CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsInvasive Mudsnails Detected at Lake Sonoma Fish Hatcheryhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/invasive-mudsnails-detected-at-lake-sonoma-fish-hatcheryFisheriesFri, 13 Oct 2023 10:36:38 GMTCDFW and partners have confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails (NZMS) at Warm Springs Fish Hatchery near Lake Sonoma. While NZMS have been detected in other portions of the watershed, this is the first confirmed detection at Warm Springs Hatchery.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and partners have confirmed the presence of New Zealand mudsnails (NZMS) at Warm Springs Fish Hatchery near Lake Sonoma. While NZMS have been detected in other portions of the watershed, this is the first confirmed detection at Warm Springs Hatchery.</p> <p>NZMS were detected in an intake pipeline and an aeration pond during a regularly scheduled quarterly hatchery survey this summer. Since the detection, scientists have conducted surveys in about 75 percent of Coho-bearing streams in the watershed and have not observed NZMS presence beyond previously known locations. Warm Springs Hatchery operates production and release programs for Coho salmon (a federal and state-listed endangered species) and steelhead (federally listed threatened species). The NZMS surveys have focused on stocking locations for these fish species, which are conducted mostly in Russian River tributaries in the lower basin.</p> <p>“The detection levels so far have not been alarming, but we want to do everything we can to minimize the spread,” said CDFW North Central Regional Manager Morgan Kilgour.</p> <p>Dense populations of NZMS can displace and out-compete native species; they may consume up to half of the food resources in a stream and have been linked to reduced populations of aquatic insects, including mayflies, caddisflies, chironomids and other insects important to trout and salmon.</p> <p>Invasive NZMS were first discovered in California in 2000 in the Owens River. It is believed that the species was introduced to western rivers through shipments of live sportfish, but subsequent spread is likely due to recreational activities. Dry Creek, which flows by Warm Springs Hatchery, has previously been identified as positive for NZMS. The source of the recent NZMS detections is unknown, but it is suspected that the snails came to the hatchery via its source water of Lake Sonoma.</p> <p>The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) operates the Russian River Coho Salmon Captive Broodstock Program at Warm Springs Fish Hatchery, and contracts with CDFW to operate its steelhead program. In addition to the surveys, CDFW has increased biosecurity measures at the hatchery.</p> <p>The hatchery will continue to operate its Coho and steelhead programs. CDFW is working with USACE and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which permits the hatchery, to determine if any changes in Coho release protocols are needed given the detections.</p> <p>“NOAA Fisheries fully supports CDFW and the USACE’s efforts to minimize the risk of further spread of aquatic invasive species such as NZMS within the Russian River and other watersheds that provide critical habitat for listed salmon and steelhead,” said Robert Coey, north central coast supervisor in NOAA Fisheries’ West Coast region.</p> <p>Boaters, anglers and others who visit the Russian River watershed are asked to decontaminate equipment and follow the <a href="https://dbw.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=28993" target="_blank">“clean, drain and dry”</a> directive with all equipment used in the river:</p> <ul> <li>If you wade, freeze waders and other gear overnight (at least six hours).</li> <li>After leaving the water, inspect waders, boots, float tubes, boats and trailers or any gear used in the water.</li> <li>Remove any visible snails with a stiff brush and follow with rinsing. If possible, freeze or completely dry out any wet gear.</li> <li>Never transport live fish or other aquatic plants or animals from one waterbody to another.</li> </ul> <p>Additional information about stopping the spread of NZMS can be found on CDFW’s <a href="/Conservation/Invasives/Species/NZmudsnail">California’s Invaders: New Zealand Mudsnail</a> web page.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contact</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:steve.gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Gonzalez</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> White sturgeon harvest reduced for 2023-2024 seasonhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/white-sturgeon-harvest-reduced-for-2023-2024-seasonSpeciesThu, 12 Oct 2023 15:22:07 GMTThe California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) enacted emergency regulations yesterday to reduce the harvest of white sturgeon in state waters.