CDFW Newshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/NewsCDFW to Conduct Helicopter Surveys to Monitor Big Game Populations, Inform Hunting Regulationshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-to-conduct-helicopter-surveys-to-monitor-big-game-populations-inform-hunting-regulationsWildlife HealthThu, 08 Feb 2024 16:34:52 GMTCDFW is initiating annual helicopter surveys to inventory and monitor mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep populations throughout the state. Flights will be conducted in portions of Solano, Mendocino, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties during February and March 2024.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is initiating annual helicopter surveys to inventory and monitor mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and bighorn sheep populations throughout the state. Flights will be conducted in portions of Solano, Mendocino, Siskiyou, Modoc, Lassen, Inyo, Kern, Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside counties during February and March 2024.</p> <p>CDFW utilizes a variety of survey methods to regularly monitor big game population size, distribution, demographics and trends over time. In more forested environments, CDFW employs the use of trail cameras and fecal DNA. In more open habitats, aerial surveys provide an efficient and rapid method of data collection, affording CDFW biologists the ability to cover larger areas in relatively shorter time periods.</p> <p>CDFW scientists use the survey data in statistical models to estimate the total population size of each species in different hunt zones or management units. This information helps wildlife managers better understand population performance relative to a variety of factors including climate change, habitat quality, human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation, among others. Results are also used to make regulated harvest recommendations to the California Fish and Game Commission, which is the state regulatory authority that adopts tag quotas, hunting seasons and zone boundaries.</p> <p>These efforts are important for managing California’s wildlife populations and are especially critical due to recent harsh winter conditions that may have had negative impacts on population numbers.</p> <p>Big game hunters and other members of the public are encouraged to participate in the commission’s annual regulatory cycles. Information regarding upcoming meetings, including dates, locations, background documents and virtual meeting links are available at the <a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2024" target="_blank">California Fish and Game Commission website</a>.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Thomas.Batter@wildlife.ca.gov">Dr. Tom Batter</a>, Wildlife Branch, (916) 215-5330<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Completes Release of 23 Million Fall-Run Chinook Salmonhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-completes-release-of-23-million-fall-run-chinook-salmonScientific StudyWed, 23 Aug 2023 12:36:59 GMTCDFW has completed the release of approximately 23 million fall-run Chinook salmon raised at its four Central Valley anadromous fish hatcheries, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery and the Merced River Hatchery.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has completed the release of approximately 23 million fall-run Chinook salmon raised at its four Central Valley anadromous fish hatcheries, the Feather River Fish Hatchery, the Nimbus Fish Hatchery, the Mokelumne River Fish Hatchery and the Merced River Hatchery.</p> <p>The 23 million salmon raised and released by CDFW in 2023 represents a 15 percent increase over the roughly 20 million fall-run Chinook salmon raised and released in 2022. This year’s production goals were increased as a coordinated effort among state and federal partnering agencies to help fall-run Chinook salmon overcome impacts from an extended drought that increased water temperatures and decreased water flow throughout the Central Valley during critical salmon spawning and rearing periods. Drought conditions coupled with Thiamine Deficiency Complex, a vitamin deficiency that impacts reproduction, have reduced in-river spawning success the past several years.</p> <figure class="img-right"><a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=214958&inline" target="_blank"><img alt="Infographic on 2023 Fall-Run Chinook Salmon Production and Releases - click image for larger version" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/Fall-RunChinookInfographic_Thumbnail.jpg" /></a> <figcaption><strong>Click Image for Larger Version</strong></figcaption> </figure> <p>Beyond the hatchery production increase, CDFW carried out several new, innovative and experimental release strategies to take advantage of some of the best in-river flows and water conditions in years and to increase overall survival. In 2023:</p> <ul> <li>For the first time since 2020, CDFW conducted in-river salmon releases within the Feather River and the American River to take advantage of the increased water flows associated with winter storms that lingered into the spring. These flows increased available rearing habitat and provided for increased survival while migrating toward the ocean. Salmon smolts outfitted with acoustic tags were released with larger groups in their natal rivers to allow CDFW to monitor and track their downstream migration to the ocean. Preliminary results suggest high survival for groups of hatchery-raised fish released into the river systems in 2023. