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Compliance Communications and Guardian Patrols — Level 1

Each NRTG course includes free, lifetime admission. Enrol once – come back anytime.

Description

The Compliance Communications and Guardian Patrols course provides participants with the foundational skills required to support effective land-based compliance programs.

Through a combination of classroom learning and practical field scenarios, participants will develop the communication, observation, and reporting skills needed to conduct professional and safe land patrols. Emphasis is placed on building rapport with resource users, promoting cooperation, and achieving voluntary compliance through respectful and effective communication.

Participants will learn how to apply environmental legislation in the field, follow appropriate safety protocols, and respond confidently to a range of situations. Conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques are introduced and practiced to support safe interactions with non-compliant individuals.

The course also covers evidence gathering, field documentation, and reporting procedures to ensure observations can support follow-up actions by relevant agencies.

This course is delivered using experiential, team-based learning, combining indoor instruction with realistic outdoor scenarios.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

  1. Conduct land patrols using professional communication and appropriate field conduct.
  2. Engage resource users effectively to promote cooperation and voluntary compliance.
  3. Identify potential environmental infractions through observation and questioning.
  4. Assess verbal and non-verbal cues to determine appropriate next steps.
  5. Apply conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques in challenging situations.
  6. Record accurate field notes, including written observations, sketches, and photographs.
  7. Prepare clear and concise patrol reports to support enforcement or follow-up actions.

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for this course.

Participants should have an interest in conducting land patrols and supporting compliance within their communities or organizations.

Who Attends?

Course participants typically include:

  • Current Land Guardians
  • First Nations community members developing or supporting Guardian programs
  • Environmental monitors and field staff
  • Individuals interested in compliance, stewardship, and land protection roles

Course Format

This course is delivered over five days and includes a combination of:

  • Classroom-based instruction
  • Team-based learning
  • Outdoor, scenario-based field exercises

What Should I Bring or Supply?

Participants are required to provide:

  • Appropriate outdoor clothing for daily field activities (weather dependent)
  • Waterproof field notebook, pen, and camera
  • Access to a computer for completing a written assignment

Instructor Profile

Greg Klimes, M.Ed. Professor (Retired)

Academic Emeritus and Honorary Research Associate

Greg’s entire career has stayed focused in the field of compliance and enforcement. Over the first 30 years he worked for several resource agencies including BC Parks, Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resources and for the last 22 of those years, as a Fishery Officer with Fisheries and Oceans Canada.

While in the field, Greg was an active field trainer, coach and mentor to many new Officers. He was also trained and certified by the RCMP, as a Firearms Instructor. His passion for the conservation and protection of our natural world continues today, through his teachings.

Since 2001 Greg has shared these vast field experiences and knowledge with hundreds of students, at Vancouver Island University. Many of these students are now Fishery and Conservation Officers, Park Wardens and Rangers and Environmental Monitors. Most recently he has helped Indigenous students start their Land Guardian careers through the Stewardship Technician Training Program (VIU), and the highly successful Land Guardian Program. (NRTG)

It is with these extensive field and teaching experiences that Greg has developed his highly successful course: Compliance Communications and Guardian Patrols; Levels 1 and 2.

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