 Future DNR conservation officers are training this summer at Camp Ripley. In order to become a conservation officer, cadets have to attend this 15-week training camp, which is being held there. The camp focuses on understanding and enforcing the regulations that exist in the different aspects of an officer's job. At the end of each week, the cadets are in the field, applying what they learned with real scenarios that are performed by actors. The actors come in to make the cadets feel that it's as real as possible, so that could be a real person that you're checking and take the interaction with that in mind. 18 cadets are in this year's training program, which is a good sign for the DNR as they currently have a shortage of conservation officers. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland news, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.