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbhCzTaZJU8" target="_blank">Watch the May 16, 2023, release of fall-run Chinook salmon smolts into the American River (Video)</a>.</li> <li>The more than one million salmon fry released into the American River in February represented CDFW’s initial effort with “Parentage Based Tagging” or PBT. These juvenile salmon don’t carry physical markings or tags, but their genetic signatures have been recorded and stored for future analysis to evaluate the overall success of the fry release.</li> <li>The Feather River Fish Hatchery released smaller juvenile fall-run Chinook salmon earlier in the spring than the typical smolt releases to diversify hatchery release strategies as well as the timing and size of hatchery-raised fish entering into the bay and marine environments.</li> <li>CDFW added to the release sites and strategies used within San Francisco and San Pablo bays. These included new release locations at: the Estuary and Ocean Science Center in partnership with San Francisco State University; Point San Quentin, in partnership with the Marin Rod and Gun Club; and Brickyard Cove in Richmond in partnership with the City of Richmond and the Golden Gate Salmon Association. At these locations, smolts were released at night on strong outgoing tides to reduce bird predation and encourage seaward migration.</li> <li>With the exception of PBT release groups in the American River, 25 percent of all fall-run Chinook salmon raised and released by CDFW’s Central Valley anadromous fish hatcheries carry coded-wire tags (CWT) with information on their origin and have a clipped adipose fin to indicate their hatchery origin. Both CWT and PBT tagged fish will provide important scientific data that will inform future management decisions and hatchery operations.</li> </ul> <p>Fall-run Chinook salmon support the bulk of California’s commercial and recreational salmon fishing seasons. Although ocean and in-river salmon fishing seasons have been closed for 2023, fishing seasons will be reevaluated in 2024.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW photo of salmon smolt release into San Francisco Bay.</strong></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jason.Julienne@wildlife.ca.gov">Jason Julienne</a>, CDFW North Central Region, (916) 496-4985<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW Seeks Hunter Assistance in Mountain Quail Studyhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-seeks-hunter-assistance-in-mountain-quail-studyWildlifeTue, 22 Aug 2023 16:32:11 GMTCDFW is asking hunters to provide mountain quail samples for the California Conservation Genomics Project and for the department’s own genetic library.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is asking hunters to provide mountain quail samples for the <a href="https://www.ccgproject.org/" target="_blank">California Conservation Genomics Project</a> and for the department’s own genetic library. </p> <figure class="img-right w-35"><a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=214971&inline" target="_blank"><img alt="Map of Southern California mountain quail sampling areas - click to enlarge in new window." src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/MOUQ-_Sampling_SoCal.jpg" style="max-width: 300px;" /></a> <figcaption><em>Map of Southern California Sampling Areas. Click Image for Larger Version</em></figcaption> </figure> <p>This work is a continuation of a mountain quail study project initiated in the fall of 2022.  CDFW will accept samples from throughout the native mountain quail range but is particularly interested in mountain quail from Southern California, including the following mountain ranges: Santa Lucia, Diablo, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, Santa Ana, Laguna, southern Sierra Nevada, Tehachapi and east toward the Cottonwood Mountains and Panamint Range.</p> <p>Mountain quail (<em>Oreortyx pictus</em>) are challenging birds for bird watchers and hunters alike due to their secretive behavior within their preferred rugged, forested habitat. Despite their flamboyant plumage and popularity, mountain quail are reclusive and are more often heard than seen. Their shy nature means that biologists need more information to better understand and manage the species, the largest of all quail species in the United States.</p> <p>CDFW is collecting samples to understand genetic diversity and population structure (how genetically different each subpopulation is from those surrounding it). If a subpopulation becomes isolated, it may be more susceptible to inbreeding, disease and sudden landscape changes like large-scale wildfires. When upland game bird biologists research a species’ population genetics and combine it with research on habitat use, breeding ecology and survival, they can better understand and manage both the species and its habitat.