Environment DEC
From the July 2008 issue
Ulster County Environmental Conservation Officer Named 2007 Officer of the Year
ECO Harcher patrols the waters and wetlands of the Hudson River watching for fish and wildlife violations
Environmental Conservation Officer (ECO) Cynthia J. Harcher was named the 2007 New York Officer of the Year by the Northeast Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association (NECLECA). NECLECA consists of the law enforcement chiefs from 13 northeastern states, three eastern provinces of Canada and the United States and Canadian federal conservation law enforcement agencies.
Early Work
ECO Harcher began working in DEC's Region 3 in 1988, when she specialized in enforcing laws pertaining to endangered species. Her work included following up on the illegal sale of wolf hybrids, fur coats and a live caiman (a crocodilian) and enforcing laws to protect wild birds. She also was involved in an investigation into the illegal importation of protected bird eggs from Australia and the seizure of a protected monkey illegally imported from South America.
Current Responsibilities
For the past 16 years, ECO Harcher has been responsible for overseeing both environmental crimes and fish and wildlife violations in Ulster County. She protects the shad, striped bass and freshwater wetlands of the Hudson River. Harcher also has patrolled Long Island Sound for illegal lobstering and clamming and monitored the tidal wetlands bordering the Sound.
Serious Student
In 2000, Harcher was chosen to be a member of DEC's Critical Incident Response Team. She trained and attended seminars to increase her knowledge in this area and recently met with a county police response team to expand her level of training and participation throughout the Hudson Valley.
Volunteer Teacher
ECO Cynthia Harcher with girl scouts at a camp operated by the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council in Orange County
Harcher also was one of the first ECOs to volunteer to become an instructor as part of DEC's Environmental Awareness Gives Life to the Eco-System (EAGLES) initiative. The program was developed to introduce and educate the community about New York State's abundant environmental resources, the role of their local ECO and DEC's responsibilities. ECO Harcher gives talks to students, scouts and other community groups, both within and beyond her area of patrol.
