Sadly, too many fall from the thin, green line making the ultimate sacrifice, killed in the line of duty defending the natural and cultural values of the conservation estate.

This devastating loss was dramatically portrayed when Glen Turner, a NSW Environment Officer, was shot dead near Moree in 2014.

Glen went to work one day and never returned home to his family. He was protecting the environment from excessive land clearing.

The upcoming anniversary of his death is a poignant reminder that over the last 10 years it’s estimated that more than 1,000 fellow environmental custodians worldwide have been killed, many murdered at the hands of commercial poachers and armed militia.

Every day rangers put their lives at risk conserving threatened species from illegal hunters, protecting wild places and battling raging bushfires.  

World Ranger Day, observed annually on July 31, offers an opportunity to commemorate those killed and injured in the line of duty. It is an opportunity to reflect on those who lives have been lost, to pause to remember their enormous contribution: to honour them, their families and their colleagues who bravely maintain this thin, green line.  

World Ranger Day also celebrates rangers’ critical work to protect the world’s natural treasures from the impact and undue influence of the human hand. It is celebrated by global associations aligned with the International Ranger Federation, The Thin Green Line Foundation and by organisations, schools and individuals who support the work of our worldwide network of rangers.  

Here in our beautiful bush capital, we have some wonderful events. A ‘Meet the Ranger’ event at the Cotter Campground and Namadgi Visitor Centre on Sunday, July 30 will engage visitors in a range of activities.

A World Ranger Day walk to the summit of Mt Ainslie on Monday, July 31 will raise much needed funds for colleagues around the globe.

Our rangers will also be out and about visiting local schools to plant the seed of environmental stewardship.

This World Ranger Day as we stand as one with nature’s protectors, pause and reflect on the contribution made by those courageous custodians who maintain the thin, green line.

To find out more about local activities, visit www.environment.act.gov.au. To learn more and make a financial contribution to a worthwhile global initiative, visit Home - The Thin Green Line Foundation