Game wardens are seen with greater frequency this time of year, which is expected as hunting season ramps up.
However, locally and across the region, there is a shortage of waterways conservation officers, or WCOs.
Statewide, there are 20 districts (counties) that are vacant. In north central Pennsylvania, McKean, Elk, Cameron, Jefferson and Clearfield counties each do not have a full-time WCO assigned to them. There are also seven vacancies within the regional-command staff that need to be filled.
Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission officials indicate there are several factors contributing to the shortage include: promotions, retirements and the commission’s hesitancy to enroll a new class of trainees due to funding.
In the meantime, commission officials indicate that law enforcement related incidents are covered by officers from neighboring counties. To augment the duties of a dedicated full-time WCO, Rangers serving with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Allegany National Forest, along with state Game Commission officers, remain watchful.
But help could be on the way.
A cadet class of 24 trainees began the first phase of training on July 1. Upon graduation, newly trained WCOs will fill the open positions, though in the near future it is anticipated that additional WCOs will be needed so an additional class of cadets is being considered to begin in 2020.
To become a WCO, trainees must successfully complete a one-year training program beginning with about 20 weeks of training in law enforcement principles and practices required by the Municipal Police Training Act 120.
The Fish & Boat Commission conducts an additional 32 weeks of training at its H.R. Stackhouse School of Fisheries Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Bellefonte. This curriculum includes approximately 20 weeks of classroom training in fish and boat laws, regulations, watercraft safety, land and water management, fish propagation, fisheries biology and conservation. Also included are the use of weapons and physical training, along with public relations.
Afterwards, an additional seven weeks of field training takes place in various parts of the state under the direction of experienced WCOs, who serve as field training officers. Lastly, prior to being assigned to a regional office for law enforcement duties, trainees must complete about five weeks of supervised on-the-job training.
In the field, WCOs primarily enforce fishing, boating and environmental laws and regulations. Patrols are primarily accomplished on foot, in vehicles and by boat. WCOs are also certified boating safety instructors.
Anyone with issues relating to Fish & Boat laws and regulations, is urged to call the PA Fish & Boat Commission Regional Office at 814-359-5250. Contact information for additional Fish & Boat Commission offices can be found at https://www.fishandboat.com/AboutUs/Pages/TelephoneNumbersOfficeListings.aspx
