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1854 Treaty Authority |
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Enforcement Division |
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The 1854 Treaty Authority Enforcement Division's primary responsibility is to enforce the Conservation Code of the 1854 Treaty Authority. The Conservation Code is the rule book that we use to implement the band members activities as they hunt, fish and gather off-reservation in the 1854 Treaty area. Contrary to popular misconception, exercise of treaty rights is not a free for all and all subsequent activities are regulated and monitored. |
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Primary Responsibility |
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1854 Treaty Authority Conservation Officers are all fully licensed Peace Officers and must adhere to the same rigid standards of all law enforcement officers. In addition to the basic requirements to become a Conservation Officer, 1854 Treaty Authority officers must continually maintain their P.O.S.T. status by regularly attending and satisfactorily completing various aspects of enforcement training each year. |
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Licensing Requirements |
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Joint Powers Agreement |
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The 1854 Treaty Authority and the State of Minnesota have an agreement which allows each authority to enforce the others game laws, meaning: Conservation Officers of the State of Minnesota may enforce tribal code against tribal members. If a ticket is issued, the particular individual appears in Tribal Court; Conservation Officers of the 1854 Treaty Authority may enforce state code against state licensed residents and non-residents. If a ticket is issued, the particular individual appears in State Court. |
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State/Tribal Cooperation |
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As both Tribal Conservation Offices and State Conservation Officers are working to protect the same resource, in some instances the officers work together. As there are few Conservation Officers in relation to the large area of jurisdiction, this convenient working relationship further enhances protection of our valuable natural resources. |
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Other Duties as Assigned |
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In addition to regular patrol and maintenance of the 1854 Treaty Area, our Conservation Officers take on other duties as assigned: Big Game & Furbearer Registration Our conservation Officers serve as license issuing and registration stations throughout the busy fall hunting season. Safety Instructors Our Conservation Officers are licensed firearm and snowmobile safety instructors. Natural Resource Monitoring Currently our Conservation Officers are assisting the 1854 Treaty Authority biologists in monitoring selected wild rice lakes in the 1854 Treaty area. This is part of a long term wild rice monitoring program aimed at learning scientific information on this valuable and unique resource. Public Outreach 1854 Conservation Officers also participate in various public functions as a means to promote education regarding all aspects of the natural resources including classroom presentations, career days, fair booths, and other functions of these types. |
