CDFW News

California Fish and Game Commission Finds CESA Protections Warranted for Southern California and Central Coast Mountain Lion

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 10:43:22 GMT

In Other Regulatory Action, Commission Streamlines Charitable Donation of Sport-Caught Fish

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) at its Feb. 11-12 meeting voted to list mountain lion populations in parts of southern California and the central coast as a threatened species under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

In a unanimous vote, the Commission determined that listing a distinct population segment of mountain lions in southern California and the central coast is warranted due to threats such as habitat loss, habitat fragmentation and isolation of small populations as a result of expanding human infrastructure, among others. The Commission considered presentations from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) on its species status review and from the listing petitioner the Center for Biological Diversity, as well as public comment. The Commission will adopt its findings at a future meeting.

“This segment of the mountain lion population is clearly at risk from distinct threats,” said President Eric Sklar. “Habitat loss, habitat fragmentation by roads, freeways and housing, and mortality from vehicle strikes, rodenticides and risks of isolation and inbreeding would lead to the extinction of these mountain lions if we remained on the same trajectory.”

Following the 1974 ban on hunting mountain lions in California, in 1990 voters approved Proposition 117, which designated mountain lion a specially protected mammal in the state and established some exemptions for lethal removal of mountain lions to preserve public safety and to protect private property and livestock. The Commission noted that those statutory provisions remain intact and that this listing is focused specifically on preventing the potential loss of the identified population segment through science-based management and conservation action.

Donation of Sport-Caught Fish

The Commission adopted regulatory amendments related to processing and donating sport-caught fish. Sport fishing license holders who exchange fish for processing will be able to donate their fish to charities directly through fish processors rather than having to deliver the fish themselves as presently allowed. The adopted amendments streamline the donation of sport-caught fish to nonprofit organizations, California Native American tribes, public schools within a California unified school district and California city or county government programs. The changes will provide sport fishing license holders the opportunity to support nonprofit, community, school and tribal initiatives addressing food insecurity, access and distribution.

Commission Elections, Committee Assignments and Meeting Participation

In its first meeting of 2026, Commissioner Eric Sklar was elected Commission president and Commissioner Darius Anderson vice president. The Commission moved to retain Marine Resources, Wildlife Resources and Tribal Committee co-chair assignments — Sklar and Commissioner Samantha Murray will continue to serve on the Marine Resources Committee, Anderson and Commissioner Erica Zavaleta on the Wildlife Resources Committee and Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin on the Tribal Committee.

Sklar, Zavaleta and Murray were in attendance for both days of the February Commission meeting held in Sacramento; Hostler-Carmesin and Anderson were absent both meeting dates.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for April 15-16, 2026, at the California Natural Resources Agency building in Sacramento. Participants are encouraged to attend in person, with options available for Zoom or phone; for more information visit the Commission website.

The Commission authorized public notice of upcoming potential regulation changes related to:

Central Valley and Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations: A discussion hearing is scheduled for April 15-16 and an adoption hearing for May 6 on proposed amendments related to Central Valley and Klamath River Basin sport fishing regulations.

Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Jen Benedet, CDFW Communications, (916) 202-4465

CDFW Seeks Public Comment Related to Gerry’s Curly-Leaved Monardella

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 10:13:51 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is seeking data and public comments on a petition to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella (Monardella sinuata subsp. gerryi) under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA).

Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella is an annual herb in the mint family (Lamiaceae) that occurs in the Camarillo and Las Posas Hills in Ventura County. Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella is restricted to soil derived from Las Posas sand. The species has been documented from just three occurrences with fewer than 500 individuals in total. Threats to Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella include agricultural conversion, development, land clearing and grading, maintenance and construction of roads or trails, nonnative plants, vegetation succession and erosion.

On February 19, 2025, the California Native Plant Society submitted a petition to the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella as an endangered species under CESA. The Commission published findings of its decision to make the species a candidate for listing as an endangered species on October 24, 2025, and as such, Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella now receives the same legal protection afforded to an endangered or threatened species (Fish and Game Code sections 2074.2 and 2085).

As of October 24, 2025, CDFW has 12 months to conduct a status review that will inform the Commission’s final decision on whether to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella as endangered under CESA. As part of the status review process, CDFW is soliciting information regarding the species’ ecology, genetics, life history, distribution, abundance, habitat, the degree and immediacy of threats to its reproduction or survival, the adequacy of existing management and recommendations for management of the species.

