NEW YORK CONSERVATION OFFICERS ASSOCIATION INC

Engages in conservation promotion through publications and sponsors environmental or related projects to advance natural resource protection.

Provides financial support to conservation-related institutions and initiatives, including a significant donation to become a charter member of The Wild Center in 1999 and ongoing support as a Corporate Charter Member. Also donated $4,500 to the Tunnels to Towers Foundation through the 'No Shave November' fundraiser.

Delivers educational talks to schools, colleges, and sportsmen’s clubs; provides instruction in Sportsman Education classes covering hunting and trapping fundamentals; and conducts youth education and public outreach projects focused on fish, wildlife, and outdoor heritage conservation.

Raises approximately $14,000 annually for the Hunt of a Lifetime Foundation through charity golf tournaments and sponsors New York children with life-threatening illnesses or disabilities to participate in hunting and fishing experiences. Conducts annual golf tournaments in collaboration with Hunt of a Lifetime to support these opportunities.

Provides multiple annual college scholarships, including four $1,000 awards (three Robert VanBenschoten Memorial Scholarships and one Lt. Jim Molinelli Memorial Scholarship), and the $2,500 ECO Stephen L. Raymond Memorial Scholarship for spouses or children of current or retired Environmental Conservation Officers attending accredited colleges. Scholarship funds are processed and issued annually by June 30 for the upcoming academic year.

Runs a merchandise outlet where supporters can purchase items to show support for the organization and its mission.

Operates the New York Conservation Officers Relief Fund, which provides financial and moral support to Environmental Conservation Officers, retired officers, and their families during tragedies such as death, injury, illness, or natural disaster.

Offers capacity-building training to personnel from other law enforcement agencies in areas including defensive tactics, emergency vehicle operation, firearms proficiency, all-terrain vehicle operation, and impaired driver recognition.

Sponsors children to attend NYSDEC Environmental Education Camps, with one child sponsored per year to each of the four camps. Co-develops and runs the Youth Conservation Program on Long Island for youth aged 12–15, including outdoor skills training, overnight camping, and sportsman’s education certification. Organizes and conducts the program annually in Region 1 with ECOs and volunteers. Also provides financial support and ECO participation for youth outdoor activities in partnership with the NYSDEC Division of Law Enforcement, and supports youth activities statewide through funding and mentoring.

Conducts investigations resulting in felony charges, jail time, and financial penalties, such as in a major trapping case. Conducted one of the largest undercover operations in the history of the Division of Law Enforcement. Also performs historical research, such as searching DEC records to locate information about Game Protector John Henry Wackerman for his family.

Hosts bi-annual meetings to discuss association activities and plan events. Holds rotating summer conventions every other year across New York State, occurring on the first Monday and Tuesday of August in even-numbered years, with a summer meeting paired with the HOAL golf tournament in odd-numbered years. The 2026 Summer Meeting and Convention was hosted on August 2 and 3 in Johnson City, NY.

Provides a subscription to New York Outdoor News to members, except for those who select the $37 retiree membership option.