PL MEP candidate Marija Sara Vella Gafa expressed concern over what she described as an "exaggerated" presence of Rangers in the countryside.
The Malta Ranger Unit is an environmental organization mainly made up of volunteers and does not have the power to enforce regulations.
"The time has come to, in a serious and tangible way, find balance between Maltese pastimes and protection of the environment," Vella Gafa, who is also the Gudja Mayor, said. She said people have been approaching her concerned about the amount of rangers in the countryside, "even in private property, where there is no ongoing illegality".
"While we want to protect the environment, we also need to see that anyone who has a right should be able to exercise it properly within legal parameters. It's time to be clear about the right one has to enter private property for environmental protection purposes. With clear rules, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts," she wrote in a Facebook post.
In reply and in a Facebook post, Malta Rangers unit said that "in reality there is an excessive amount of environmental CRIMES, and too few to protect nature."
"If the Politicians, like Marija Sara Vella Gafà, left their offices and patrolled with us, they would realise how time consuming (and costly) it is to monitor rural areas and make sure that offenders are held accountable." it said.
The Rangers noted how claims made by the current Mayor of Gugja "is not only adding to the impunity already enjoyed by the environmental criminals, but it also adds to the unsafety of our Rangers."
The Unit has also denied claims that Rangers have been going on private land. "On the contrary we assist many land owners to prevent trampling on their land." It said.
"When a politician is taking such stands, based on rumours (many times spread by offenders that we regularly meet in Court), you're not doing nature a favour at all but only adding to the misinformation and hatred aimed at Rangers for doing their job."
Addressing Vella Gafa, the unit also asked her whether she was aware of the amount of environmental crimes happening in the locality for which she mayors.
"Environmental crimes are thriving in Malta. What are you doing in your council of Gudja to reduce the crimes? Are you aware of all the illegalities daily in your own council? We are. And this post of yours is adding to their impunity."