THE SQUAD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR POLICING 363.5 SQUARE MILES THAT ARE HALF MARSHLAND. THE IMPETUS FOR THE SQUAD FORMED IN 1971, CAME FROM AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SURFACE AND UNDERGROUND FIRES WITH RESULTANT SMOG AND FROM INCREASED FIREARMS HAZARDS FROM HUNTERS AND FISHERMEN. THE MAJOR GOALS OF THE SQUAD WERE TO ELIMINATE ILLEGAL HUNTERS AND TO COMBAT THE RISING NUMBER OF FIRES, OFTEN STARTED IN THE PEAT THAT HAD BUILT UP IN THE MARSHLANDS. SQUAD EQUIPMENT INCLUDES A SMALL CANOE FOR EACH MEMBER, A 16-FOOT BOSTON WHALER, AN 18-FOOT ALUMINUM FLAT BOAT, AND A 4-WHEEL DRIVE VEHICLE. SQUAD RESPONSIBILITIES HAVE INCLUDED SURVEYING THE AREA, HELPING RECOVER DROWNING VICTIMS, DESTROYING MARIHUANA PLANTS, HANDLING WILDLIFE SUCH AS SNAKES, ALLIGATORS, OWLS, WILD BOARS, AND BEES WHOSE PRESENCE IS PROBLEMATICAL, AND APPREHENDING LITTERERS AND POLLUTERS. PHOTOGRAPHS ARE INCLUDED. (AOP)