<p>The California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) enacted emergency regulations yesterday to reduce the harvest of white sturgeon in state waters. The new regulations will reduce the number of fish that can be kept to one per year, reduce the slot limit to 42-48 inches, cap the number of white sturgeon that can be possessed on a vessel at two per day and add seasonal closures to sturgeon fishing in key spawning areas. The new regulations are expected to go into effect in late October or early November following approval by the Office of Administrative Law.</p> <p>The new regulations were enacted by the Commission following a joint recommendation by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and angling groups. The emergency action was taken in response to long-term declines in adult white sturgeon populations as well as impacts of a harmful algal bloom (HAB) in the summer of 2022.</p> <p>“It was a difficult decision to recommend restrictions to another fishery in California,” said CDFW Fisheries Branch Chief Jay Rowan. “The angling community representatives really stepped up by offering deep concessions to help reduce sturgeon harvest and showed, yet again, that they are committed to protecting this resource.”</p> <p>There are two sturgeon species in California: green sturgeon and white sturgeon. Green sturgeon are listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act. White sturgeon are listed in California as a Species of Special Concern.</p> <p>Sturgeon are one of the oldest fish in existence with fossil records dating back more than 200 million years. Individual white sturgeon can live about 100 years and don’t start spawning until approximately 14 to 19 years old. Scientists estimate that white sturgeon in the Central Valley only spawn successfully every six to seven years. White sturgeon abundance has declined significantly from approximately 200,000 harvestable fish in 1997 to around 33,000 (recent five-year average). Sturgeon fisheries in California have closed multiple times in the past due to overharvest.</p> <p>“Like other long-lived fish that spawn infrequently, sturgeon are susceptible to population declines due to a variety of environmental stressors and overharvest,” said Rowan.</p> <p>During the summer of 2022, a HAB in the San Francisco and San Pablo bays caused the death of tens of thousands of fish including at least 864 sturgeon. Most sturgeon experts believe there were likely thousands more sturgeon killed during the HAB which sank to the bottom of bay waters and were not counted.</p> <p>Harvest will be reduced to one white sturgeon for 2023 and 2024. Catch and release fishing for white sturgeon will still be allowed with a valid sturgeon report card after one sturgeon is kept except for closures outlined in California Code of Regulations, title 14, sections <a href="https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/IFC2E7D3B5B4C11EC976B000D3A7C4BC3?viewType=FullText&listSource=Search&originationContext=Search+Result&transitionType=SearchItem&contextData=(sc.Search)&navigationPath=Search%2fv1%2fresults%2fnavigation%2fi0ad720f10000018b05f4adb7aa29f1ea%3fppcid%3d8571dc0948724e1687a19b2cd75e370b%26Nav%3dREGULATION_PUBLICVIEW%26fragmentIdentifier%3dIFC2E7D3B5B4C11EC976B000D3A7C4BC3%26startIndex%3d1%26transitionType%3dSearchItem%26contextData%3d%2528sc.Default%2529%26originationContext%3dSearch%2520Result&list=REGULATION_PUBLICVIEW&rank=1&t_T1=14&t_T2=5.80&t_S1=CA+ADC+s" target="_blank">5.80</a> and <a href="https://govt.westlaw.com/calregs/Document/I00A203F55B4D11EC976B000D3A7C4BC3?viewType=FullText&listSource=Search&originationContext=Search+Result&transitionType=SearchItem&contextData=(sc.Search)&navigationPath=Search%2fv1%2fresults%2fnavigation%2fi0ad720f20000018b05f52a563f40b322%3fppcid%3d2a567c8660c1443192e2a098a241db79%26Nav%3dREGULATION_PUBLICVIEW%26fragmentIdentifier%3dI00A203F55B4D11EC976B000D3A7C4BC3%26startIndex%3d1%26transitionType%3dSearchItem%26contextData%3d%2528sc.Default%2529%26originationContext%3dSearch%2520Result&list=REGULATION_PUBLICVIEW&rank=1&t_T1=14&t_T2=27.95&t_S1=CA+ADC+s&bhcp=1" target="_blank">27.95</a>. The slot limit was reduced to 42-48 inches, and a limit of two fish per vessel per day was added. Fishing for white sturgeon will also be closed seasonally upstream of the Highway 50 bridge on the Sacramento River and Interstate 5 bridge on the San Joaquin River from January 1 to May 31, 2024. This upstream area will re-open to catch and release fishing on June 1, 2024, once spawning season is over.</p> <p><a href="/Conservation/Fishes/Sturgeon/Report-Card">Sturgeon Report Cards</a> purchased in the 2023 calendar year remain valid for the remainder of 2023. All reporting, tag and report card requirements remain in effect. Only one sturgeon harvest tag will be valid. Any remaining sturgeon harvest tags beyond one still in possession for the 2023 calendar year will be invalid for the remainder of 2023 once the new regulations take effect. Anglers that have already harvested one or more fish in 2023 will still be allowed to catch and release sturgeon for the remainder of 2023 with a valid Sturgeon Report Card. The changes to sturgeon harvest regulations may cause a delay in availability of 2024 sturgeon report cards and the single harvest tag. Report cards for 2024 will be available for sale as soon as possible after November 15, 2023 and before January 1, 2024. Sturgeon Report Card requirements will remain in effect for 2024.