The final leg of the Australian Alps Ranger Relay will finish today with rangers from ACT, New South Wales and Victoria having climbed Mount Tennent and finishing back at the Namadgi National Park Visitor Information Centre.
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the relay is a worthy campaign to raise funds for rangers in the Mount Kenya region.
"Rangers in Mount Kenya face harsh terrain, high altitudes and challenging weather conditions every day while working tirelessly to protect the area," Minister Gentleman said.
"The funds raised from this relay will go towards purchasing equipment for these rangers, such as boots, hydration packs, torches and tents. This will help them be properly equipped and make it easier for them to travel the Mount Kenya region.
"This relay saw rangers from Victoria, NSW and ACT undertake multi-day walks including to the summits of Mt Bogong, Mt Kosciusko and Mt Tennant and finishing today at Namadgi National Park.
"There have been three legs of the relay, with different groups of rangers completing sections of the Australian Alps Walking Track along the way.
"Today also happily coincides with International Mountain Day, which brings awareness to the incredible biodiversity seen in mountain ecosystems and promotes sustainable conservation practices.
"In the ACT, we are fortunate to have such a unique and varied environment surrounded by mountains offering incredible views, access to nature and wildlife, with protected habitats for native and threatened species.
"Mountains also have significant cultural values to First Nations and Indigenous communities. International Mountain Day recognises the tremendous role that Traditional Custodians play in preserving the knowledge, values and cultural history of the land.
"Congratulations to all the rangers involved in raising money for our fellow rangers in Kenya, and for all the work that you do in our local mountains."
All Canberrans are welcome to join in the celebrations at Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre today from 12pm to 4pm. The free event will feature guest speakers, information stalls, ranger guided activities, a sausage sizzle and a coffee cart.
To learn more about local mountains and trails, you can visit the ACT Parks website.
