The start of the year 2025 was challenging for those working for and in public lands. On Feb. 14, 2025, a "Valentine's Day Massacre" took out nearly 1,000 public lands employees, who were fired, with no notice, during their probationary periods. These employees ARE OUR PEOPLE.
ANPR is here for you. At its February 2025 board meeting, ANPR unanimously voted to expand our Employee Natural Disaster Assistance Fund, which was aimed at supporting ANPR members displaced by fires, mudslides, hurricanes and other forces of nature, to include those affected by other forces outside their control, including the recent firings by the current administration. The fund is now called the Ranger Emergency Relief Fund. A year later, this fund is still available for those in need.
If you are an ANPR member who was fired, and even if you have since been brought back on, you are eligible to apply for disaster assistance. We recognize that the upheaval of such actions may have cost you rent on your home, missed bills, travel to wherever you then went, and other unforeseen complications in your day-to-day life.
To apply for financial assistance from ANPR, please fill the form here, which will go to our executive director, Bill Wade. This is a member benefit, and you must be an ANPR member to apply.
The grants will allow for social networking and cameraderie during difficult times
Virginia Beach, Va. — During the Association of National Park Rangers, Ranger Rendezvous 48 Board of Directors Meeting, the board voted to make grants available that will support activities to help ANPR members enhance park staff communities. The board took this action in response to the uncertainty and stress that attend many staff being away from parks or serving without pay during a lapse in appropriations.
“We see the needs among ANPR members in communities across the nation, and we have a duty to act to help,” Rick Mossman, Association of National Park Rangers President, said. “With the government shutdown, many furloughed employees are feeling isolated. ANPR’s Ranger Community Grants provide a lifeline that recognize the hard work of all park staff and support new opportunities for connection and connection. Building on nearly five decades of support, this is one more way that ANPR stands with members of the ranger community.”
Anyone who is a member of the Association of National Park Rangers can submit applications for up to $300 until March 31, 2026.
Events Eligible for Grants
ANPR knows the ranger community is creative, and we will not limit grants to specific kinds of types of events. Members can apply to host an activity for a group of any size. When the Board of Directors created this program at Ranger Rendezvous 48, several suggestions they considered included:
Members can host these or other kinds of events at a private home, in a park, or at a venue in an ANPR member’s local community. ANPR encourages members to apply for any or all events that they believe will contribute to improved morale and increased staff fulfillment. The Board of Directors will assess applications to direct available funds so that they will benefit staff who work at any national park site.
How To Apply
ANPR members can submit event proposals to Bill Wade at bwade@anpr.org for now. An online application form is being developed and a link will be provided when it is ready. Grant proposals should be for $300 or less
Who Will Get a Grant, and How to Attend Grant Supported Events
The Association of National Park Rangers will award grants as funds are available. We will work with hosts to share information about events to publicize them.
How to Help
Make donations to the organization’s general fund. We welcome donations of any size, and rangers appreciate donors’ generosity!
Become eligible for a grant by joining the Association of National Park Rangers!
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The Association of National Park Rangers (ANPR) is now offering free one-year memberships for new members and free one-year renewals for current members. These free memberships include the digital version of ANPR’s quarterly journal Ranger magazine, although those who want the print edition can add $15 to their free membership. ANPR is asking for those who join for free to make a donation of up to $50 to help service memberships and carry out the important business of the Association. |
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Bill Wade, executive director of ANPR, said, “We want to expand our exposure to other employees of all disciplines in the National Park Service and to others interested in supporting our work.” To get the free membership, click here and scroll down to “Other Membership Type” to make your selection. If you are choosing a free renewal, make sure you are signed into your member account before proceeding. To make a donation to ANPR, click here and scroll down to the designated fund that you want to support. |
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We encourage you to forward this information to your colleagues and others you know who might be interested in this free membership opportunity.
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If you would like to help an aspiring ranger connect with an organization that is working to support their goals, consider a gift subscription! This provides your recipient with the online version of our magazine and all the benefits of membership. Go here to sign them up.
If you would prefer to provide your recipient with a full membership, contact Melissa DeVaughn here.
Use this printable flyer to share with fellow rangers, supporters, and community members so they can learn more about who we are and what we do.
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