While the Center for Conservation Excellence's curriculum is not designed to directly produce hunters, anglers, or conservationists, it aims to equip future professionals with a solid foundation in conservation law and wildlife management. This approach will significantly contribute to the future of conservation and provide a vital complement to current legal education. Those working in the conservation field rely on the legal system to uphold their rights to manage and protect wildlife in alignment with the North American Model, utilizing modern science and data. To ensure this continues, students and graduates must understand the critical role of conservation law and its protections for wildlife, habitats, and the rights to hunt and fish.
Education
Students
Professionals
General Public
To maximize our ability to reach the largest number of students, the steady addition of Wildlife Law/Policy courses in new universities is imperative. The concept of education in Wildlife Law & Policy is not limited to law colleges; existing programs allow for crossover between law colleges and, for example, master's programs in Natural Resources.
Continuing Legal Education
Most states require Continuing Legal Education (CLE) credits for active attorneys and judges to maintain their U.S. license to practice law after initial admission to a state bar association. Conservation Law CLE Seminars are hosted with a variety of partnering conservation organizations and state bar associations across the US; the goal being to educate practicing attorneys, judges, policy personnel, and beyond on the legal foundations and threats to conservation, hunting, fishing, firearms, and beyond.
By creating & utilizing videos, white papers, & PowerPoint presentations on introductory topics of Wildlife Law, we communicate the principles of wildlife management. This information is delivered by program staff to student organizations, conservation clubs, bar associations, and the general public. Nonprofit organizations can also utilize the resources to deliver the information to members and volunteers.
Professional Opportunities
A career in conservation law provides a unique opportunity to engage at the forefront of wildlife and habitat management, while also preserving hunting and angling heritage through federal, state, and local regulations. Whether you are seeking a summer internship, a post-graduate position, a career transition, or an opportunity to teach Wildlife Law at a university or law school, the field of conservation law and policy offers a diverse and rewarding path.
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Educate, Advocate, Protect
The Center for Conservation Excellence distinguishes itself with a unique educational approach pursuing the addition and development of conservation law and policy courses in academia, as well as for professionals who work directly and indirectly within the conservation field.
Conservation has been interconnected with legislative decisions, public policy, and public opinion since the late 1800s. If a favorable combination of scientific facts and public opinion is met, new legislation may surface that opens opportunities to advance wildlife conservation efforts. The alternative is also valid and represents a challenge facing the efforts of conservationists in America today. There have only been a few programs and projects undertaken to create awareness of wildlife law and policy concepts in the past. While these have been strong in intention and relied on influential experts to deliver the content, the scalability has been challenging when addressing this national conservation need.