The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s (DEC) Division of Law Enforcement enforces the 71 chapters of New York State’s Environmental Conservation Law (ECL), protecting fish and wildlife and preserving environmental quality across New York. In 1880, the first eight Game Protectors proudly began serving to protect the natural resources and people of New York State. In 2024, the Division of Law Enforcement fielded more than 105,717 calls, resulting in Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Investigators across the state responding to more than 30,109 complaints and working on cases that resulted in 15,755 tickets or arrests for violations ranging from deer poaching to solid waste dumping, illegal mining, the illegal pet trade, and excessive emissions violations.

“Whether solving environmental crimes, safeguarding New York’s natural resources and wildlife, or connecting with communities and inspiring the next generation of conservationists, Environmental Conservation Police Officers and Investigators have an historic legacy of protecting New York’s air, land, water, and public safety every day and in every corner of the state,” DEC Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said. “I am proud of their tireless efforts to enforce New York’s stringent Environmental Conservation Law by holding polluters accountable and promoting the safe, sustainable, and responsible use of the great outdoors, and encourage all New Yorkers interested in joining our ranks to learn how to become the next Environmental Conservation Police Officers.” 

Hunting Trio Ticketed – Suffolk County

On Dec. 29, 2024, ECOs ticketed three hunters after a compliance check in the town of Islip. ECO DeRose and the Suffolk County Police Department responded to reports of shots fired, potentially too close to a home. The Officers arrived at the location and observed three hunters in a hunting blind behind a residence. The hunters were in possession of a mallard and black duck. ECOs DeRose and Perkins also observed evidence of baiting on the floor of the blind and in a tidal pond in front of the structure. ECOs ticketed all three hunters for hunting waterfowl with the aid of bait and the unlawful take of protected wildlife. One subject received an additional ticket for failing to possess a signed duck stamp as required in New York State.

Illegal baiting discovered at tidal pond in Suffolk County (photo attached)

Hawk in the Deli – Lewis County

On Jan. 7, a Sergeant with the Lewis County Sherriff’s Office contacted ECO Kraeger to report a hawk trapped in the deli of a local grocery store in the town of Lowville. Officer Kraeger responded to the store and observed employees guarding the entrance to the deli area. The manager advised the bird flew into the grocery store through the front entrance sliding door and ended up in the deli. ECO Kraeger located the hawk perched on a shelf in a storage area, safely captured it, and then released the bird a short distance from the store where it flew off successfully.

Hawk discovered in local grocery store in Lewis County (photo attached)

Illegal Fill – Orange County

On Jan. 9, Lieutenant Bello observed the driver of a tri-axle dump truck tip his load at the back of a farm in the town of Montgomery while the property owner was grading other piles of material on the property.

ECOs Boyes, Chomicki, Falkengren, and Lee responded to the location to interview all involved parties and gather evidence. Investigators determined the construction and demolition debris, which included soil mixed with potentially harmful materials such as lead and PVC pipes,  was generated at demolition sites in New Jersey. DEC issued the trucking company and the property owner Notices of Violation for unlawful disposal of solid waste, transporting waste without a permit, and operating a solid waste management facility without a permit. 

DEC administratively charged the New Jersey-based trucking company on multiple occasions in 2022 for similar practices.  

ECOs conduct investigation into use of restricted-use fill material at farm in Orange County (photo attached)

Hawk Rescue – Nassau County

On Jan.10, ECOs Seabury and McCarthy assisted the Nassau County Police Department with rescuing a wounded hawk discovered in a roadway in the town of Albertson. The hawk had injuries consistent with a vehicle strike. Officers safely captured the bird and transported it to a local rehabilitator where it is expected to make a full recovery.

