CDFW News

Indiana Artist Wins 2026 California Duck Stamp Art Contest

Thu, 10 Sep 2026 16:06:04 GMT

A painting by Jeffrey Klinefelter of Etna Green, Ind., has been chosen as the winner of the 2026 California Duck Stamp Art Contest. Klinefelter’s painting, which depicts a greater white-fronted goose, will be the official design for the 2026-27 California Duck Stamp.

The judging was held in June, with entries evaluated by a panel of experts in ornithology, conservation, art and printing. Designs were judged on originality, artistic composition, anatomical accuracy and suitability for reproduction as a stamp and print.

Judge Andrea Mott, Migratory Game Bird Biologist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), was impressed by Klinefelter’s winning painting.

“Wow, just wow. This will make a charming stamp. The background is well-suited for California. The image is incredibly lifelike and detailed. It's a great representation of the species,” Mott said.

Diane Ford received second place in the competition; Donald Shlie received third place and Lee Hoemann received honorable mention.

The greater white-fronted goose, often referred to as a “specklebelly” or “speck” by waterfowl hunters, was selected by the California Fish and Game Commission as the species for the 2026-27 California Duck Stamp. The species is characterized by its brownish-gray body, barred belly and distinctive white forehead. Greater white-fronted geese breed in the Arctic tundra and migrate to wintering areas that include California’s Central Valley where they can be found in large flocks on wetlands and agricultural fields.

Klinefelter is an accomplished wildlife artist who has previously won California stamp art competitions. He won the 2020-21 California Duck Stamp Art Contest and has also won multiple California Upland Game Bird Stamp Art contests.

Artists from around the country submitted entries for the contest that was sponsored by CDFW. The annual competition was established in 1971 and is open to artists from across the United States, to attract a wide range of wildlife artists.

All proceeds generated from California Duck Stamp sales go directly to waterfowl conservation projects throughout California. Although hunters are no longer required to carry a physical stamp in the field because California’s automated licensing system provides proof of the purchase on the license, CDFW continues to produce the stamps, which are available to hunters and collectors upon request.

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Media Contacts:
Cort Klopping, CDFW Communications, (916) 201-2958
Melanie Weaver, CDFW Wildlife Branch

Nonprofit Organizations Encouraged to Apply for Fundraising Hunting Tags

Tue, 08 Sep 2026 13:08:53 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) invites nonprofit organizations to assist with conservation efforts by auctioning special big game tags for the 2027-28 hunting season.

Proceeds from the sale of these tags are returned to CDFW to fund projects for bighorn sheep, deer, elk and pronghorn antelope. Last year’s auctions raised more than $1 million for the conservation and management of big game species. Past projects funded by the sale of these and other hunting tags have included crucial habitat conservation, post-wildfire forest restoration, wildlife population studies and the installation of artificial watering devices to support wildlife during drought conditions.

Up to 18 tags will be reserved for nonprofit organizations to sell or auction. Nonprofit organizations compete through an application process for a chance to auction these special tags, which can only be purchased by members of the public through these auctions. The application process is designed to ensure maximum proceeds are received from the tags to benefit wildlife.

Offering the tags through fundraising banquets and other in-person and online auctions can attract greater participation and overall turnout for the conservation groups awarded the tags, amplifying their own conservation efforts and benefits to California’s big game species.

A call for applications and the required application form are available at CDFW’s Fundraising with Big Game License Tags web page. Applications must be received by 3 p.m. on October 20, 2026.

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Media Contacts:
CDFW Wildlife Branch, BigGame@wildlife.ca.gov
Cort Klopping, CDFW Communications, (916) 201-2958

CDFW and Partners Host Nearly 200 Events Statewide in Celebration of California Biodiversity Day 2026

Wed, 02 Sep 2026 12:14:46 GMT

This year’s event lineup includes a wide variety of in-person and virtual experiences across the state. Clockwise from top left: Dive into an underwater bioblitz at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, take on the 30 Species Challenge Hike at Mount Tamalpais State Park, tune in to a virtual elephant seal livecast from Hearst San Simeon State Park, learn about tarantulas at Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area and help remove invasive plants during a climate resilience workday at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. California State Parks photos

SACRAMENTO — The California Natural Resources Agency, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), California State Parks, California Academy of Sciences (CAS) and California Volunteers invite the public to join the celebration for California Biodiversity Day 2026. With more than 180 events taking place across the state from September 5-13, the nine-day celebration will offer opportunities for all to connect with nature and learn simple ways to help protect and steward the environment.

