The Association was created in 1986, at a meeting held in the Fire Hall at White Lake, New York. Approximately forty officers were at that first meeting, some with their wives and children. The goals of forming the Association were simple. The primary mission would be to promote the wise use and protection of our State’s natural resources. This was to be accomplished through youth education and public outreach efforts of the Association’s members. It was hoped that pursuing these goals would promote camaraderie and communication amongst the widely separated Environmental Conservation Officers and Investigators and, at the same time, emphasize the importance of their roles in resource protection.
The aspirations of the officers at that first meeting have been fulfilled during the past twenty-one years. The Association has grown and prospered through the hard work of its members and the support of a concerned public. One of the first accomplishments of the Association was to publish its own magazine, “The New York State Conservation Officer”. Published twice yearly, the magazine is forwarded to all its members to keep them informed of current issues and events in the field of conservation law enforcement. With feature articles, editorials, and regional reports the magazine presents an overview of the ongoing efforts in fish and wildlife enforcement and environmental protection. The magazine is always eagerly anticipated and greatly enjoyed by the members of the Association.
The members of the Association are most proud of their accomplishments in the area of youth education. We have, over the years, conducted and/or financially sponsored many events that give youngsters the opportunity to enjoy what our great outdoors has to offer. These events include youth hunts, ice-fishing contests, fishing seminars and other similar activities.
We have continually supported the Make-a-Wish Foundation in their efforts to provide outdoor opportunities for children with disabilities and debilitating diseases. In partnership with the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club, our Association helped to develop the Youth Conservation Program on Long Island. This will be the fourteenth year that this program has been conducted for children between the ages of 12 and 15 at the Peconic River Sportsman’s Club. This is a two-day experience for youngsters who will have the opportunity to learn many outdoor skills, camp overnight, and earn their sportsman’s education certificate.
One of the Association’s most successful efforts is the EAGLES Program. EAGLES means Environmental Awareness Gives Life to the Eco-System, and was developed by retired Environmental Conservation Officer Ed Kustyn. The program is a series of one hour presentations designed for school children in grades 6 and 7. Each presentation is intended to educate children about an aspect of our natural resources in an interesting and entertaining manner. There are presentations on wildlife, water, air, wetlands, fish, and one on the role of the Environmental Conservation Officer in protecting those resources.
Teachers can request any or all the presentations. Many Environmental Conservation Officers have received special training in the delivery of these EAGLES presentations. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has worked closely with the Association to promote and conduct this very beneficial project.
