TOPEKA, Kan. — A major restructuring within the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks (KDWP) is drawing sharp criticism from former staff and state lawmakers, who warn that a plan to “decertify” certain positions and shift park rangers into game warden roles could leave state parks vulnerable.
The reorganization, reportedly slated for implementation this June, involves moving over 20 park rangers into the role of game wardens. Additionally, dozens of other staff members—including supervisors and managers—are expected to be decertified as law enforcement officers.
Concerns Over Public Safety
Randy Just, a retired park manager and ranger with 25 years of experience, expressed deep skepticism about the move. He noted that while game wardens focus on enforcing wildlife regulations across broad territories, park rangers are specifically assigned to be a constant presence within their designated parks.
“If you don’t have park rangers as your enforcement officers, or just public assistance on property, you’re going to miss it,” Just told KWCH.
Just warned that removing certified law enforcement from the immediate vicinity of campgrounds could delay responses to emergencies as local law enforcement may be miles away.
Legislative Pushback
State Representative Brad Barrett (76th House District) has also voiced strong opposition to the plan. After sharing his concerns on social media, Barrett said he was contacted by several KDWP employees who anonymously confirmed the shift is underway.
Barrett, who has a background in public lands management, argues that the state already lacks a sufficient number of game wardens.
“It’s critical that we have that law enforcement presence from the managers, because they’re the ones that are there every day, they know the land,” Barrett said. “Taking away that commission from those officers is just, it’s not safe.”
A Pattern of Failed Policy?
This is not the first time Kansas has attempted such a shift. Just recalled a similar structural change decades ago that he claims was ultimately unsuccessful. “I would like to say it’s a neat deal, but it wasn’t very successful,” he remarked.
As the June deadline approaches, critics are calling on the department to reconsider the move, fearing that the loss of specialized park-level security will lead to a decline in safety for the millions of visitors who frequent Kansas state parks each year.
