(CON) Conservation Law

CON 105. Wildland Fire. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the Incident Command System(ICS) and National Incident Management System (NIMS), covering essential topics such as suppression strategies, incident response, and an introductory understanding of fire behavior. Participants will engage in components of the S-130/190 wildland firefighting training certification, including hands-on field exercises. The curriculum goes beyond the basics, exploring the latest advancements in fire management programs, cutting-edge science, technological innovations, and safety practices. Through an examination of public policy impacting fire management decisions and a review of past incidents, the course places a strong emphasis on safety and prevention. Designed to be responsive to emerging trends, this course ensures that participants are thoroughly equipped to navigate the evolving challenges in wildland firefighting.

CON 125. Intro to Conservation Law. 3 Hours.

This course provides students with an overview of the conservation law enforcement profession. The dual role of the modern conservation officer as law enforcement officer and protector of our natural resources is stressed. A wide variety of professional roles are examines including game warden, park ranger, marine warden, and forest ranger. The future importance to the conservation officer of community and public relations, and recreational vehicle safety are also discussed. Experiential sessions focus on applied skills such as hunter safety, map and compass use, outdoor survival, and search and rescue.

CON 200. Wildlife Law Enforcement. 3 Hours.

This course analyzes the constitutional underpinnings of state and federal wildlife laws, including the Lacey Act, Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Endangered Species Act. Students will learn how to interpret and apply the substantive law and the broad influences on the field. It explores current impact wildlife issues have on the resource and law enforcement.

CON 346. North American Wildlife/Fisheries Identification. 3 Hours.

This course focuses on preparing students to be knowledgeable about the distribution, natural history, and identification of the major game species of North America plus some selected non-game species. The course is built on taxonomy of big game, small game, furbearers, upland gamebirds, waterfowl and freshwater fish. Some emphasis is placed on positive and negative societal values as well. General management considerations are discussed. Experiential learning will include examination of specimens (specimens, pelts, and skulls) in hand and in field-simulated images.

CON 350. Physical/Mental Health for Law Enforcement. 3 Hours.

This course is designed to address the holistic well-being of law enforcement professionals, exploring the critical interplay between physical and mental health in the context of their demanding roles. Participants will gain insights into evidence-based strategies for maintaining peak physical fitness, managing stress, and fostering resilience in the face of the unique challenges encountered in law enforcement. Students will actively participate in physical fitness training, ensuring they are well-prepared for to take a physical fitness test as well as a career in law enforcement.

CON 426. Wildlife Trafficking. 3 Hours.

This course provides an overview of the world’s wildlife and conservation crime problem from both a global and United States perspective. Wildlife crime is a growing business for many organizations, including transnational organized crime groups and some terrorist organizations. Discussion in this course will progress from a broad overview of wildlife and conservation crime to a more localized perspective that encompasses the full spectrum of social, political, and economic issues affecting wildlife and biodiversity.

CON 428. Conservation Law Investigations. 3 Hours.

This course introduces students to important aspects of conservation law/wildlife crime scene processing, and case preparation. The range of subjects will include but not be limited to; gathering information and evidence in an outdoor crime scene, preparing evidence for analysis, field notes, forensics, preparation of crime scene diagrams, and investigative report writing. Students will conduct a final wildlife crime investigation towards the end of the course.

CON 450. Marine Law Enforcement. 3 Hours.

This specialized course offers a comprehensive exploration of Marine Law Enforcement with a focus on the unique challenges and responsibilities faced by officers operating in marine environments. Delve into the intricacies of maritime laws, conservation efforts, and the role of agencies such as the Maine Department of Marine Resources and Maine Marine Patrol. Participants will gain a deep understanding of legal frameworks, enforcement strategies, and conservation initiatives crucial to protecting marine ecosystems.