Wildlife

'Duck cops' ruffle feathers

Juniper Davis May 24, 1999 From the print edition
Print Subscribe Donate Now
  According to a confidential survey compiled by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), many law enforcement agents at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service say their program is corrupt, understaffed and underfunded. "Protection of our resources is not as important as pleasing special groups," said one special agent in the survey. "Our biologists and refuge managers are too scared to speak out. We have sold out." About 230 agents, nicknamed "duck cops," are employed by Fish and Wildlife Service to make sure wildlife laws and regulations are followed across the nation. This small staff must enforce such far-reaching laws as the Endangered Species Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and agency spokespeople concede it's a tough job. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is aware that there is not enough funding and resources available," says the agency's Sandra Cleva. "The agent's work is arduous and stressful. Our people are stretched very thin." Cleva says the agency had not previously heard complaints of corruption from the agents but that it is currently being "looked at very seriously."


PEER's survey questions were provided by current and retired special agents. Of the 187 agents who were contacted, 60 percent responded. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement Survey, including selected responses, can be found on the Web at www.peer.org or by contacting PEER at Suite 570, Washington, DC 20009 (202/265-7337).


* Juniper Davis


Republish Print
High Country News Classifieds
  • COPPER STAIN: ASARCO'S LEGACY IN EL PASO
     Tales from scores of ex-employees unearth the human costs of an economy that runs on copper.
  • FEATURES DIRECTOR - HIGH COUNTRY NEWS
     High Country News, an award-winning news organization covering the communities and environment of the Western United States, seeks a Features Director to join our editorial...
  • GENERAL MANAGER
     The Board of UYWCD seeks a new GM to manage operations & to implement our robust strategic plan. Details at www.upperyampawater.com. EOE
  • IN TUCSON, FOR SALE: A BEAUTIFUL, CLASSIC MID-CENTURY MODERN HOME
     designed by architect David Swanson in 1966. Located a block from Saguaro National Forest, yet minutes to Downtown and the UofA campus, 3706 sqft, 6...
  • EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
     The Friends of the San Juans is seeking a new leader guide our efforts to protect and restore the San Juan Islands and the Salish...
  • 80 ACRES
     straddles North Platte Fishery, Wyoming. Legal access 2 miles off 1-80. Call 720-440-7633.
  • DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT AND MARKETING
     High Country News seeks a Director of Product and Marketing to join our senior team during an exciting chapter of innovation and growth. This individual...
  • OWN A THRIVING MOUNTAIN GUIDE SERVICE.
     Eastern Sierra guide service for sale to person with vision & expertise to take it onwards. Since 1995 with USFS & NPS permits. Ideal for...
  • IMPROVED LOT
     Private road, hillside, views. Well, pad, septic, 99 sq.ft. hut. Dryland permaculture orchard. Wildlife. San Diego--long growing season
  • UNIQUE INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY
     Profitable off-the-grid business located 2 miles from Glacier National Park. Owner has 6 years operating experience. Seeking investor or partner for business expansion and enhancement....
  • REMOTE SITKA ALASKA FLOAT HOUSE VACATION RENTAL
     Vacation rental located in calm protected waters 8 miles from Sitka, AK via boat with opportunities to fish and view wildlife. Skiff rental also available.
  • EXPERT LAND STEWART
     Available for site conservator, property manager. View resume at http://skills.ojadigital.net.
  • CONSERVATIONIST? IRRIGABLE LAND?
     Stellar seed-saving NGO is available to serious partner. Package must include financial support. Details: http://seeds.ojaidigital.net.
  • CANYONLANDS FIELD INSTITUTE
     Colorado Plateau Natural & Human History Field Seminars. Lodge, river, hiking options. Small groups, guest experts.
  • WESTERN NATIVE SEED
     Specializing in native seeds and seed mixes for western states.
  • CHUCK BURR'S CULTUREQUAKE.COM BLOG
     Change will happen when we see a new way of living. Thinking to save the world.
  • COMING TO TUCSON?
     Popular vacation house, furnished, 2 bed/1 bath, yard, dog-friendly. Lee at [email protected] or 520-791-9246.
  • OJO CALIENTE COMMERCIAL VENTURE
     Outstanding location near the world famous Ojo Caliente Mineral Spring Resort. Classic adobe Mercantile complete w/living quarters, separate 6 unit B&B, metal building and spacious...