CDFW respectfully requests that data and comments be submitted before February 2, 2026, to allow sufficient time to evaluate this information during the status review period. Submit comments and general information on the petitioned action to CDFW’s Native Plant Program by email at NativePlants@wildlife.ca.gov and include “Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella” in the subject line. Comments may also be submitted by mail to California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Native Plant Program, Attn: Kristi Lazar, P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090. If you have occurrence data on Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella, visit https://wildlife.ca.gov/Data/CNDDB/Submitting-Data for data submission instructions or contact CDFW’s California Natural Diversity Database at CNDDB@wildlife.ca.gov. Please note that any information you submit (including your contact information) will become part of the public record and may be disclosed in response to a Public Records Act request.

CDFW will produce a peer-reviewed report based upon the best scientific information available, which will include a recommendation as to whether the petitioned action to list Gerry’s curly-leaved monardella as endangered under CESA is warranted (Fish and Game Code section 2074.6). The report will be made publicly available on CDFW’s website for at least 30 days before the Commission considers acting on the petition. Please note, the Commission — which is a legally separate entity from CDFW — is charged with making the final determination on whether to list a species as endangered or threatened under CESA (Fish and Game Code section 2075.5). CDFW serves in a scientific advisory role to the Commission during this process. See the California Fish and Game Commission webpage for details on submitting comments to the Commission and receiving email alerts for upcoming Commission meetings.

The listing petition, CDFW’s petition evaluation report and updates on the listing process are available on the Commission’s website.

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Media Contacts:
Kristi Lazar, CDFW Native Plant Program, (916) 594-5425
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

California Fish and Game Commission: Joshua Tree Conservation Plan Review Bumped to August; Butte County’s Tufaro Named Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 14:25:09 GMT

Commissioners request public comment on draft plan for Joshua tree conservation by July 10

Last week the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) continued its decision on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan to its August meeting to allow more time for public and stakeholder review of recent revisions to the draft plan. The June 11-12 meeting of the Commission also brought Butte County Deputy District Attorney Michael Tufaro to Sacramento to be recognized as 2024 Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year.

Based on input received during the last two Commission meetings from California tribes, the public and stakeholders, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) incorporated additional revisions to the draft Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. The latest updates to the draft plan include guidance on assisted migration, removal of specific Joshua tree avoidance distances to reflect flexibility for different types of construction or development projects, updated Joshua tree relocation protocols and the addition of the U.S. Geological Survey’s future suitable habitat climate model data and maps.

For a summary of all changes to the draft Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan, go to the meeting materials for the June Commission Meeting. The revised draft of the plan can be found on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan web page.

The Commission has requested that anyone planning to submit additional comments, do so no later than July 10 to allow adequate time for consideration ahead of discussion and potential plan approval at the August meeting.

Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year

A highlight of the Commission’s June meeting, Butte County Deputy District Attorney Michael Tufaro was honored as 2024 Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year.

“All of the great work our officers do is complemented by our champions at the various district and city attorney’s offices throughout the state,” said CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division Deputy Chief Erica Manes. “Deputy District Attorney Tufaro is more than a prosecutor — he is a true steward of California’s natural heritage. His integrity, leadership and passion for justice make him a standout in our field.”

Tufaro has prosecuted numerous high-impact cases involving wildlife offenders, including one case where a subject poached more than 40 deer, committed a variety of other natural resource crimes and was also found to be in possession of dynamite. Another case saw the conviction of a man who used his fishing boat to drown a buck deer on the Feather River; the man’s boat was forfeited as part of his sentence.

“When we don’t take care of the environment and we allow people to abuse it, it’s not just an individual victim, it’s everybody in California, but not just everybody — it’s the next generation and so on,” Tufaro told commissioners. “That’s why I’m always so honored to be part of any work that California Department of Fish and Wildlife game wardens do because what they are doing is so incredibly meaningful.”

Naming Protected Areas Policy

The Commission approved amendments to its Naming Protected Areas Policy. The policy sets protocol for naming of protected areas — wildlife areas, ecological reserves and marine protected areas.

Additional amendments to the policy call for protected areas to be named in a manner that indicates geographical location and for the Commission to invite tribes with ancestral ties to the protected areas to identify traditional or contemporary tribal names that could be used in combination with names originating from geographical location. Also, no new or renamed protected areas shall be named for any person, living or dead.

Commission President Erika Zavaleta, Vice President Samantha Murray and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson were in attendance for both days of the June Commission meeting.

