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Alexis Lee
English 4 Honors
Mrs. DeBock
March 17, 2016
Essential Question: What is the importance of DNR officers and how does that profession effect
the environment and people?
Working Thesis: DNR officers manage and enforce wildlife regulations and laws to ensure that
the public has a safe and long-lasting environment to pursue various leisure activities like
hunting and fishing in.
Refined Thesis: DNR officers work to protect the natural environment through the enforcement
of wildlife laws and regulations, while also working to ensure that conditions for nature goers are
safe across the spectrum of dangers that people can face when exploring nature.
Annotated Bibliography
Cain Johnson, Bianca. "DNR officer loves law enforcement role off beaten path." Augusta
Chronicle, The (GA) 14 June 2014: Points of View Reference Center. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
In this article, Mrs. Cain highlights the benefits of being a DNR officer compared to
standard law enforcement and DNR officers can be beneficial to the environment and people as
well. Cain describes how a DNR officer works to maintain the rules and regulations of the forest
but can also assist in forest and water related accidents like a boat accident for example. This

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article will be crucial in describing the job responsibilities of DNR officers and how they do
affect the environment despite what most may think.
"DNR's Species Conservation Efforts." SCDNR. Web. 17 Mar. 2016.
This article discusses the SC DNRs active efforts to help preserve the wildlife species in
South Carolina and what type of measures DNR officers go through in order to ensure that both
the wildlife and people remain safe in the wilderness. This article also highlights some of the
different ways that DNR officers are crucial in preserving and protecting the wildlife and also
tackling the problems that may arise, such as invasive species or rouge wildlife. This article will
be crucial in discussing how DNR officers impact the environment and how they are able to use
their job to improve conditions for the animals and the people who enjoy nature.
Genzlinger, Neil. "TV Stars Who Ask: Can I See a Permit?" New York Times 5 Sept. 2015:
C1(L). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 14 Apr. 2016.
This article will aid in describing the everyday life of a conservation officer. In this
article, Mr. Genzlinger talks about the reality T.V. show North Woods Law that follows real
Conservation officers on their everyday business in Maine. This article will be crucial in
describing the many different situations that DNR officers must face. It will also be provide
examples of how different situations require different reactions and how officers must react
quickly.
"S.C. House Approves $1,000 Reward for Killing Coyotes." The State. Web. 14 Apr. 2016.
This article provides valuable information on hunting invasive species in South Carolina
and how different programs are used by the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources to

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deal with the animals. This article will be crucial in solidifying the point that DNR officers do
not just deal with violations but also work to conserve natural species and control predators. The
article also describes the rewards that are given to hunters for bagging invasive species that
threaten the natural wildlife. This article will be crucial in proving my point the DNR officers are
more than just men and women who want to be in the outdoors instead of behind a desk.
Switzer, Jane. "Justin August Knackstedt: 1989-2013: an avid outdoorsman and a promising
conservation officer, he relished undercover work busting poachers." Maclean's 15 July
2013: 66.Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 14 Apr. 2016.
In this article, Switzer discusses the roles that DNR officers play with dealing with law
enforcement situations that are unrelated to conservation or game. Ms. Switzer elaborates on the
story of a young DNR officer that was killed in the line of duty while assisting highway patrol
with an automobile accident. This article will provide evidence that DNR officers are a diverse
breed and often step up to the plate in situations where they are needed to help protect the
people. This article will also provide an example of how dangerous the job of a DNR officer is
and the consequences of enjoying such a dangerous profession.
Trigg, Lisa. "Through the seasons, conservation officers keep it legal for hunting, fishing,
outdoor life." Tribune-Star (Terre Haute, IN) 11 Dec. 2015: Points of View Reference
Center. Web. 15 Mar. 2016.
In this article, Mrs. Trigg highlights life in the day of an average Conservation officer or
DNR officer. Through a first-hand account, she discusses the frustration that some officers face
because the conservation officer profession is widely misunderstood by the general public. As
stated in the article, many people believe that conservation officers are only hunting and pursuing

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other leisure activities while out in the field but in fact, [h]e's not hunting[h]e's checking that
hunters have the correct permits and are following state law concerning how many animals they
can take. It gives evidence that conservation officers are important in preserving wildlife and
allowing people to pursue the leisure activities that they love, like hunting and fishing for
example. The article also comments on how anyone interested in pursuing a career in wildlife
management can become a conservation officer. This article will be beneficial in solidifying the
understanding of the job requirements for conservation officers and what exactly they do on a
daily basis to protect not only wildlife but the human population as well. This article will also
provide evidence to rebuke the counter argument that conservation officers serve no real purpose
as it highlights some of the daily job duties of an officer.
"What Does a Conservation Officer Do?" Learn.org . Web. 17 Mar. 2016.
This article discusses the importance of DNR officers and the effects that they have on
their wildlife communities. In this article, readers can find information about how to become a
DNR officer, what is required of DNR officers, and how they directly affect the environment.
DNR officers play a major role in the wildlife community and ensuring that the waterways and
other areas are safe for people to enjoy nature in its wildest form. This article will be useful in
describing the day to day activities of a DNR officer and why their jobs are so important.