“California Biodiversity Day provides an opportunity to get outside, learn more about the remarkable nature around us, and discover how we can protect it and help it thrive,” said California Secretary for Natural Resources Wade Crowfoot. “In California, we often celebrate our cultural diversity, but less so our biological diversity. The fact is our state is one of three dozen ‘biodiversity hotspots’ in the world, home to a richness of plants, animals and other life almost unparalleled across our planet. That's something worth celebrating, and something we all have a role in protecting for generations to come.”

“California is a biodiversity hotspot well worth a celebration,” said CDFW Director Meghan Hertel. “California Biodiversity Day gives us not just one day for this celebration but nine days to explore, appreciate and put a spotlight on the incredible natural diversity found across our state. Whether you go somewhere new or visit a familiar place, as part of a California Biodiversity Day event or out on your own, this week is all about taking a closer look at our varied landscape and the vast number of species that call the Golden State home.”

“From the smallest tidepool creature to towering redwoods, every piece of California’s remarkable biodiversity is worth cherishing and understanding,” said California State Parks Director Armando Quintero. “California Biodiversity Day gives people of all ages an opportunity to experience that richness firsthand. I invite everyone to take this opportunity to explore one of their 280-plus state parks and come celebrate California’s unparalleled plants and wildlife with us.”

“California Biodiversity Day is a great reminder to slow down, notice, and appreciate the incredible nature of our state,” said California Academy of Sciences Director of Community Science Rebecca Johnson, PhD. “Nature observations made and shared by Californians and visitors to California on iNaturalist not only help us learn about plants and animals all around us, but they are how we gather critical biodiversity data at scale. The California Biodiversity Data Exchange, a partnership with CDFW, iNaturalist, and Cal Academy, provides the state with critical iNaturalist data to inform and strengthen conservation decision-making throughout California. Every observation shared on iNaturalist — during California Biodiversity Day events and beyond — directly supports our efforts to protect the species and places that make our state extraordinary.”

“On California Biodiversity Day, we celebrate the power of service to protect the places and ecosystems that make our state so extraordinary, said Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement Director Josh Fryday. “Across the state, California Service Corps members and volunteers are restoring habitats, planting native species and ensuring California’s diverse landscapes and wildlife continue to thrive. Through Climate Action Counts, every Californian can take meaningful steps to help protect the communities we call home.”

“University of California Agriculture and Natural Resource recognizes the intrinsic value of biodiversity as well as its essential role in generating food and fiber, and providing invaluable environmental services,” said UC Environmental Stewards Director Greg Ira. “Through our programs — including our new statewide Biodiversity Conservation and Stewardship Program Team — we embrace our role as part of this vast community of life that sustains us all.”

This year’s event lineup includes a wide variety of in-person and virtual experiences, from mountain hikes and underwater dives to paint parties and cozy campfires. Find an event near you using our interactive California Biodiversity Day events page. Here are some picks to get you started:

Love to hit the trails? Take on the 30 Species Challenge Hike at Mount Tamalpais State Park, explore the rare pygmy forest at Van Damme State Park, search for glowing nighttime wonders on a biofluorescence walk at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area or join a bilingual (English and Spanish) bioblitz in Oakland.
Fascinated by wildlife? Learn all about tarantulas at Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area, glimpse sea stars and hermit crabs during sunset tidepooling at MacKerricher State Park, or go birdwatching at the California State Capitol.
Feeling artsy, lyrical or curious? Pick up a paintbrush at Los Angeles State Historic Park, enjoy live poetry at Monterey State Historic Park or join trivia night around a campfire at Mount Tamalpais State Park.
Looking to make a difference? Help restore habitat for native wildlife at Año Nuevo State Park or join a climate resilience workday at Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. Scuba divers can join an underwater bioblitz to document biodiversity at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.
Interested in the intersection of nature, culture and community? Join our special Elkhorn Slough Reserve event honoring California Biodiversity Day and Latino Conservation Week or learn about native birds and their cultural significance to the Wilton Rancheria's Miwok and Nisenan people.
Curious about the science behind a biodiversity hotspot? Tune in to a virtual talk to learn what makes Santa Barbara County an incredible hub that has led to national environmental protections.
Ready to take action at home? Get outside, discover California’s natural wonders and volunteer to help protect the communities we call home. Explore simple ways to take action with Climate Action Counts, because every action counts.
We’ve got virtual adventures too! Watch elephant seals live at Hearst San Simeon State Park, catch up with beavers at Ed Z’berg Sugar Pine Point State Park or learn how jellyfish thrive at San Elijo State Beach from wherever you are.