The complete agenda for the meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for Aug. 13-14 at the California Natural Resources Building, second floor, 715 P St., Sacramento. Participants can attend in person with options for Zoom or by phone; for the agenda and more information visit the Commission website.

Potential regulation changes

Striped bass size limit: The Commission approved notifying the public regarding proposed regulation changes to recreational striped bass harvest size limits. The changes are scheduled for discussion at the August Commission meeting and potential adoption at the Commission’s Oct. 8-9 meeting in Sacramento.

Morro manzanita take: The Commission approved notifying the public of a proposed regulation that would authorize the take of Morro manzanita while a candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act. The proposed regulation provides an exemption from the take prohibition solely for a bridge replacement project in San Luis Obispo County so that the bridge meets seismic design and safety standards. Measures laid out in a habitat mitigation and monitoring plan would compensate for impacts to Morro manzanita. The regulation changes are scheduled for discussion at the August Commission meeting and potential adoption at the Commission’s Oct. 8-9 meeting.

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Media Contacts: 
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

California Fish and Game Commission Guards State Waters Against Golden Mussels, Extends Sturgeon Fishing Restrictions with Added Guidance

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 13:47:00 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) acted on a variety of issues affecting California’s natural resources at its Dec.11-12 meeting in Sacramento, including emergency action to list the invasive golden mussel as a restricted species. The Commission also acted to extend emergency regulations 90 days for the recreational catch-and-release white sturgeon season and added language for permitted catch handling. The public was able to participate in the meeting in person, via webinar and by phone.

To protect California against the spread of invasive golden mussel (Limnoperna fortunei) discovered Oct. 17 at the Port of Stockton, and in the days following as far south as San Luis Reservoir’s O'Neill Forebay, the Commission added golden mussel to the list of species restricted from live importation, transportation and possession. This discovery is North America’s first; golden mussel is native to China and Southeast Asia and was likely transported across the ocean on large ships.

“Golden mussels are a bigger threat to California waters than quagga and zebra mussels because they can thrive in a wider range of water quality conditions,” said Jay Rowan, Chief of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Fisheries Branch. “Putting golden mussels on the restricted species list is an important first step toward containment and prevention of spread of this non-native species.”

The emergency listing will reduce the potential for people to introduce the bivalves to other waters of the state. The species poses an immediate threat to the ecological health of the Delta and all waters of the state, water conveyance systems, infrastructure and water quality. The Commission’s action makes it illegal to be in possession or transport golden mussels in California.

A 90-day extension of emergency regulations for the recreational take of white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) was adopted by the Commission.

In June, white sturgeon was named a candidate species to be considered for protection under the California Endangered Species Act. Following that action, on Oct. 1 the fishery was limited to sport catch-and-release fishing through an emergency regulation that was set to expire March 5, 2025.

Continuing the catch-and-release fishery for white sturgeon is necessary to provide an important recreational opportunity for anglers and to mitigate adverse economic impacts to businesses that rely on the fishery, until a permanent regulation is implemented.

Language was also added to the regulations regarding proper handling of white sturgeon. More information on CDFW’s white sturgeon catch-and-release best practices can be viewed online.

During the Commission meeting, CDFW honored Wildlife Officer Laura Decker as Wildlife Officer of the Year for 2023. The Commission recognized and thanked Wildlife Officer Decker, accompanied by her K-9 partner Maverick, for her dedication and contributions to CDFW’s Law Enforcement Division.

Serving as a wildlife officer since 2018, Decker’s patrols have taken her up and down the coastline of California assisting other wildlife officers in need. Decker was also commended for her abilities as a trainer of other wildlife officers, passing on her expertise in everything from field response to first-aid treatment that can be life saving for officers working in remote locations.

“In the short time on patrol, Decker became relied upon as an exceptionally dedicated officer, investigator and a true asset to CDFW,” said CDFW Chief of Law Enforcement Nathaniel Arnold.

The Commission approved a major amendment request to expand an experimental fishing permit (EFP) testing pop-up gear in the California Dungeness crab and hagfish fisheries. The EFP aims to minimize whale entanglements in these commercial fisheries.

As recommended by the Commission’s Marine Resources Committee, the Commission also granted 12 actions for marine protected area (MPA) regulation changes that will be considered by the Commission in a future rulemaking and seven non-regulatory requests related to color-coding different types of MPAs. Color-coded MPA maps help the public identify and understand differences in regulations.

Commission President Samantha Murray, Vice President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson participated in person, with Commission and department staff present throughout the meeting. Commissioners Sklar and Anderson were not in attendance for the second day of the meeting.

