2001 enforcement figures released

The Department of Forest Resources and Agrifoods today released legislation and compliance statistics for 2001.

A total of 1,651 violations consisting of 608 written warnings and 1,043 charges were recorded throughout the province in 2001. A regional breakdown reveals 839 violations in the Eastern region, while the Western region and Labrador recorded 651 and 161 violations respectively. Of the 1,651 violations recorded, 836 consisted of offences under the Forestry Act and 643 were wildlife offences. Other offences included 111 ATV violations, 23 federal fisheries offences, and 27 violations under the Migratory Bird Act.

Minister Rick Woodford said the department�s highly-trained enforcement staff and integrated enforcement efforts were key factors in a successful 2001 enforcement program.

"Our conservation officers receive ongoing training in integrated resource management and officer safety, which provides them with the knowledge they require to carry out their duties in an effective and professional manner," said Woodford. "Our government has offered 25 training courses for our enforcement staff over the past three years. We have also sent our officers outside the province for intensive training in special investigations and surveillance efforts."

The minister said such training and high-quality enforcement by conservation officers resulted in a number of successful investigations last year, including strict fines handed down in provincial court for such things as wildlife violations involving a helicopter.

Minister Woodford stressed that government�s investment in training and equipment is providing for an unprecedented level of forest and wildlife resource protection in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"We take wildlife and forestry violations very seriously and many of the convictions last year would not have been possible without the hard work and professionalism of our conservation officers," said Minister Woodford. "Government remains committed to ensuring high quality enforcement of the laws that protect our wildlife and forest resources in 2002 and beyond."

Conservation officers issued written warnings and charges for a variety of offences in 2001, including hunting and firearm violations, timber cutting and forest fire offences and illegal fishing activity. In addition, a number of items was forfeited to the Crown, including firearms, quantities of moose, caribou and salmon, saw logs, skidoos, vehicles and a variety of fishing and hunting equipment. Several individuals were prohibited from hunting big game for a period of five years, and one individual was prohibited for life from hunting big game.

Minister Woodford commended the department�s highly-trained conservation officers for maintaining their professional standards and commitment to protecting our province�s outdoor resources over the past year.

He also noted that the annual convention of North American Wildlife Officers Association will take place in St. John�s in 2003, adding that the event is high recognition of the province�s enforcement successes and efficiency.

"Holding this major annual convention in our province is another reason for our conservation officers to be proud. We thank them for their continued hard work and dedication, and we wish them well in their enforcement efforts in 2002."

In 2000, a total of 2,354 violations were recorded in the province. The minister noted the drop in the number of violations this year compared to last year demonstrates that department�s stringent law enforcement program is working effectively.

Media contact: Sonia Glover, Communications, (709) 729-6183.

2002 02 20                        3:10 p.m.