The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has welcomed a new class of rangers and park managers, including two who will serve at French Creek State Park.
DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn joined staff and families at Little Buffalo State Park to celebrate the 2026 graduating class of the department’s ranger and park manager trainee academy.
Among the graduates assigned to French Creek State Park are ranger trainee Kaelyn Weleski and park manager trainee John Friedline, who will begin their roles this summer.
“Our rangers and park managers play an important role in making sure visitors have a great time in our beautiful state parks — and we are proud to celebrate their completion of our academy today,” Dunn said. “These dedicated public servants put a great deal of effort into training, and they’re ready for long, successful careers in our state parks.”
A total of 30 graduates completed the 19-week training program, which includes instruction in visitor services, educational programming, equipment use, and law enforcement. Rangers are trained to enforce park rules and Pennsylvania law while also educating visitors and helping maintain safe, welcoming outdoor spaces.
“This group has shown great dedication and a strong commitment to understanding the guidelines and laws designed to keep people safe when recreating at our wonderful state parks,” said John Hallas. “This is a tremendous accomplishment and we congratulate the class of 2026 on completing this rigorous training program.”
DCNR manages 125 state parks and more than 2.2 million acres of state forestland across Pennsylvania, all of which are open to the public year-round with free admission.