</p> <p>CDFW is currently working on a white sturgeon regulation package to allow for limited harvest. The regulation package is scheduled to go through the Commission regulation setting process with a target effective date of January 2025.</p> <p>For more information visit <a href="/Conservation/Fishes/Sturgeon">CDFW’s sturgeon web page</a>. Questions can be sent to <a href="mailto:sturgeon@wildlife.ca.gov">sturgeon@wildlife.ca.gov</a></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contact</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:steve.gonzalez@wildlife.ca.gov">Steve Gonzalez</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 804-1714</em></p> CDFW Announces the Availability of $2 million to Support Non-Lethal Beaver Damage Managementhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-announces-the-availability-of-2-million-to-support-non-lethal-beaver-damage-managementWildlifeWed, 27 Sep 2023 15:54:55 GMTCDFW has announced the availability of up to $2 million in grant funding for non-lethal beaver damage management, in support of ecosystem restoration and protection under the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative and CDFW’s beaver restoration and human-wildlife conflict program objectives.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the availability of up to $2 million in grant funding for <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=215339&inline" target="_blank">non-lethal beaver damage management (PDF)</a>, in support of ecosystem restoration and protection under the Nature-Based Solutions Initiative and CDFW’s beaver restoration and human-wildlife conflict program objectives.</p> <p>The North American beaver’s critically important role as an ecosystem engineer and keystone species, particularly as climate change, drought and wildfires increase in severity, has gained rapidly growing recognition in recent years. Because they are crucial to restoring and maintaining healthy ecosystems and their functions, CDFW has implemented new measures to maintain healthy beaver populations in suitable habitat throughout California.</p> <p>In 2023, CDFW established a Beaver Restoration Program and adopted a beaver depredation policy that promotes human-beaver coexistence. CDFW recognizes that the very behavior that makes beavers so valuable to the ecosystems they maintain (e.g., felling trees, damming waterways) can often lead to direct conflict with landowners and local municipalities. CDFW’s new policy calls for thorough evaluation of beaver damage complaints, including identifying where effective and feasible non-lethal damage deterrent options exist and providing recommendations for non-lethal strategies that can be implemented in lieu of lethal beaver management. Installation of these devices and equipment may be done proactively to prevent beaver damage or may be pursued to abate damage as an alternative to obtaining a depredation permit.</p> <p>This new funding opportunity is intended to help support the transition toward non-lethal beaver damage management by making available financial resources to assist with both direct implementation of recommended non-lethal management and technical assistance for installation, maintenance, etc.</p> <p>As part of the <a href="https://resources.ca.gov/Initiatives/Expanding-Nature-Based-Solutions" target="_blank">Nature-Based Solutions Initiative</a>, entities eligible for this funding opportunity include Tribes, non-governmental organizations and public agencies. Through grants awarded to eligible entities, the objectives of this program also include outreach and the reimbursement or direct funding to private landowners.</p> <p>CDFW has launched an <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">online application portal</a> to receive applications for the grant funding. As part of its Cutting the Green Tape efforts, this streamlined application and review process will remain available on an ongoing basis through early 2025. CDFW is accelerating the review and approval process under this funding with the goal to review and approve the award for grants for selected projects within 30 days of receipt. Following awards, CDFW will work to develop agreements for awarded projects.</p> <p>CDFW has developed a single set of General Grant Program Guidelines with an overview of eligible project types, priorities and information on the application process, available at <a href="/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application">wildlife.ca.gov/Conservation/Watersheds/Restoration-Grants/Concept-Application</a>.