From catching poachers to rescuing owls, New York’s Environmental Conservation Police have been busy this year — and they have the numbers to prove it.
In the first half of 2025, officers with the DEC’s Division of Law Enforcement handled over 18,900 complaints and issued more than 9,400 tickets or arrests for violations of state environmental laws. Those included everything from illegal stream excavation to emissions tampering and wildlife trafficking.
The agency said it fielded roughly 45,000 calls during that time, nearly matching the 105,000-plus calls received throughout all of 2024.
“These officers protect New York’s air, water, wildlife, and public safety,” said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. “Their work is critical to ensuring a cleaner, greener, and safer state.”
Emissions tampering in Schoharie County
One of the more serious cases involved a vehicle repair shop in Schoharie County that was modifying diesel trucks to bypass emissions controls. A tip from a separate auto shop led Officer Bohling to uncover four illegally altered trucks. The shop owner now faces four misdemeanor charges.
$26K penalty for illegal stream work in Greene County
In Greene County, ECOs and investigators traced multiple illegal excavations of protected streams back to one individual. Their investigation revealed the person was selling streambed material to homeowners. The subject was fined $26,625 for disturbing protected waterbodies and wetlands.
Injured owl rescued in Delaware County
In Hancock, Delaware County, ECO Osborne responded to a call about an injured great horned owl. The bird was weak and unable to fly. Despite being rushed to a wildlife rehabilitator, it died from internal injuries.
Fishing fun in Suffolk County
Meanwhile, on Long Island, ECOs teamed up with the I FISH NY program and New York State Parks to host a fishing clinic at Captree State Park. Twenty adults with disabilities from Life’s WORC took part, catching striped bass, bluefish, and needlefish — all of which were safely released.
To report an environmental crime or violation, call the DEC’s 24-hour dispatch line at 1-844-DEC-ECOS.
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