</p> <p>CDFW is asking mountain quail hunters to submit a whole bird when possible. If this is not possible, CDFW will accept wings or organs (specifically hearts and livers), as the goal is to extract DNA from the tissue. If hunters are lucky enough to harvest multiple mountain quail, be sure to keep the birds separate from each other. Vinyl gloves and Ziploc bags work well to avoid cross-contamination. Please keep samples frozen until you contact a department biologist.</p> <p>To submit mountain quail samples, ask questions or request more information about this research, please contact CDFW’s Upland Game Program by e-mail at <a href="mailto:uplandgamemgmt@wildlife.ca.gov">uplandgamemgmt@wildlife.ca.gov</a>. CDFW will coordinate with hunters to receive the samples. CDFW will collect the hunter’s name, hunt location, date and catalog each sample but will not publish this information or share these details publicly.</p> <p>California’s early mountain quail season opens Sept. 9 and runs through Oct. 20, 2023, in the Q1 Quail Hunt Zone in the northernmost counties of the state and along much of the eastern Sierra. Other mountain quail hunting opportunities follow within the coastal Q2 Quail</p> <p>Hunt Zone and the balance of the state Q3 Quail Hunt Zone with a season that extends to Jan. 28, 2024. Quail seasons and a quail hunt zone map are available at <a href="/Hunting/Upland-Game-Birds">CDFW’s Upland Game Bird Hunting web page</a> as well as the <a href="https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=203137&inline" target="_blank">2023-2024 California Waterfowl, Upland Game and Public Use of Department Lands Regulations (PDF)</a> booklet.</p> <p><strong><em>2021 Upland Game Bird Stamp by artist Jeffrey Klinefelter </em></strong></p> <p>###</p> <p><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <em><a href="mailto:Katherine.Miller@wildlife.ca.gov">Katherine Miller</a>, CDFW Upland Game Program, (916) 261-5019<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@gmail.com">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meetinghttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-holds-hybrid-meeting6Upland GameFri, 16 Jun 2023 17:13:30 GMTAt its June meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento with an option for the public to join via Zoom.<p>At its June meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento with an option for the public to join via Zoom.</p> <p>The Commission determined that listing Greater sage-grouse as threatened or endangered under the California Endangered Species Act may be warranted. This commences a one-year status review to be completed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Greater sage-grouse is protected as a candidate species during that time.</p> <p>During the CDFW Law Enforcement Division report, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of the division David Bess announced <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/trevor-pell-named-wildlife-officer-of-the-year#gsc.tab=0">that Lt. Specialist Trevor Pell was named 2022 Wildlife Officer of the Year</a>.</p> <p>The Commission and CDFW jointly announced that <a href="https://wildlife.ca.gov/News/san-diego-dep-city-attorney-named-2022-wildlife-prosecutor-of-the-year#gsc.tab=0">San Diego Deputy City Attorney Jordan DuBois was named Wildlife Prosecutor of the Year</a>.</p> <p>The Commission authorized publication of a notice of intent to amend regulations related to commercial use of small-scale lampara gear by Humboldt Bay herring permittees.</p> <p>The Commission approved two experimental fishing permits: one for Sustainable Seas Technology to test pop-up systems and conduct exploratory fishing for brown box and king crab and one for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation to test fishing gear innovations including pop-up systems for the California commercial Dungeness crab fishery.</p> <p>Commission President Eric Sklar, Vice President Erika Zavaleta and Commissioners Samantha Murray and Anthony Williams were present during the day one of meeting. Commissioner Williams was absent on day two and Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin was absent both days.</p> <p>The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the <a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2023">Commission website</a>. Archived <a href="https://cal-span.org/search/?q=fish+and+game+commission" target="_blank">video of past Commission meetings</a> is available online. The next meeting of the full Commission is scheduled for August 22-23, 2023, in Fortuna and via Zoom.