Interagency Environmental Enforcement Seminar Held

A significant gathering of federal and state environmental protection agencies took place on December 3rd and 4th at the first interagency environmental enforcement seminar, held in Anchorage.

The conference, which was held at the regional office, was attended by about 95 people from 17 state and federal agencies. The seminar was coordinated by the newly formed Environmental Crimes Task Force. The focus of the group is better communications and cooperation among agencies that have similar or overlapping responsibilities to provide environmental protection within the State of Alaska. 

“Enforcement of environmental crimes is central to the mission of the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska,” said Nelson Cohen, U.S. attorney for Alaska. “We have a strong history of cooperation and consultation with Alaska State Troopers’ Wildlife Enforcement Division, state investigators, the Alaska Attorney General’s Office, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and last, but certainly not least, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Criminal Investigation Division. Our successes in recent years have been substantial, and this seminar is proof that we will do our best to protect the waters, wildlife, fisheries and lands of this Great State.”

Last week’s meeting focused on wildlife and fisheries enforcement, illegal hunting, endangered species and Marine Mammals Protection Act violations, the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, federal and state clean water cases, vessel pollution, and hazardous waste cases.  Presentations covered investigations, technical support and prosecution of resource crimes.