Conservation officer

Aconservation officeris alaw enforcement officerwho protectswildlifeand theenvironment.A conservation officer may also be referred to as anenvironmental technician/technologist,game warden,park ranger,forest watcher,forest guard,forester,gamekeeper,investigator,wildernessofficer,wildlifeofficer,orwildlife trooper.

History

Conservation officers can be traced back to theMiddle Ages(seegamekeeper). Conservation law enforcement goes back toKing Canutewho enacted a forest law that made unauthorized hunting punishable by death.^[1]In 1861, ArchdeaconCharles Thorparranged purchase of some of theFarne Islandsoff the north-east coast of England and employment of a warden to protect threatenedseabirdspecies. The modern history of the office is linked to that of theconservation movementand has varied greatly across the world.

History in New York State

Conservation officers inNew York Stateare known as "environmental conservation officers", or ECOs. The position was created in the late nineteenth century. Originally, they were known as "game protectors". The first game protectors recorded comprised a group of eight men authorized to arrest anyone who killedwildlifeon protected land. Their job was to protect game and catchpoachers.They also chose to protect streams from pollution. In 1960, their title was changed to "conservation officers", then in 1970, they were renamed "environmental conservation officers", after the Conservation Department and the State Health Department merged to become the "Department of Environmental Conservation". At the same time, the role's status was changed, giving ECOs more legal power than they had previously had.^[2]

Education

Conservation officers generally have a degree in areas specific to criminal justice, fish and wildlife management, recreation management, wildlife resources, or a science major related to these. Most start out their careers as a trainee under the supervision of an experienced conservation officer. After graduation and completion of the trainee program, many go on tolaw enforcementtraining to become apeace officer.In America, conservation officers must also take and pass the statecivil service examfor ECOs.^[3] The Western Conservation Law Enforcement Academy is the academy that all Officers employed in western Canada including Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba must graduate from in order to be appointed as Officers in their respective jurisdictions. The program is 6 months long with about 2 of those months spent as on-the-job training with a direct supervisor. Training includes dress and deportment, investigations, firearm handling, use of force, swiftwater rescue, off-road vehicle use, search warrant application and execution and much more.

Recognizing the wardens' roles

As noted at theNorth American Game Warden Museum,confronting armedpoachersinruraland even remote locations can be lonely, dangerous and even fatal work for game wardens.^[4]^[5]Recognition of the ultimate sacrifice of these officers at this museum is considered to be important, concomitant to recognition at theNational Law Enforcement Officers Memorial.^[6]

Officers are exposed to other risks beyond being killed byhunters,trappersand armedfishermen.^[6]Motor vehicle,boating, snowmobile and airplane accidents, animal attacks,drowning,andhypothermiaare other risk they face while on duty.^[6]^[7]

InNorth Americagame wardens are typically employees ofstateorprovincial governments.26 of the 50 U.S. states have government departments entitledDepartment of Natural Resourcesor a similar title. These departments typically patrolstateorprovincial parksand public lands and waterways dedicated tohuntingandfishing,and also enforce state or provincial game andenvironmental lawsonprivate property.In some states such asMaryland,Massachusetts,andConnecticut,conservation officers serve in the role ofmarine law enforcementas well, responsible for the enforcement of local, state, and federal boating laws along withsearch and rescueandhomeland security.

Game wardens/conservation officers are front and center in keeping out (or in check)invasive species.^[8]^{[clarification needed]}

In an increasingly interconnected andglobalizedworld, their concerns are much more comprehensive than local enforcement. While conservation officers enforce wildlife, hunting, and game laws, they have transitioned to aiding other law enforcement agencies with drug enforcement, serving warrants, and at times provide effort to homeland security.^[9]They also enforce broader conservation laws, such as theEndangered Species Act,theMigratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918and similar laws/treaties. or the Wild Animal and Plant Protection and Regulation of International and Interprovincial Trade Act (in Canada) which implements the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna^[10]As necessary, they will work in tandem with appropriate national or federal agencies, such as theU.S. Fish and Wildlife ServiceorEnvironment Canada.