More women will be recruited to the ranks of environmental conservation officers, forest rangers and park police officers in the coming years, part of a broader effort by Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration to hire more women in law enforcement positions. 

The 30X30 Pledge is part of a national campaign to have 30% of police recruitment classes be composed of women by 2030. 

"New York's police agencies are stronger and more effective when they reflect the diversity of the New Yorkers they serve," Hochul said. "I applaud DEC and State Parks for making this important commitment to recruiting more women among their ranks, and I encourage all who are interested to take advantage of the opportunity to have a profound and positive impact on the lives of others by joining this law enforcement community."   

The initiative is a project of the New York University School of Law and the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives. Hochul previously announced this year the New York State Police were taking part in the program to recruit more women. 

More than 160 law enforcement agencies are taking part in the program, including the New York City Police Department. 

"Every day, DEC's female Forest Rangers and Environmental Conservation Officers are hard at work, implementing some of the strongest environmental laws in the nation, protecting our natural resources, promoting environmental justice, and protecting communities from the existential threat of climate change," said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos. "Taking the 30x30 Pledge recognizes both the work DEC has accomplished to date to support women in law enforcement at DEC, and the work that remains to increase the diversity and representation of DEC's staff overall."