1. F UNCTIONS, R OLES AND R ESPONSIBILITIES OF C ONSERVATION A GENCIES Minnesota Large Animal Curriculum

2. History of the “Conservation Movement” Settlement – During settlement of the United States, many pioneers depended on wildlife for food, shelter and income. – Resources were abundant and seemed in endless supply

3. PredatorControl Wildlife were also hunted out of fear and competition for habitat. Many species were considered “varmints” and were exterminated for domestic, commercial and political reasons. Bounty hunting for many predators was popular. A bounty was paid for Timber wolves from 1849 until 1965, bounties ranged from $3.00 - $50.00.

4. Agricultural development This change eliminated high quality habitat for the wildlife that lived on the open prairies and they soon began to disappear. It was the depletion of wildlife populations and habitat that marked the beginning to the “conservation movement.” Much of the open prairie land was converted to crop land

5. Hunters were the first to notice a decrease in wildlife populations and habitat. Early sports clubs brought the attention to the nation. President Theodore Roosevelt led the fight to set aside land for wildlife refuges and promoted the wise use, management and preservation of wildlife. This would mark the beginning of regulated sport hunting and put an end to market hunting. Preservation

6. Beginning of the Conservation Movement Buffalo Bones people collected buffalo bones and received $.05 per ton for the bones It was the depletion of wildlife populations and habitat that marked the beginning to the “conservation movement.”

7. Federal Landmark Acts Lacey Act (1900) was first to legitimize the “Conservation Movement.” Stopped the transportation of game, taken or possessed in violation of state laws, across state lines. The purpose of this act was to control market hunting.

8. Migratory Bird Act Enacted in 1918 Placed all migratory birds under federal custody and regulation. Migratory Bird Treaties were established with Canada, Mexico, Japan, and Russia which established a management plan for all migratory birds.

9. Regulated Hunting Over a number of years regulated sport hunting and acquisitions of wildlife refuges restored populations of white-tailed deer, mule deer, antelope, elk, wild turkey, Canada goose, and the wood duck.

10. “Over Protection Era” The conservation movement was so successful that it led to an overprotection era. – In 1906 President T. Roosevelt established a one million acre sanctuary on the Kaibab Plateau, in Arizona, for large game species. – Public hunting was closed and government hunters eliminated all predators of the large game species. Within 25 years 781 cougars, 5,000 coyotes, and all the timber wolves were eliminated.

11. Development of the Science of Wildlife Management – The result was a huge “protected” deer population that numbered hundreds of thousands. The animals over- browsed the area and starved to death by the thousands. – An important lesson was learned by this act. Wildlife cannot simply be stockpiled. When the species grows beyond the land’s carrying capacity, nature will take over and do what it must to eliminate an overpopulated area. – This lesson led to the development of the science of wildlife management. “In the early 20th century, today’s scientific methods of wildlife management were a distant dream. Hunting and killing the native predators like wolves and the mountain lion was considered necessary. It was thought that controlling the predator population not only protected livestock and decreased the likelihood of attacks on humans but increased the population of deer and elk for hunters.

12. Aldo Leopold Regarded as the “Father of American wildlife management,” led the movement towards managed wild lands and animals in the 1920’s - 1930’s.

13. Aldo Leopold Leopold was the first professor of wildlife management in the United States at the University of Wisconsin. Wrote “Game Management” text still used today “Sand County Almanac” is one of the most respected books about the environment

14. Federal Aid to Wildlife Restoration Act of 1937 Authored by Key Pittman and Willis Robertson. This act would restore wildlife populations throughout the United States. It later became known as the Pittman- Robertson Act.

15. Pittman-Robertson Act It utilized tax dollars on ammunition, firearms, and archery equipment to purchase wildlife habitat. Was responsible for restoring more wildlife species than any other legislation in the history of wildlife conservation. In Minnesota the law has been used to set aside 550,000 acres of wildlife management areas. Minnesota is on the top ten list of states that receive the most funding from the Pittman- Robertson Act.

16. The law stated Apportioned federal firearms and ammunition taxes to the states at a matching ($3 Federal for $! State Money) Prohibited the use of these federal revenues for any purpose other than wildlife conservation. Prohibited states from using hunters’ license fees for any purpose other than supporting the state fish and game agency.

17. Need for law enforcement Minnesota became a territory in 1849. Ten years later the settler population grew to 150,000. As the population continued to grow the state began to enact laws that would protect the state’s wildlife resources from being overused by settlers and market hunters.

18. The first wildlife law to be enacted prohibited lakes from being fished with nets at specified times. Up until this time citizens were simply expected to voluntarily comply with the law. But at last some individuals saw themselves above the law and police were used to enforce wildlife laws. Private citizens were also authorized to enforce the law. Eventually, however, it was discovered that very few citizens felt courageous enough to challenge a law breaker and the police were too few in number and too busy enforcing human laws that wildlife laws were going unenforced.

