New York State Department of Environmental Protection

Where to find DEC's Regulations and Prevalent Regulatory Requirements

• Permits - information and application guidance relating to recreation and sporting activities, land access, waste transportation, and major environmental regulatory areas.
• Pesticide Certification and Business Registration - standards and criteria for pesticide applicator certification, pesticide business registration for commercial application of pesticides, and commercial permits that are required for the sale of restricted use pesticides.

Protecting the Public and Environment

DEC's Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs) and Forest Rangers protect New York's natural resources and people.

Environmental Conservation Police Officers (ECOs)

ECOs are sworn Police Officers authorized to enforce all state laws, with special emphasis on enforcing New York's Environmental Conservation Laws, including those relating to environmental quality, hunting, fishing and trapping and protection of natural resources.

Environmental quality enforcement includes most areas that affect air, land or water quality violations. Some examples include:

• investigating timber thefts;
• improper use or application of pesticides; and
• commercial vehicles producing excessive emissions.

Fish and wildlife enforcement includes:

• addressing complaints of poaching;
• the illegal sale of endangered species; and
• checking hunters, anglers, trappers and commercial fishermen for compliance.

Forest Rangers

Forest Rangers are sworn Police Officers authorized to enforce all state laws, with special emphasis on Environmental Conservation Law and the protection of state lands and the public using state lands. Along with that, Forest Rangers also:

• organize and conduct wildland search and rescue operations;
• oversee wildland fire management (both prevention and suppression); and perform
• education and outreach efforts-promoting an understanding of New York's wild lands and the proper use of its natural resources.