Conservation Wardens are Wisconsin Law Enforcement Officers, whose primary responsibility is to protect the natural resources of the State and the citizens who enjoy them. Their enforcement authority extends throughout the State, and includes wildlife, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), and environmental laws. In addition, Conservation Wardens have full police authority on all DNR-owned property (parks and forests) and are responsible for the delivery of all law enforcement services on those properties. 

Conservation Wardens are responsible for providing public safety and natural resource protection services for all citizens in their community. Often, this career affords Wardens an opportunity to engage with diverse communities. The Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection (DPSRP) is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity, building trusting relationships, and thoughtfully engaging and serving our diverse public. 

Wardens must exemplify exceptional customer service, which may include issuing a citation, responding to a recreational vehicle accident investigation, explaining a regulation to someone who finds it confusing, or respectfully listening to a customer’s concern about a regulation change. Wardens also utilize community policing and attend numerous outreach and public relations events. Wardens respond to a variety of calls for service, stemming from patrol work or customer complaints. Wardens investigate persons or property crimes, conduct traffic monitoring, control, and enforcement, respond to emergency medical calls (sometimes in remote locations), enforce property-specific regulations, and assist customers with questions.