19. Game Wardens In 1887, W. Fred Zwickey was the first Game Warden appointed in Minnesota. It was his sole job to enforce wildlife laws

20. .He was a political appointee by Governor McGill. He was paid no salary, was given no expense or travel money, had no personnel to help him, did not have a uniform or firearms and his job covered the entire state of Minnesota. His appointment was for four years, he lasted two. It was not until the 1920’s when Game Wardens were finally paid a salary.

21. Originally the roles of state conservation organizations was limited to: raising game birds for release, controlling predators, and maintaining wildlife refuges..

22. The first Game Wardens did not need any special training or expertise in wildlife management. They were not allowed to carry a firearm nor did they wear a uniform that would distinguish them as a law enforcement officer. It wasn’t until 1941, after the death of three game wardens caused by violators, that they were issued uniforms and.38 caliber revolvers

23. The Pittman-Robertson Act of 1937 provided that wildlife personnel hired by state agencies using Pittman-Robertson funds must be trained and competent to perform their duties. Beginning in 1937 anyone interested in serving as a Game Warden had to take a written and oral exam. Other requirements included: – must be a United States citizen – must be between 25-50 years old, and completed the equivalent of an eighth grade education. – practical knowledge of game management, game laws, and the ability to use a firearm were also requirements.

24. Eventually “Game Warden Schools” were conducted for training wardens. Today individuals must obtain a peace officers license and take an exam. Continued education is offered to conservation officers as professional in-service. The title “Game Warden” was changed to “Conservation Officer” in 1967, to better reflect the diversity and focus of the job. The primary role of the conservation officer is to protect the state’s natural resources by enforcing state and federal regulations.

25. Minnesota Conservation Officer

26. From 1940 to 1950 Traditional hunting, fishing and trapping enforcement. However game management activities such as sounding lakes, supervising water levels, posting refuges, laying out spawning bed areas, planting fish, supervising rough fish removal, rescuing trapped fish and promoting education Game wardens are authorized to seize automobiles used in violation of shining laws at the time of arrest Wardens began wearing official uniforms Minnesota Legislature set seasons and limits for hunting big and small game

27. 1940 to 1950 (Cont.) October archery season established Shortage of manpower created by World War II required constant shifting of Game Wardens to provide varying seasonal and regional coverages & abandonment of 19 permanent Warden stations Nine-day deer season established Aviation wing of the Warden Service is established

28. 1950 to 1960 The Firearm Safety training program is implemented in 1955 Minnesota statutes authorize a peace officer, including Game Wardens, to give assistance to any other peace officer Boating regulations begin in MN. 157,767 boats registered.

29. 1960 to 1970 Position Description “Enforces state and federal statutes for the conservation of fish and wildlife, investigates violations of such laws, apprehends and arrests violators, and assists in the prosecution of violators in court; distributes information concerning game and fish management, represents the department at meetings, and speaks to local groups; assists game and fish management programs and research projects by gathering data on game and fish abundance and distribution and investigates complaints about nuisance wildlife”

30. 1960 to 1970 Game Wardens Develop public access areas to lakes Snowmobile enforcement Assigned boat and water safety enforcement Archery hunting expanded with development of compound bows Grant and Aid trails program

31. 1970 to 1980 Minnesota reestablishes a Moose season DNR Enforcement’s Special Investigative Unit is formed Mandatory training needs established by Peace Officer Standards of Training board 1974 – 444,763 boats registered DNR begins major changes in deer management, including doe permits. Begins to limit hunters to certain zones State’s first muzzle loading season – 1977 Threatened and Endangered species Act requires officers to investigate predation complaints

32. 1980 to 1990 Recreational vehicle alcohol enforcement begins ATV Enforcement begins Forestry and Arson activities added ATV training begins 1989 – 706,085 boats registered Cross Country Skiing enforcement added Turn in Poachers (TIP) established Special Goose Seasons Special Lake Regulations are established

33. 2000 to Today Those who lose hunting or fishing privileges in MN also barred in several other states Dove season established Prairie Chicken hunting season reopened Stiffer penalties for poaching 314 crappies over limit Fine = $8,000

34. Law enforcement activities Investigating and apprehending violators of big and small game hunting, sport fishing, fur trapping, water pollution and hazardous waste management, wild rice harvesting, water and aquatic vegetation resources, commercial fishing enterprises and the minnow industry, watercraft, snowmobile and ATV violators. Wildfire investigation and forest laws, enforcing nongame species laws and inspecting taxidermists, undercover works, DNR managed lands, conservation and court appearances.

