Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association

Formed in 1994, the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association (COPA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization recognized by the Internal Revenue Service and Pennsylvania's Bureau of Charitable Organizations.

COPA was formed to promote the wise use of natural resources and provide financial support to youth-oriented environmental and conservation-related programs and activities.

Our membership consists primarily of active and retired game wardens and waterways conservation officers but we also have associate and junior memberships available for supporters. Join us!

Game wardens and waterways conservation officers play a critical role in the protection and management of Pennsylvania's natural resources. To generate interest in the profession of conservation law enforcement and promote fraternalism within our ranks, COPA provides financial support to the following organizations and activities:

WCO David Grove Memorial Fund - Created in memory of Pennsylvania Game Commission officer David Grove who was killed in the line of duty while conducting a nighttime vehicle stop involving the poaching of white-tailed deer. The fund benefits students attending Penn State University, Dave's alma mater, who are involved with wildlife-related studies.

COPA Scholarship Fund - Provides scholarships to Pennsylvania resident undergraduate students studying wildlife conservation.

Jr. Game Warden Camps - In memory of Officer David Grove, these day-long camps are structured and fun-filled experiences for 11 to 15-year-old youngsters. The lucky participants spend the day with a group of highly trained game wardens learning about the job and the Game Commission's mission of protecting and managing the state's wildlife. They engage in light physical fitness, confidence-building exercises, and hands-on learning stations. Topics include wildlife forensics, crime scene analysis, tracking and outdoor survival.

Conservation Heritage Museum - Located at the Game Commission's Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, visitors can witness Pennsylvania's rich conservation heritage through the presentation of artifacts, memorabilia and interactive displays. Please come for a visit; admission is free!

Pink Patch Project - The sale of pink shoulder patches similar to those worn by State Game Wardens and Waterways Conservation Officers supports "Casting for Recovery", an organization that provides free outdoor fly fishing retreats for women with breast cancer.

North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association

(NAWEOA) - COPA supports NAWEOA's annual training conference which brings together conservation law enforcement professionals from the US and Canada. This conference promotes professionalism and excellence in wildlife conservation law enforcement through training, networking and professional recognition.

North American Game Warden Museum - Located at the International Peace Garden, on the border of North Dakota and the Canadian province of Manitoba, the museum is the only facility in North America that recognizes and celebrates the work of natural resource officers, conservation officers, and game wardens. The museum is a charitable non-profit organization that features a memorial dedicated to officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty and provides educational programming on the multi-faceted role of these essential law enforcement professionals.

Operation Game Thief - This Pennsylvania Game Commission program serves to protect wild birds and wild mammals and encourages those who have information related to wildlife crimes to report details as soon as possible.

As you see, COPA supports many important programs and activities and we could use your help! Maybe you're a lifelong hunter or angler who appreciates the hard work our officers do every day to protect your resource. Perhaps you would like to donate in memory of a loved one who was excited to see you pull your first blue gill from a farm pond or was there when you took your first deer. Whatever the reason, know the money you donate will be used to further the mission of the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association, whose board members are uncompensated volunteers. Please visit our website at www.pawco.org

Your support will help us pass on the great outdoor heritage enjoyed by generations of Pennsylvanians, past and present. Thank you!