Can’t make it to an event? You can take part in California Biodiversity Day no matter where you are! Simply join the Find 30 Species for California Biodiversity Day project on iNaturalist and record 30 wild species between September 5 and 13.  Every observation adds to a statewide picture of California’s amazing biodiversity, and the information we gather together helps inform the California 30x30 Initiative.

California is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and is home to more species of plants and animals than any other state. California Biodiversity Day, observed annually on September 7, was established in 2018 to safeguard the state's natural heritage. Since then, several executive orders and other actions by the Newsom Administration – such as the Pathways to 30x30 strategy – have built on this foundation to understand and protect the state’s unique natural resources.

State Parks offers programs and events year-round, with opportunities to explore, learn and connect at parks across the state. Discover more upcoming events this fall using the new statewide event calendar and interactive map at parks.ca.gov/events.

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Media Contacts
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov, California State Parks
Megan Ely, Cal Academy Communications

CDFW Publishes Guidance on Conserving CESA Candidate Bumble Bees

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 16:41:14 GMT

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has published a document intended to assist CDFW staff, project proponents and others in understanding where and when four bumble bee species that are candidates for listing under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) may be present on the landscape and provide examples of measures that may help avoid or minimize impacts to them.

The document, Considerations for Conserving Crotch’s Bumble Bee (Bombus crotchii), Franklin’s Bumble Bee (Bombus franklini), Western Bumble Bee (Bombus occidentalis) and Suckley’s Cuckoo Bumble Bee (Bombus suckleyi) (PDF), provides an overview of life history, seasonal ecology and species-specific information for the four bumble bee species.

As of September 2022, Crotch’s bumble bee (Bombus crotchii), western bumble bee (Bombus occidentalis), Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and Suckley’s cuckoo bumble bee (Bombus suckleyi) became the first insect species to become candidates for listing under CESA. They are protected by the same take prohibitions given to species listed as endangered and threatened under CESA.

Because information on species distribution, ecology, conservation needs and legal status continues to evolve, this document is intended to be a flexible, science-based resource that may be updated as new information becomes available or as species status changes through future California Fish and Game Commission determinations under CESA.

This document is non-regulatory and provided for informational purposes only. It does not establish legal requirements, CDFW policy or mandatory avoidance and minimization measures, nor does it replace project-specific review or applicable federal, state or local laws and regulations.

If project proponents believe their project may result in incidental take, CDFW recommends contacting the CDFW regional office closest to the project’s location to discuss specific project-related concerns and options to comply with CESA, if necessary, based on proposed project activities.

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Media Contacts:
Ashley Kammet, CDFW CESA Permitting Program
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120

California Fish and Game Commission Finds Common Ground for Western Spadefoot Conservation, Clean-Energy Construction

Wed, 19 Aug 2026 12:46:30 GMT

Morro Manzanita Gets CESA Listing; New MPA Petition Recommendations Guide Commission Toward Decisions Expected in October

Out of a collaboration between conservation advocates and the solar energy industry, the California Fish and Game Commission (Commission) at its August 12-13 meeting adopted regulations that allow qualifying solar projects to move forward while also protecting the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) candidate species western spadefoot frog.

Last week, commissioners found that listing western spadefoot as a CESA-protected species may be warranted, giving it CESA candidacy and protections, and initiating a one-year scientific study of the species. In the months leading up to the candidacy decision, the Center for Biological Diversity, which submitted the petition to list the northern population of western spadefoot as threatened and the southern population as endangered under CESA, worked with the Large-scale Solar Association to propose exceptions to CESA protections that could be allowed under Fish and Game Code Section 2084.

