This study was conducted to explore conservation law enforcement issues in the context of these ongoing trends and societal changes. By determining what Americans think and know about conservation law enforcement issues and comparing these views with the perspectives of conservation law enforcement officers themselves, the conservation law enforcement community will be able to better plan for future needs and priorities in the United States. As a result, fish and wildlife agencies will be able to maintain strategic relevance through more effective management and conservation of resources.

As emphasized in the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies’ and Wildlife Management Institute’s Fish and Wildlife Relevancy Roadmap, effective conservation of the nation’s wildlife and natural resources depends on broader engagement from all Americans, not just those who engage in consumptive activities.
Given current trends in Americans’ demographic characteristics, participation in outdoor recreation, and wildlife values, it is critical that agencies continue to build support from the widest possible base of constituents. To that end, the new data collected for this study identify key management challenges, areas of focus, and other essential considerations on the horizon for the conservation law enforcement community.

You can read or download the report here.

This study was conducted by the National Association of Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs (NACLEC), the National Conservation Law Enforcement Education Foundation (NCLEEF), Responsive Management, and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point to plan for future conservation law enforcement needs and priorities. The study entailed new data collection with U.S. general population residents and members of the conservation law enforcement community. The research was funded through Multi-state Conservation Grant No. F19AP00113 from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.