Government

PEI's Conservation Officers

Published date: January 30, 2026

What do conservation officers do?

The Conservation and Enforcement section of the Department of Justice and Public safety are tasked with enforcing a variety of both provincial and federal legislation through the diligent efforts of Conservation Officers. The Officers conduct patrols across highways, waterways, trails, forests, beaches, farmlands, and natural areas within the province. Their mandate includes the preservation of the provinces’ natural resources, wildlife, the environment and public safety.          

Conservation Officers are actively engaged in a wide variety of enforcement initiatives spanning the entire province. Their responsibilities include responding to public complaints and conducting targeted patrols to address non-compliance issues. These issues include matters relating to hunting, fishing, trapping, off highway vehicles, water safety, highway traffic and environmental infractions to name a few.

Did you know?

75 per cent of investigations by conservation officers into environmental matters are in response to public complaints.    

Illegal dumping

Illegal dumping can hurt the environment, wildlife and communities. It's also illegal and will result in fines. To report illegal dumping, call 902-368-4884. Conservation officers will follow-up on your tip. To learn more about proper disposal of waste, visit Island Waste Management. 

How can I contact a conservation officer?

During regular office hours, contact a Conservation Officer in your area.

Office LocationPhone Number 
Charlottetown(902) 368-4884submit a report online
Montague(902) 838-0600submit a report online
Queens County(902) 368-4884submit a report online
Souris(902) 687-7000submit a report online
Summerside(902) 888-8000submit a report online
Wellington(902) 854-7250submit a report online
Enforcement Statistics 2022 to 2025

Act

 

2022 

charges

2022 warnings2023 charges

2023 

warnings

2024 

charges

2024 warnings2025  charges2025  warnings
Environmental Protection Act2639244829323640
Wildlife Conservation Act   37821102915
Fisheries Act (federal)9262231218
Off Highway Vehicle Act9060325795573436
Highway Traffic Act2471161591810
Totals15211581134151103109119

Legislation

Conservation officers enforce the following provincial legislation, all of which are administered by other government departments:

Off Highway Vehicle Act

Environmental Protection Act

Wildlife Conservation Act

Pesticide Control Act

Trails Act

Unsightly Property Act

Companion Animal Protection Act / Dog Act

Natural Areas Protection Act

Trespass to Property Act

Forest Fire Prevention Act

Forest Management Act

Agricultural Crop Rotation Act

Highway Traffic Act

Beverage Container Act

Recreation Development Act

Planning Act

Conservation officers are also responsible for enforcing federal legislation including the Criminal Code, Fisheries Act (Maritime Provinces Fishery Regulations), Migratory Birds Convention Act, Canada Shipping Act (Small Vessel Regulations), and the Species at Risk Act. You can find information about federal legislation on the Government of Canada website.