“This is an opportunity for California to demonstrate collaborative work to achieve clean-energy goals and environmental and conservation benefits that are compatible,” said Commission President Eric Sklar. “Everyone — the petitioner, the industry, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and Commission staff — came to the table and took on terrific work to find a tailored solution that balances protecting our natural resources and keeping up with a growing California.”

Common ground for clean energy and species conservation was found for solar energy projects as they are in a position to leave some western spadefoot habitat intact. These projects will be required to take extensive measures to avoid impacts to the species while also mitigating for impacts with the construction of new habitat, such as ponds and reestablishing native grasslands.

Current abundance estimates are needed for the tiny, 1-to-3-inch-long western spadefoot that is experiencing population decline and may no longer be present in some of its historical range. The species faces threats such as loss and fragmentation of its habitat in California’s foothills, Central Valley and central and southern coast, largely due to urban and agricultural development.

Morro Manzanita

The Commission voted unanimously to list Morro manzanita as a threatened species under CESA. Morro manzanita is found only in San Luis Obispo County and faces present and potential future threats, including the loss of habitat to development, a geographically restricted distribution, changes in fire frequency and severity, fire fuels reduction activities and disease.

Recommended management and recovery actions for the species include, but are not limited to, protecting remaining Morro manzanita habitat, removing eucalyptus trees, seed collection and fire impact research.

Marine Protected Area Petitions

Commissioners received and heard presentations on new evaluations, initial assessments and recommendations from California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Ocean Protection Council (OPC) staff regarding 15 marine protected area (MPA) petitions the Commission is expected to consider at its October 2026 meeting. Five of the 15 petitions are tribally led or co-led.

The petitions include 67 proposed regulatory and non-regulatory changes to the MPA Network that include adding a tribal take exemption, renaming an MPA, creating new MPAs, expanding boundaries of existing MPAs and changes to take allowances for recreational and/or commercial fisheries in specific MPAs.

The Commission held a series of regional meetings April and May to hear public input on the petitions. All petitions, evaluations and recommendations from CDFW, OPC policy recommendations and the initial assessment related to advancing the Commission Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy and addressing equitable access are available online through the MPA Management Program Petition StoryMap.

Comments, questions and supplemental information on the petitions should be submitted to the Commission.

Sport Fishing Regulations

The Commission adopted amendments to sport fishing regulations related to fishing gear, measuring and sampling restrictions, low-flow conditions, and steelhead fishing report and restoration cards. The amendments also increase fishing opportunities and protective changes for vulnerable fish populations.

Details on the sport fishing regulation amendments can be found in the August staff summary and exhibits (PDF).

Meeting Participation and Next Meeting

Commission Vice President Darius Anderson and commissioners Samantha Murray and Erica Zavaleta were in attendance for both days of the June Commission meeting. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was in attendance for the first day; Commission President Eric Sklar was in attendance the first day and part of the morning portion of the second day. The meeting was held in Sacramento.

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 regularly scheduled meeting of the Commission is scheduled for October 13-16, 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 meetings page.

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

Use of Native Rattlesnakes (PDF): A discussion hearing is scheduled for the October 13-16 Commission meeting and an adoption hearing is scheduled for the December 15-16 meeting on amendments to regulations regarding use and possession of native rattlesnakes.

Mammal Trapping Consistency with Statute (PDF): A discussion hearing is scheduled for the October 13-16 Commission meeting and an adoption hearing at the December 15-16 meeting regarding amendments to regulations related to mammal trapping to align regulations with California Fish and Game Code, and to clarify existing mammal trapping provisions.

Process to Conform State Recreational Fishing Regulations to Federal Regulations (PDF): An adoption hearing is scheduled for the October 13-16 Commission meeting on amendments to regulations related to the process to conform state ocean salmon and Pacific halibut recreational fishing regulations to federal regulations. The amendments would also add federal groundfish to the list of species where an automatic process to conform regulations can be used.

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Media Contacts:
Krysten Kellum, CDFW Communications, (916) 825-7120
Alicia de la Garza, CDFW Communications, (916) 754-7237