</p> <p>More information about these funding opportunities, including guidelines and how to apply, general information about CDFW’s grant programs, as well as a schedule for upcoming grant solicitations can be found at <a href="/grants">wildlife.ca.gov/grants</a>.</p> <p><strong>Photo Credit</strong>: Traci Beattie / <a href="https://stock.adobe.com/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">stock.adobe.com</a></p> <p>###</p> <p><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Valerie.Cook@wildlife.ca.gov">Valerie Cook</a>, CDFW Beaver Restoration Program, (916) 616-6366<br /> <a href="mailto:ken.paglia@wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120</p> CDFW Offering Waterfowl Hunts at East Bay Ecological Reservehttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-offering-waterfowl-hunts-at-east-bay-ecological-reserve2WaterfowlWed, 13 Sep 2023 14:29:11 GMTHunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward<p>Hunters can soon participate in no-fee waterfowl hunts amid restored salt ponds at Congressman Pete Stark Ecological Reserve at Eden Landing (formerly Eden Landing Ecological Reserve) in Hayward, a California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) land. Access to the ecological reserve will be open to 100 hunters on a first-come, first-served basis on the following dates:</p> <p>2023 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Nov. 11</li> <li>Tuesday, Nov. 21</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 2</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 7</li> <li>Saturday, Dec. 16</li> <li>Thursday, Dec. 21</li> </ul> <p>2024 hunts (5 a.m. check-in)</p> <ul> <li>Saturday, Jan. 6</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 11</li> <li>Saturday, Jan. 20</li> <li>Thursday, Jan. 25</li> </ul> <p>“Eden Landing waterfowl hunts are unique in that there are no fees charged and hunting is offered on some Tuesdays and Thursdays when other public waterfowl hunting areas are closed,” said CDFW Lands Manager John Krause. “These hunts typically have a three-bird average per season with northern shoveler and American wigeon being the most common harvest.”</p> <p>Adult hunters must have a valid California hunting license, a signed Federal Duck stamp, California Duck Validation and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Youth hunters younger than 16 will need a valid Junior Hunting License and Harvest Information Program (HIP) validation. Junior Hunting License holders who have turned 16 will also need a signed Federal Duck Stamp.</p> <p>There is a 25-shell limit in the field and nonlead ammunition is required when taking wildlife anywhere in California. A hunting dog is recommended for retrieving birds. A small boat, canoe or other floatation device is also highly recommended to access ponds and blinds. Pete Stark Ecological Reserve has a boat launch on Mount Eden Creek allowing access to tidal areas. Boaters are advised to consult local tide charts before launching as mud flats can subject vessels to hidden underwater hazards during low tides.</p> <p>Hunters should also be aware that vehicle access to some areas of Pete Stark Ecological Reserve may be temporarily limited due to ongoing levee maintenance. Hunters are responsible for avoiding closed areas.</p> <p>To access Pete Stark Ecological Reserve from Interstate 880: Exit at Alvarado Boulevard; continue west and turn right on Union City Boulevard; left on Bettencourt Road (look for Union Sanitary District sign); left on Whipple Road, right on Horner Street; right on Veasy Street. Enter at the yellow gate and proceed to the check station.</p> <p>Public access opportunities at the reserve in addition to hunting are available. More information is available at <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER">wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Eden-Landing-ER</a> and South Bay Salt Ponds Restoration Project at <a href="https://www.southbayrestoration.org/" target="_blank">www.southbayrestoration.org</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>Media contacts</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Ken.Paglia@Wildlife.ca.gov">Ken Paglia</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120<br /> <a href="mailto:Carly.White@wildlife.ca.gov">Carly White</a>, CDFW Bay Delta Region, (707) 415-6123</em></p> <p>###</p> Bear Experts Offer Tips, Best Practices for Late-Season Camping Trips to the Tahoe Basinhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/bear-experts-offer-tips-best-practices-for-late-season-camping-trips-to-the-tahoe-basinHuman Wildlife ConflictFri, 01 Sep 2023 14:24:25 GMTHeaded to the Tahoe Basin for one last summer camping trip? Black bear biologists who work in the Tahoe Basin every day have some advice and thoughts to share.<p><em>Keep Tahoe Bears Wild!</em></p> <p>LAKE TAHOE, Calif./Nev., Sept. 1, 2023 – Headed to the Tahoe Basin for one last summer camping trip? Black bear biologists who work in the Tahoe Basin every day have some advice and thoughts to share.