Department of Fisheries Resources Management
Conservation Enforcement Division

The need to protect anadromous and resident fish populations on the Nez Perce Reservation and on the Tribe’s ceded lands led to the creation of the Nez Perce Tribal Fisheries Conservation Enforcement program. This program was established in 1994 as a branch of the Department of Fisheries Resources Management to monitor and enforce fishing activities and regulations.

Today, we continue to provide protection of our natural and cultural resources. This is accomplished by preventative patrols, responding to calls for assistance or for investigating resource related cases. Officers are responsible for the protection and conservation of fish, wildlife, and all other natural and cultural resources within the Tribe's jurisdiction. Violations of tribal or federal laws pertaining to resource protection are investigated, and prosecuted if needed. Education, prevention and detection of violations is stressed. Officers patrol by vehicle, on foot, by boat, or by air. In the future we will be able to provide search and rescue for back country operations, swift water rescue and scuba diving services.

Conservation officers provide optimum fish and wildlife protection within the Nez Perce Indian Reservation and Treaty of 1855 areas, in order to enhance and sustain our tribal fisheries, wildlife and the natural ecosystem for future generations.