ECO Seabury and Nassau County Police Officer with injured hawk discovered wounded in roadway in Nassau County (photo attached)

Diesel Fuel Spill – Suffolk County

On Jan. 10, ECOs Anderson and Griffin responded to reports of a diesel fuel spill on State Route 109 in the village of Lindenhurst. Investigators determined a commercial vehicle had lost its front axle, which damaged the fuel tank and caused fuel to leak along a roadway and into a storm drain. ECOs arrived at the location and worked with the Town of Babylon Fire Marshall to temporarily contain the spill. DEC spill responders and the Town of Babylon Department of Transportation arrived a short time later and completed the cleanup. There were no immediate impacts to public health or the environment resulting from the spill. To report the discovery of any contamination or a potential spill, call the DEC Spill Hotline at 1-800-457-7362.

ECOs respond to diesel fuel spill in Suffolk County (photo attached) 

Queens Clamming Case – Queens County

On Jan. 13, ECOs Nolan, Bayne, Keegan, and Swart ticketed three individuals at Spring Creek Park in Queens for clamming in uncertified waters. Officers observed the trio with more than 1,300 hard clams. The subjects each received two tickets returnable to Queens County Criminal Court for taking shellfish from uncertified waters and placing shellfishing implements in uncertified waters. Waters are certified for taking shellfish based on water quality standards. In New York City there is only a small area of the Atlantic Ocean where harvesting shellfish is currently allowed.

ECOs Bayne and Nolan with clams seized during illegal clamming investigation in Queens County (photo attached)

Injured Eagle Rescued – Schenectady County

On Jan. 16, ECO Willson responded to reports of an injured eagle off Gower Road in the town of Glenville. Officer Willson arrived at the location and observed the bird appearing somewhat energetic but unable to fly. The ECO safely captured the eagle and transported it to a wildlife rehabilitator for examination and care. The eagle was wearing a leg band that identified it as 20 years old and originating from Massachusetts. The rehabilitator transported the bird to a wildlife veterinarian for follow-up as needed.

ECO Willson with injured eagle discovered in Schenectady County (photo attached)

Yankee Sportsman’s Classic – Essex Junction, Vt.

From Jan. 17–19, ECOs Hovey and LaCroix attended the 2025 Yankee Sportsman’s Classic outdoor show in Essex Junction, Vermont. The Officers promoted the world-class hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation opportunities in New York State and answered a range of questions about everything from ECO job duties to daily experiences in the field. The Officers also encouraged those interested in law enforcement careers to pursue a position as an Environmental Conservation Police Officer.

ECO Hovey speaks to attendees at 2025 Yankee Sportsman’s Classic in Vermont (photo attached)

Illegal Dumping – Schenectady County

On Jan. 21, a Schenectady County subject accepted a penalty in court for charges related to the illegal dumping of solid waste in the town of Glenville.

Oct. 27, 2024, ECO Willson discovered a large pile of solid waste while conducting fishing compliance checks along the Mohawk River. Officer Willson observed the illegally dumped trash, mostly consisting of household garbage, at Maalwyck Park and Lock 8. Information on some of the items led ECO Willson to a family living in Glenville, not far from the dump site. The Officer tracked down the individuals and one admitted to dumping the garbage at the location. ECO Willson ticketed the subject for the illegal disposal of solid waste and instructed the individual to clean up the garbage. 

The subject pleaded guilty to a reduced violation in Glenville Town Court and accepted a fine of $575. 

Garbage illegally dumped near the Mohawk River in Schenectady County (photo attached)

New ECOs Hit the Big Apple – New York City

Eleven of the 26 graduates of the recently completed 24^th Basic Academy recently began field training in New York City. After a minimum 320 hours of observed patrol with an experienced Field Training Officer, the new members will be authorized to conduct solo patrols. One of the more notable activities the new ECOs participated in was an investigation into the illegal sale of elephant ivory. The investigation included a visit to the American Museum of Natural History where ivory seized during the case was authenticated by an expert.

ECOs submit illegally sold ivory to the American Museum of Natural History for authentication in New York City (photo attached)