Environmental Enforcement

About Environmental Enforcement

The Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) is responsible for protecting the Virgin Islands’ natural resources: which includes fish, wildlife and the environment, while also providing a Law Enforcement arm for the department. DEE officers are also deputized to have full police powers within the United States Virgin Islands Territorial jurisdiction. Furthermore, Officers are cross-trained to enforce federal marine fisheries and wildlife laws and are Coast Guard certified for recreational boating, along with federal consistency in resource protection efforts.

A Message from Director
Howard Forbes, Sr

Welcome to the DPNR’s Division of Environmental Enforcement webpage. I am Howard A. Forbes, Sr., Director of the Division. I have served as an Environmental Officer for over 28 years and as Director for over nine years. Jessica Magras-Parris is the Assistant Director stationed in the St. Thomas district office. This site will provide you with information on the duties and responsibilities of our Environmental Enforcement Officers. The Division of Environmental Enforcement (DEE) is responsible for protecting the Virgin Islands’ natural resources: which includes fish, wildlife and the environment, while also providing a Law Enforcement arm for the department. DEE officers are also deputized to have full police powers within the United States Virgin Islands Territorial jurisdiction. Furthermore, Officers are cross-trained to enforce federal marine fisheries and wildlife laws and are Coast Guard certified for recreational boating, along with federal consistency in resource protection efforts.

We encourage you to access the links and sign up for the boating safety courses available on our website. Thank you for visiting our webpage and remember when boating, Keep Safety first and WEAR IT!