s ranger and park manager trainee academy.
“Our rangers and park managers are key to providing positive visitor experiences, in addition to their duties as sworn law enforcement officers,” said Secretary Dunn. “We are proud of the Class of 2025. Their dedication and hard work during training have prepared them for long, successful careers in our state parks system, and I look forward to seeing their impact this summer and beyond.”
DCNR rangers and managers play a vital role in protecting public lands, educating visitors, and ensuring safe and welcoming outdoor spaces for all. To prepare for this work, ranger and manager trainees must complete a 19-week academy focused on visitor services, educational programming, equipment use, and law enforcement training, including enforcement of park rules and Pennsylvania law.
Ranger Trainee Graduates and Assignments for 2025:
- Matthew Carlson – Promised Land
- Nicholas Cento – French Creek
- Michael Corrado – Delaware Canal
- Tyrus Current – Ridley Creek
- Kira Estes – Point
- Andrew Garman – Trough Creek
- Kevin Gatta – French Creek
- Nathan Knox – Northcentral State Park Region
- Nathaniel Marcionette – Codorus
- Michael Marinkovich – Chapman
- Kelly Miller – Pine Grove Furnace
- Sabrina Parisi – Canoe Creek
- Scott Perry – Bald Eagle
- Scott Savage – Ohiopyle
- Ellen Secor – Memorial Lake
- Stephen Stringer – M.K. Goddard
- Nicholas Temel – Presque Isle
- Joshua Tulanowski – Hickory Run
- Jake Vincent – Little Buffalo
- Alexis Wildt – Little Pine
- Roger Wilson – Linn Run
- Codi Young – World's End
Park Manager Trainee Graduates and Assignments for 2025:
- Kara Fetter – Central Office
- Emma Menzel – Eastern State Park Region
- Taylor Miller – Western State Park Region
- Emily Reed – Southcentral State Park Region
- Daniel Clark – Codorus
“Completing the ranger academy is a tremendous accomplishment, and I am excited to see these graduates put their training into action as public servants across our parks,” said State Parks Director John Hallas. “This group has shown great dedication and a strong commitment to service.”
DCNR also employs rangers in Pennsylvania’s state forests. Like other law enforcement officers, DCNR rangers provide educational and enforcement services to protect natural resources and ensure public safety. To qualify as a DCNR ranger, applicants must:
- Be a Pennsylvania resident
- Be at least 21 years old
- Possess a valid driver’s license
- Hold valid first aid and CPR Certifications (adult, child, and infant)
- Pass the State Civil Service Commission exam
For more information about becoming a ranger trainee or for other Pennsylvania employment opportunities, visit employment.pa.gov.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro’s leadership, Pennsylvania is making historic investments to modernize and expand its state parks and forests. Since January 2023, the Commonwealth has completed $120 million in infrastructure improvements across public lands. The Governor’s 2025-26 proposed budget builds on that progress with $5 million in new funding to enhance access to outdoor spaces — including the expansion of Lehigh Gorge State Park to incorporate the Glen Onoko Falls Trail and the creation of Pennsylvania’s 125th state park at Laurel Caverns in Fayette County, the Commonwealth’s first subterranean park.
As DCNR marks its 30th anniversary in 2025, the Shapiro Administration remains focused on delivering safe, welcoming, and well-maintained public lands for all. Whether you're exploring a scenic overlook, casting a line into a quiet lake, or spending the night in a state park — Pennsylvania’s parks and forests are ready for your next adventure.
Pennsylvania’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forestland are open year-round with free entry — making them an affordable, accessible Great American Getaway for residents and visitors alike. Campsites, cabins, and yurts are still available for reservation ahead of Memorial Day weekend and the start of summer travel season. State parks offer great opportunities for swimming, boating, camping, and other outdoor recreation opportunities. Pets are welcome in designated areas.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s public lands or find upcoming events, visit DCNR’s website and explore the Calendar of Events.
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