# Conservation Enforcement

## Mission

The primary mission of Conservation Enforcement is to protect and preserve the natural resources, wildlife, and outdoor recreational areas of San Andreas while ensuring public safety and compliance with state laws. Troopers assigned to Conservation Enforcement work to enforce hunting, fishing, boating, and environmental laws, while also supporting the larger mission of the State Patrol.

#### In addition to these duties, Conservation Enforcement Troopers are frequently called upon to:

* Conduct enforcement of hunting and fishing regulations, including license and season compliance.
* Monitor and enforce boating safety regulations, including impaired operation of watercraft.
* Investigate incidents of poaching, illegal harvesting, or destruction of wildlife habitat.
* Respond to reports of environmental hazards such as pollution, dumping, or wildfire violations.
* Support search and rescue operations in wilderness, marine, and remote environments.
* Patrol state parks, forests, and conservation areas to deter criminal activity.
* Provide mutual aid to local, state, and federal agencies in matters involving natural resources.
* Participate in public outreach programs promoting safe, responsible outdoor recreation.

## Recruitment

The Conservation Enforcement Division within the San Andreas State Patrol is actively seeking motivated Troopers with an interest in wildlife, outdoor safety, and resource protection.

#### Requirements

* Must be an appointed Trooper with the San Andreas State Patrol for at least **2 weeks** prior to application.
* Must demonstrate knowledge of, or willingness to learn, hunting, fishing, boating, and environmental regulations.
* Must not have any department disciplinary actions on record.
* Must possess strong navigation, survival, and outdoor skills to operate safely in varied environments.

## Operations

Conservation Enforcement operations are statewide and may take Troopers into forests, mountains, rivers, lakes, and coastal waters. Troopers are expected to adapt to a variety of conditions and deploy using patrol vehicles, boats, ATVs, and foot patrols.

#### Call Sign:

Marine patrol units use **“Lake \[Unit #]”** or **“Harbor \[Unit #]”** designators depending on assignment.

## Enforcement Priorities

* Wildlife Protection: Enforcing hunting and fishing seasons, catch limits, and licensing.
* Boating Safety: Ensuring vessels comply with registration, safety equipment, and sober operation standards.
* Environmental Protection: Preventing unlawful dumping, pollution, and habitat destruction.
* Recreational Safety: Patrolling campgrounds, trails, and parks to maintain order and deter crime.
* Search and Rescue: Providing first response to missing persons, stranded hikers, and water emergencies.

## Specialized Training

Troopers in Conservation Enforcement will receive additional training in:

* Marine vessel operation and waterborne enforcement.
* Wildlife identification and season regulations.
* Use of specialized enforcement tools (night vision, spotting scopes, GPS tracking).
* Search and rescue techniques for wilderness and water.
* Emergency medical response in remote settings.

## Office of Conservation Enforcement

#### Chief Conservation Officer

Responsible for oversight of all Conservation Enforcement operations, training, and strategic planning. Ensures compliance with state and departmental regulations and manages interagency partnerships with the Coast Guard, and Parks Department.

#### Safety & Training Coordinator

Ensures all Conservation Enforcement Troopers receive specialized training, safety certifications, and continuing education related to wildlife enforcement and environmental law. Conducts periodic audits of safety practices during field operations.

## Partnerships & Outreach

Conservation Enforcement works in close collaboration with:

* Department of Natural Resources (DNR): for wildlife and hunting laws.
* Coast Guard / Marine Units: for joint waterborne enforcement and rescues.
* State Parks Department: for recreational enforcement in state parks.
* Local & Federal Agencies: for joint investigations and environmental protection.
* Community Programs: conducting public education on safe boating, hunting, fishing, and environmental stewardship.