The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next California Fish and Game Commission meeting is scheduled to occur in Sacramento Feb. 12-13, 2025. Participants can attend via Zoom, phone or in person at the Natural Resources Headquarters Building’s auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Katie Talbot, CDFW Communications, (916) 204-1381

Fish and Game Commission: Western Burrowing Owl Becomes CESA Candidate; Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year Named; Waterfowlers Hall of Fame Inductees Recognized

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 14:21:12 GMT

The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) acted on a variety of issues affecting California’s natural resources at its Oct. 9-10 meeting in Sacramento. The public was also able to participate via webinar and by phone.

The Commission unanimously approved naming the western burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) as a candidate for potential listing as a protected species under the California Endangered Species Act. Threats facing burrowing owls in California are direct mortality and permanent habitat loss caused by urbanization and reduction or elimination of their primary burrow excavators — ground squirrels — from grazing and agricultural lands. The Department will undertake a one-year review of the species’ status before the Commission is expected to make a final decision on listing. As a candidate for potential listing, the species is temporarily afforded the same protections as a state-listed endangered or threatened species.

Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney Mark Soto was named Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year for 2023 by the Commission. Soto was nominated by the Department’s Special Operations Unit for his collaborative work with wildlife officers in prosecuting many high-profile cases to protect California’s natural resources. The cases included successful civil prosecutions of businesses for illegal importation, and possession and sale of detrimental restricted species, such as the sale of non-native abalone that threaten the native endangered white and black abalone.

The 2024 California Waterfowlers Hall of Fame inductees were recognized at this Commission meeting. John P. Donnelly, Johnny Ribeiro, Jr., Raymond Saake and Daniel Yparraquirre were honored as individuals who have made significant contributions to enhance and conserve waterfowl and their habitats in California.

The Commission adopted the 2025-26 recreational fishing regulations for federal groundfish in state waters and fillet requirements for select groundfish. The action eliminates minimum size limits for certain species, modifies fillet-at-sea requirements, and clarifies rules regarding possession of groundfish aboard vessels while being transported through closed areas or areas with different fishing limits. These regulations are consistent with and complementary to groundfish regulations in federal waters. When effective, new groundfish regulations will be posted to the Department’s groundfish regulations website.

The Commission approved a major amendment to an experimental fishing permit testing pop-up gear in an experimental fishery for brown box crab and king crab. Amendments include extending the maximum trap service interval from 96 hours (4 days) to 168 hours (7 days) and removing the clause exempting delays due to weather.

Deer Creek (including Blue Creek) and Summit City Creek — the two largest tributaries to the Mokelumne River — were added to the Commission-designated Wild Trout Waters Policy to support self-sustaining populations of non-native or native trout outside of their historic range and provide anglers with an opportunity to catch wild trout in a manner that promotes conservation. For more information on the designation and body of water, visit the Designated Wild and Heritage Trout Waters website.

The Commission also approved listing Bear Lake buckwheat (Eriogonum microtheca var. lacus-ursi) as a candidate for potential listing as an endangered species under CESA. Bear Lake buckwheat has only a single known occurrence on the south shore of Big Bear Lake in San Bernardino County, where the species is primarily threatened by habitat modification or destruction from potential development of private property where it grows.

Recognition came for El Dorado County resident Scott Lyons, who is the 500th angler to complete the Heritage Trout Challenge. To reach this milestone, Lyons caught a California golden trout, a McCloud River redband trout, a steelhead from the Trinity River, a coastal cutthroat trout, a Goose Lake redband trout and a Lahontan cutthroat trout — all within their historic watersheds. The Heritage Trout Challenge promotes native trout restoration efforts while encouraging anglers to explore new waters to experience California’s diverse fishing opportunities.

Commission President Samantha Murray, Vice President Erika Zavaleta and commissioners Jacque Hostler-Carmesin, Eric Sklar and Darius Anderson participated in person, with Commission and department staff present throughout the meeting. Vice President Zavaleta arrived mid-day for the first day of the meeting and Commissioner Hostler-Carmesin was not in attendance for the second day of the meeting.

The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the Commission website. Archived video of past Commission meetings is available online. The next California Fish and Game Commission meeting is scheduled to occur in Sacramento Dec. 11-12, 2024. Participants can attend via Zoom, phone or in person at the Natural Resources Headquarters Building’s auditorium, 715 P St., Sacramento.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Taylor Williams, CDFW R3 Manager, (916) 203-1362