</p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> Wildlife Conservation Board Funds Environmental Improvement and Acquisition Projectshttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/wildlife-conservation-board-funds-environmental-improvement-and-acquisition-projects7Wildlife Conservation BoardWed, 31 May 2023 10:17:13 GMTAt its May 25, 2023, quarterly meeting, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved approximately $83.15 million in grants to help restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat throughout California and, in some cases, provide new and improved public access, recreational and educational opportunities.<p>At its May 25, 2023, quarterly meeting, the Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) approved approximately $83.15 million in grants to help restore and protect fish and wildlife habitat throughout California and, in some cases, provide new and improved public access, recreational and educational opportunities.</p> <p>Among the 28 projects approved, the WCB provided a $24 million grant to The Wildlands Conservancy for a cooperative project with the State Coastal Conservancy to acquire approximately 11,691 acres of land in the Carmel Valley in Monterey County for the protection of upland and lowland habitats and the wildlife species they support.</p> <p>The habitats consist of chaparral, oak woodlands and rolling grasslands along with seasonal creeks that provide riparian corridors supporting numerous species, including threatened and endangered California red-legged frogs and the California tiger salamanders. The property, which exceeds the total acreage of some state parks, will provide wildlife-oriented education and research along with compatible public and private uses.</p> <p>Funding for these projects comes from a combination of sources including the Habitat Conservation Fund and bond measures approved by voters to help preserve and protect California’s natural resources.</p> <p>Other funded projects approved by the WCB on May 25 include:</p> <ul> <li>A $2.42 million grant to the Mattole Restoration Council for a cooperative project with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to restore coastal prairie habitat at the Table Bluff Ecological Reserve located 4.5 miles southeast of the city of Loleta in Humboldt County.</li> <li>A $3.1 million grant to the Xerces Society for a cooperative project with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, resource conservation districts and the Natural Resources Conservation Service to administer a block grant to address the decline of monarch butterflies and other imperiled pollinators by creating high quality habitat across California, targeting both monarch overwintering sites and the monarch priority restoration zones as well as improving connectivity across the landscape in various counties.</li> <li>A $4 million grant to the South Yuba River Citizen's League for a cooperative project with the Yuba Water Agency to increase spawning habitat, create backwater habitat and reduce bank erosion on the Yuba River one mile north of Smartsville in Yuba County.</li> <li>A $3.4 million grant to Ducks Unlimited for a cooperative project with USFWS, Sonoma Land Trust, Sonoma County Sanitation District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and State Coastal Conservancy to develop shovel-ready plans and environmental compliance documentation for up to 6,000 acres of the Sonoma Creek Baylands portion of the San Pablo Baylands in Sonoma County.</li> <li>A $4.2 million grant to The Wildlands Conservancy to acquire approximately 2,333 acres of land for wildlife habitat preservation, restoration and management, wildlife-oriented education and research, habitat connectivity and future wildlife-oriented, public-use opportunities near Bridgeport in Mono County.</li> <li>A $3.34 million grant to Western Rivers Conservancy (WRC) for a cooperative project with Sierra Nevada Conservancy to acquire approximately 2,285 acres of land for the protection of threatened and endangered species, wildlife corridors, habitat linkages and watersheds, and to provide wildlife-oriented, public-use opportunities near the community of Weldon in Kern County. At close of escrow, WRC will direct the seller to convey the approximate 1,039 southwestern acres to the Kern River Valley Heritage Foundation and the approximate 1,246 northeastern acres to the Tübatulabal Tribe’s nonprofit organization for long-term stewardship.</li> <li>A $3.19 million grant to the Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) for a seed bank expansion project to collect, process and store seed, conduct research and develop protocols, create an inventory of California desert seed, and develop and implement outreach and education materials on MDLT-owned lands in Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.</li> </ul> <p>For more information about the WCB please visit <a href="https://wcb.ca.gov/" target="_blank">wcb.ca.gov</a>.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW Photo:</strong> Rolling hills and oaks within the Carmel Valley courtesy of Frazier Haney. The property will be acquired to protect the upland and lowland habitats and provide wildlife-oriented education and research<strong>.