Analysis of Enforcement and Authority

Learning Objectives:

Key State and Federal Conservation Law Enforcement Organizations

1. Categorize key state-level conservation organizations and describe their structure, responsibilities, and jurisdiction. (CO2)
2. Identify federal agencies involved in conservation law enforcement and summarize their roles, responsibilities, and organizational structure. (CO2)
3. Outline the hierarchy, responsibilities, budget, and oversight of the Department of the Interior and its sub-agencies. (CO2)
4. Contrast roles and responsibilities of US Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, and the Bureau of Land Management law enforcement and land management divisions. (CO2)
5. Identify the role and organizational divisions of the US Forest Service as part of the Department of Agriculture. (CO2)
   Textbook Ch. 4
   Module 3 Additional Reading: Policing the Poachers (see attached file)

Module 4: Legal Frameworks for Conservation Law Enforcement

1. Explain the purpose and key provisions of major international agreements and treaties related to natural resource protection that the United States has entered into. (CO1)
2. Analyze key US domestic laws and state wildlife regulations governing use and take of plant and animal specimens. (CO1)
3. Assess state government responses addressing wildlife damage and disease regulation for publicly held species. (CO4)
4. Examine search authorities, rights of the public, and statutory powers granted to conservation officers compared to police. (CO1)
5. Discuss arguments made by legal experts regarding the necessity and constitutionality of expanded search authority afforded to conservation officers. (CO1)
   Texbook Ch. 5
   Module 4 Additional Reading: White, T. (2024). The curious tension between fish and game conservation officers and the fourth amendment. Creighton Law Review, 57(1), 91-158.
   Textbook: Suttmoeller, M., & Rossler, M. (2022). Conservation Law Enforcement. Carolina Academic Press (ISBN: 9781531018900)

Assignment Instructions:
Using the outlined structure below, write a short essay (500 – 600 words) addressing each of the topics.

Assignment Structure:

1. Introduction:
   o Provide a brief overview of the selected learning objectives (3 and 4) and their significance in conservation law.
2. Reflective Analysis:
   o For each chosen objective, reflect on the key concepts, principles, and legal frameworks discussed in the textbook.
    Do you agree or disagree in the practices outlined in Suttmoeller and Rossler (2022) and the module articles?
   o Discuss how these concepts contribute to the understanding of state government responses to wildlife damage and disease regulation, as well as the examination of search authorities and statutory powers granted to conservation officers.
   o Analyze any relevant case studies, examples, or historical contexts provided in the textbook or articles you have read to illustrate your points.
3. Critical Evaluation:
   o Critically evaluate the effectiveness and implications of the concepts discussed in the textbook and article readings for both learning objectives.
    Do you believe there might be a more effective process? If so, what would you change, and why?
   o Consider any potential challenges, controversies, or areas for improvement in current conservation law practices related to state government responses and search authorities.
   o Reflect on the broader implications of the selected learning objectives for conservation efforts and environmental sustainability.
4. Conclusion:
   o Summarize the key insights gained from your reflective analysis of learning objectives 3 and 4.
   o Offer concluding remarks on the importance of understanding these concepts for effective natural resource management and protection.
   Responses should be prepared using Word and at least 500 words in length.