</p> <p>The Lake Tahoe Basin is the heart of bear country and bears in the basin are especially active and persistent in their search for food as they prepare for leaner times in the fall and winter. Sometimes, the easiest food for them to find is human food and garbage.</p> <p>“Anyone coming to the Tahoe area should educate themselves on bear behavior and general bear ecology,” said Alexia Ronning, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and one of three bear biologists hired recently by CDFW to the Tahoe Basin to help prevent and mitigate human-bear conflicts. “There are a lot of bears here and they have an incredibly strong sense of smell and a strong desire for food that intensifies at different times of the year, particularly in the fall with the onset of hyperphagia.”</p> <p>Hyperphagia is the biological instinct for bears to fatten up for the winter, which drives them to consistently feed and search for food.</p> <p>“Read and follow all campground rules, and if there is an incident – whether it’s a bear getting into a car or getting into food at a campground – report it to the camp host or the proper government agency,” said Ronning.</p> <p>Ronning encourages Tahoe Basin visitors to pack a few specialty safety items before heading out to enjoy the outdoors and to help keep Tahoe Basin bears from getting too close and comfortable around people. Conflicts are most likely to occur in settings where human food and garbage are present, such as campgrounds.</p> <p>“Consider carrying bear spray and read the product instructions carefully before heading out camping. Remember to spray bear spray downwind,” said Ronning. “Bring an air horn and a whistle or bang pots and pans. Those noises will help scare a bear away to a safer distance and the noise will also warn fellow campers and hikers that a bear is nearby.”</p> <p>Alyson Cheney is another environmental scientist hired by CDFW in the spring as a full-time bear biologist and human-wildlife conflict specialist in the Tahoe Basin.</p> <p>Proper food storage is a consistent problem Cheney has seen from campers all summer in the Tahoe Basin.</p> <p>“People assume their ice chests are bear-proof, but in most cases, they are not,” she said. “If they can’t be locked or latched securely with no way to pry a gap between the lid and the cooler, they need to go into a bear box. Bring all necessary equipment to store food properly whether that’s a bear-proof canister or a bear-resistant ice chest.”</p> <p>“Once a bear gets a food reward it is more likely to come back,” Cheney continued, “so taking preventative measures is the best way to stay safe.”</p> <p>Kyle Garrett is the third member of CDFW’s newly assembled Tahoe Basin bear team. Another environmental scientist, Garrett worked with black bears and grizzly bears in Montana, Idaho and Wyoming before joining CDFW this past spring to help with the Lake Tahoe Basin’s human-bear conflicts.</p> <p>Garrett said ice chests and coolers offer campers a false sense of security that their food is properly stored. He has seen bears carry off $300 and $400 coolers they couldn’t immediately get into.</p> <p>“In the Basin, bears can show up in a campground, in the backcountry or even a neighborhood. All the best bear practices need to be followed at all times,” he said.</p> <p>One common problem Garrett sees is conscientious campers using bear boxes for food storage and bear-proof dumpsters for garbage but not closing them securely. Therefore, he reminds everyone that, “they have to be latched properly to be functional.”</p> <p>Visitors to Lake Tahoe can play a key role in helping keep bears wild by practicing these strategies and being extra vigilant as bears approach the hyperphagia period.</p> <p>For more information about bear-safe camping, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dICg4q3TU8o" target="_blank">California State Parks’ Bear Facts and Tips video</a> and visit CDFW’s <a href="/Keep-Me-Wild/Bear#582971217-sharing-space-outdoors">Keep Me Wild/Sharing Space Outdoors</a> web page.</p> <p>Use the following phone numbers and online resources to report bear incidents or conflict while camping or visiting the Lake Tahoe Basin:</p> <ul> <li>In California, contact CDFW at (916) 358-2917 or report online using the Wildlife Incident Reporting (WIR) system at <a href="https://apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir" target="_blank">apps.wildlife.ca.gov/wir</a>.</li> <li>Non-emergency bear collisions in California State Parks can be reported to its public dispatch at (916) 358-1300.</li> <li>In Nevada, contact NDOW at (775) 688-BEAR (2327).</li> <li>If the issue is an emergency, call the local sheriff’s department or 911.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more about keeping Tahoe bears wild at <a href="https://www.tahoebears.org/" target="_blank">TahoeBears.org</a> and <a href="https://bearwise.org/" target="_blank">BearWise.org.</a></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media contact</strong>:<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@gmail.com">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p>