ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The Virginia NWTF State Chapter is providing funds to enhance wildlife enforcement across the state of Virginia.
The Virginia NWTF State Chapter is providing $68,000 to the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources Law Enforcement Division to allow officers to obtain QuietKat e-bikes, Flock Falcon Flex surveillance cameras, and other cutting-edge equipment to patrol and monitor the state’s landscape.
Funding will aid Virginia’s four patrol regions with two QuietKat e-bikes and multiple Flock Falcon Flex cameras. This will enhance VDWR’s enforcement in combatting turkey poaching and other violations.
Limited patrol hours have made it difficult for officers to detect and find violates, and the funding will allow officers to be provided with tools to work against the challenges.
“Enforcement of game and access laws goes hand in hand with other conservation practices,” said Cully McCurdy, NWTF district biologist for Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. “Kudos to the NWTF volunteers in Virginia for supporting the Law Enforcement Section’s effort to protect our natural resources in the state.”
E-bike training will be provided by the manufacturer to provide skills and how to operate the e-bikes.
“The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources and the National Wild Turkey Federation have maintained a longstanding partnership with a shared mission of enhancing and protecting wildlife habitats and populations,” said Major Ryan Shuler, who oversees all law enforcement operations for VDWR. “This most recent investment in our law enforcement operations by the NWTF will further our ability to enhance resource protection by apprehending those who violate our wildlife laws in the Commonwealth. The Flock camera systems serve as a force multiplier by constantly monitoring an area when a conservation police officer is not available. The QuietKat E-bikes will be instrumental in allowing our officers to patrol vast areas more quickly and quietly, while also leaving behind a minimal physical and carbon footprint. We are very grateful to the National Wild Turkey Federation for their investment in our Law Enforcement Division and look forward to putting this equipment to work for wildlife for years to come.”
With the partnership, VDWR’s Law Enforcement Division will gain resources to protect Virginia’s wildlife.