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Aconservation officer is alaw enforcement officer who protectswildlife and 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.
Conservation officers can be traced back to theMiddle Ages (seegamekeeper). Conservation law enforcement goes back toKing Canute who enacted a forest law that made unauthorized hunting punishable by death.[1] In 1861, ArchdeaconCharles Thorp arranged purchase of some of theFarne Islands off the north-east coast of England and employment of a warden to protect threatenedseabird species. The modern history of the office is linked to that of theconservation movement and has varied greatly across the world.
Conservation officers inNew York State are 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 killedwildlife on 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]
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 enforcement training to become apeace officer. In America, conservation officers must also take and pass the statecivil service exam for 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.
As noted at theNorth American Game Warden Museum, confronting armedpoachers inrural and 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,trappers and armedfishermen.[6]Motor vehicle, boating, snowmobile and airplane accidents, animal attacks,drowning, andhypothermia are other risk they face while on duty.[6][7]
InNorth America game wardens are typically employees ofstate orprovincialgovernments. 26 of the 50 U.S. states have government departments entitledDepartment of Natural Resources or a similar title. These departments typically patrolstate orprovincial parks and public lands and waterways dedicated tohunting andfishing, and also enforce state or provincial game andenvironmental laws onprivate property. In some states such asMaryland,Massachusetts, andConnecticut, conservation officers serve in the role ofmarine law enforcement as well, responsible for the enforcement of local, state, and federal boating laws along withsearch and rescue andhomeland security.
Game wardens/conservation officers are front and center in keeping out (or in check)invasive species.[8][clarification needed]
In an increasingly interconnected andglobalized world, 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 1918 and 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 Service orEnvironment Canada.
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