CON-118 Introduction to Natural Resource Law

This course introduces students to laws for the protection and conservation of fish, wildlife and natural resources. The focus of the course is New York State and Federal law regulating the conservation of fish, wildlife and forest resources. Particular areas of study include the New York State Fish and Wildlife Law and Federal Fish and Wildlife Laws (e.g. Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Act). Students will study the evolution of the current body of New York State and Federal law relating to management of fish, wildlife and forest resources from a historical prospective. Students will also study legislative and administrative processes employed in the formation of Fish and Wildlife Laws and the functions and duties of the New York State and federal agencies charged with enforcing these laws.

Credits

3

Lecture Contact Hours

3

Lab Contact Hours

0

Other Contact Hours

0

Department

• Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Grading Scheme

• Letter

SUNY Gen Ed Credit

• No

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the context behind fish and wildlife laws in the US and NY specifically (e.g. purpose, history, reasons behind the development of public policy as it pertains to natural resource management).
2. Interpret current NY state and federal fish and wildlife codes and regulations.
3. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications associated with natural resource management positions (eg. NYS Environmental Conservation Officers, Forest Ranger, Federal Wildlife Agent).
4. Develop a personal environmental ethic to guide their future management of natural resources.

View Course Outline

CON 118: Introduction to Natural Resource Law

Department

Environmental Conservation and Horticulture

Course Description

This course introduces students to laws for the protection and conservation of fish, wildlife and natural resources. The focus of the course is New York State and Federal law regulating the conservation of fish, wildlife and forest resources. Particular areas of study include the New York State Fish and Wildlife Law and Federal Fish and Wildlife Laws (e.g. Lacey Act, Endangered Species Act, Migratory Bird Act). Students will study the evolution of the current body of New York State and Federal law relating to management of fish, wildlife and forest resources from a historical prospective. Students will also study legislative and administrative processes employed in the formation of Fish and Wildlife Laws and the functions and duties of the New York State and federal agencies charged with enforcing these laws.

Credit Hours

3

Contact Hours

Lecture	3
Lab	0
Other	0

Grading Scheme

Letter

Course Learning Outcomes

1. Explain the context behind fish and wildlife laws in the US and NY specifically (e.g. purpose, history, reasons behind the development of public policy as it pertains to natural resource management).
2. Interpret current NY state and federal fish and wildlife codes and regulations.
3. Describe the roles, responsibilities, and qualifications associated with natural resource management positions (eg. NYS Environmental Conservation Officers, Forest Ranger, Federal Wildlife Agent).
4. Develop a personal environmental ethic to guide their future management of natural resources.

Topic Outline

1. Introduction to Environmental and Recreation Law  
   1. History of environmental laws 
   2. European laws and how they influenced U.S. law 
   3. Definitions and applications of laws and legal terms 
2. Review of the Legislative Process  
   1. State and federal legislative bodies 
   2. How a bill becomes a law
   3. Role of lobbies 
   4. Use, referencing and citation of law materials (ECL, NYCRR) 
3. Federal and International Fish and Wildlife Laws  
   1. Endangered Species Act 
   2. Convention on International Trade on
   3. Endangered Species (CITES) 
   4. Marine Mammal Protection Act 
   5. Migratory Bird Treaty Act 
   6. Airborne Hunting Act 
   7. Lacey Act 
   8. Pittman-Robertson/Dingle-Johnson 
4. Duties and Responsibilities of an Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO)  
   1. Becoming a NYS ECO 
5. NYS Environmental Conservation Law  
   1. Article 11 - Fish and Wildlife Law 
   2. Titles 1-19 
   3. NYS Fishing and Hunting Regulations Guides 
   4. Article 13 - Marine and Coastal Resources 
   5. Titles 1 and 3 
   6. Article 71 - Enforcement 
6. Law Enforcement Techniques 
   1. Forensics, evidence, interview, interrogation