35. Service activities include: Advanced hunter education program, firearms safety, snowmobile, ATV and water safety training, public relations, game censuses and hunter surveys, advise and/or assist other county agencies, cooperate with other law enforcement agencies, investigate depredation complaints and predator control.

36. MN DNR Goals

37. Minnesota’s Prosperity Waters and Watersheds Natural Lands Fisheries and Wildlife Outdoor Recreation Organizations Effectiveness

38. Conservation of Minnesota's natural resources will provide a solid foundation for a strong economy, a healthy environment, and vibrant communities Managing lands enhances their ability to provide a full range of resource values. Managing watersheds ensures they will continue to provide clean drinking water and flood mitigation

39. Minnesota's water resources and watersheds will be conserved and enhanced DNR and partners are working for a future where healthy watersheds are found throughout Minnesota. There are abundant supplies of clean water for people and nature. Aquatic ecosystems are healthy and sustainable. Fish and wildlife populations and natural communities that depend on them are adaptive and self-sustaining. People respect and appreciate the interrelationships among lands and waters.

40. Minnesota's natural lands and habitats will be conserved and enhanced DNR and partners are working towards a Minnesota future where a healthy, sustainable network of natural lands is in balance with agricultural, urban, and developed spaces. Undeveloped areas protect our natural heritage for future generations, providing plant and animal habitat, water and watershed protection, and beauty and open space.

41. Minnesota's fish and wildlife populations will be healthy and provide great recreation opportunities preserved for the people and managed by law and regulation for the public good. Minnesotans and visitors have access to rich public lands and recreational opportunities. Businesses that depend on fish and wildlife resources support sustainable management of these resources. Strong conservation partnerships will create a future where fishing, hunting, trapping, and wildlife- viewing opportunities meet the expectations of hunters, anglers, and wildlife watchers. Minnesota has a rich and important fishing and hunting tradition. Fishing, hunting and the taking of game and fish are recognized in the Minnesota State Constitution as a valued part of Minnesota’s heritage that shall be forever

42. Minnesota will have a high-quality and diverse outdoor recreation system that meets the needs of Minnesotans DNR and our partners will work for a future where Minnesotans’ deep affection for nature-based recreation cultivates a stewardship ethic that supports a high-quality, healthy outdoor recreation system. Enthusiasts abound and have ready access to public lands and waters. Healthy lands and waters support hiking, ATVing, fishing, swimming, spending time with friends and family, and other activities.

43. DNR will effectively and efficiently deliver services to meet our mission Innovation and collaboration are hallmarks of DNR's activities, helping to maximize return on investments in protecting and sustaining Minnesota's natural resources.

44. Sportsman's Groups Early sportsmen clubs were the first to bring awareness to the depletion of habitat and wildlife populations and demand action be taken to protect this depleting resource. Sportsmen clubs organized for a variety of reasons: – to protect wildlife species from being over-harvested. – to provide funding for the management of wildlife habitats. – to promote the sport of regulated hunting. – to provide wildlife education and hunter safety/ethics training for youth and adults. – to impact legislative policy surrounding issues on wildlife populations, hunting regulations and habitat preservation.

45. Sportsmen clubs have provided funding for the purchase and improvement of habitats. An example of this contribution is the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association’s (MDHA) “Hides For Habitat” program. – A net total, in 1990, of $91,704 was collected for the program. – Hunters donate deer hides to a MDHA collection site, the hides are sold to regional and national hide buyers. Dollars received from the program are matched by Reinvest In Minnesota (RIM) critical matching funds program.

46. The money is used for land purchase, clear- cutting, prescribed burning, wintering food plots, and construction of access and the preparation and planting of clover. Many conservation and sporting organizations inform and educate the public about various aspects of wildlife through mailings, pamphlets, brochures, and television programs.

47. Minnesota Deer Hunters Association Purpose:dedicated to the conservation and betterment of white-tailed deer and promotion of quality deer hunting in Minnesota. Membership:approximately 19,000 members state wide. Activities:legislative action, public education and maintain and manage quality habitat, special projects include: Hunters Against Hunger, Hides For Habitat, Management of Minnesota Large Mammals curriculum. Pheasants Forever wildlife habitat projects have benefited more than 5.3 million acres

48. Safari Club International Purpose:Protecting freedom to hunt and in promoting wildlife conservation worldwide. Membership:approximately 55,000 world wide. Mission and Involvement – Advocate Since 2000 has spent $140 million on protecting freedom to hunt – Connect Networking among members – Educate Weekly E-Bulletin and Safari Magazine and Safari Times – Represent help shape and promote the image to non-hunters

49. Pheasants Forever Dedicated to the conservation of pheasants, quail and other wildlife through habitat improvements, public awareness, education and land management policies and programs. Membership:over 125,000 nationwide. Pheasants Forever wildlife habitat projects have benefited more than 5.3 million acres