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Compliance Communications and Guardian Patrols — Level 2

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

Description

The Compliance Communications and Guardian Patrols — Level 2 course builds on the foundational skills developed in Level 1 and is designed for Land Guardians with field experience.

This advanced course focuses on strengthening communication, compliance, and enforcement capabilities in more complex and sensitive situations. Participants will continue developing their ability to build rapport, promote cooperation, and support voluntary compliance, while navigating the ethical challenges that may arise in the field.

Through a combination of classroom discussion and scenario-based field exercises, participants will learn how to plan and conduct surveillance operations, safely observe and document illegal activities, and apply investigative techniques in real-world contexts.

The course also introduces key concepts related to securing incident scenes, collecting and preserving evidence, and developing clear, enforceable regulations that can be applied in the field. Discussions around Guardian safety, including considerations for personal protection tools, are included in a controlled and educational setting.

All exercises are tailored to reflect the specific concerns, environments, and enforcement realities of each Nation.

This course is delivered through experiential, hands-on learning and is designed to reflect the evolving role of Land Guardians in supporting compliance and environmental protection.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

  1. Identify and navigate ethical considerations relevant to Land Guardian roles.
  2. Plan, set up, and operate a stationary surveillance observation post.
  3. Apply safe and effective techniques for observing and documenting illegal activities.
  4. Issue courtesy notices and written warnings with professionalism and clarity.
  5. Secure an incident scene to protect public safety and preserve evidence.
  6. Apply foundational investigative skills, including evidence collection and documentation.
  7. Develop simple, clear regulations that can be effectively implemented in the field.
  8. Understand and articulate considerations for Guardian safety and personal protection tools.

Prerequisites

Participants should have successfully completed: Compliance Communications and Guardian Patrols – Level 1 or have equivalent field experience as a Land Guardian, including conducting compliance patrols.

Who Attends?

Course participants typically include:

  • First Nations Land Guardians
  • Environmental monitors and compliance officers
  • Guardian program staff seeking advanced investigative and enforcement skills

Course Format

This five-day course includes a combination of:

  • Classroom-based learning
  • Team-based discussions
  • Scenario-based field exercises tailored to community needs

Important Note

No firearms (long or short) are used or present during this course. All related discussions are conducted in a controlled, educational context.

What Should I Bring or Supply?

Participants are required to provide:

  • Appropriate outdoor clothing for daily field scenarios (weather dependent)
  • Waterproof field notebook, pen, camera, and binoculars or spotting scope
  • 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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