</strong></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:mark.topping@wildlife.ca.gov">Mark Topping</a>, Wildlife Conservation Board, (916) 539-4673</em></p> CDFW Captures and Collars Two Gray Wolves in Siskiyou Countyhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-captures-and-collars-two-gray-wolves-in-siskiyou-countyWolvesFri, 24 Mar 2023 16:44:23 GMTCDFW has announced the safe and successful capture and collar of two gray wolves in Siskiyou County. The two wolves were captured March 17, fitted with satellite collars, measured and sampled for DNA and disease surveillance, and safely released back to the wild.<p><strong>A yearling male wolf from the Whaleback Pack in Siskiyou County returns to the wild after being outfitted with a satellite collar for management and research purposes.</strong></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has announced the safe and successful capture and collar of two gray wolves in Siskiyou County. The two wolves were captured March 17, fitted with satellite collars, measured and sampled for DNA and disease surveillance, and safely released back to the wild.</p> <p>“The capture of these wolves is fantastic since we lost the only functioning satellite collar last summer, and ground capture efforts since then have been unsuccessful,” said Kent Laudon, a senior environmental scientist and CDFW’s wolf specialist. “A lot of people have worked hard to make this happen and we’re excited about the new collars and data. We’re already seeing interesting movements on agriculture lands and sharing that information with local folks to install fladry and other deterrent measures around cattle pastures.”</p> <p>One of the captured wolves was OR85, a four-year-old black, 98-pound male originally collared by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife in February 2020 in northeastern Oregon. OR85 dispersed from his natal pack in 2020, making it to Siskiyou County in November of that year. OR85 paired with a gray female wolf that had dispersed from a pack in southwestern Oregon to form the Whaleback Pack in Siskiyou County. The pair produced litters of seven pups in 2021 and eight pups in 2022.</p> <p><img alt="The Siskiyou County wolf OR85, the breeding male of the Whaleback Pack" src="/Portals/0/Images/OCEO/News/OR85-2023.jpg" style="float: left; margin-top: 5px; margin-right: 10px; border-width: 1px; border-color: rgb(204, 204, 204); border-style: solid; max-width: 99%;" /></p> <p>Capture teams, using a contracted helicopter and capture crew and fixed-wing aircraft from CDFW’s Air Services Unit, were able to locate the wolves through intermittent signals coming from OR85’s original collar, which was thought to be non-functioning. CDFW crews removed OR85’s original collar and replaced it with a new unit.</p> <p>The other wolf captured and collared was a black, 97-pound, yearling male from the 2021 litter.</p> <p>The capture and collar effort, which began last month, marks the first time CDFW has used helicopters to capture and collar gray wolves. The capture and collar of gray wolves is an important management and research tool, along with other tools and methods, used throughout the West to help monitor populations, understand landscape use patterns and minimize livestock conflicts.</p> <p>Each morning, under optimal conditions, the satellite collars will transmit four new locations to CDFW since the previous day’s download. Ground capture attempts to collar additional wolves will resume later this spring.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW photos. Bottom photo OR85</strong></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jordan.Traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> Capture and Collar Efforts Underway for Wolves, Elk and Deer in Northeastern Californiahttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/capture-and-collar-efforts-underway-for-wolves-elk-and-deer-in-northeastern-californiaWolvesTue, 21 Feb 2023 12:05:55 GMTCDFW this week initiated efforts to capture wolves, elk and deer by helicopter in northeastern California and outfit the animals with GPS collars. The capturing and collaring will continue through the end of the month as weather allows.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) this week initiated efforts to capture wolves, elk and deer by helicopter in northeastern California and outfit the animals with GPS collars. The capturing and collaring will continue through the end of the month as weather allows.</p> <p>CDFW has contracted with Leading Edge Aviation to conduct the helicopter captures in Lassen, Modoc, Plumas and Siskiyou counties. CDFW environmental scientists and veterinary staff will provide direction and support on the ground. It is the first time CDFW has used helicopters to capture and collar gray wolves.</p> <p>Capture teams will target wolves in the Whaleback Pack in Siskiyou County and the Lassen Pack, which roams portions of Lassen and Plumas counties. Neither pack has wolves with functioning GPS collars. The collars can transmit data to CDFW scientists twice a day for up to two years and provide detailed information about movements, habitat preferences and location. In the case of wolves, the collars provide information that CDFW can share with cattle and sheep ranchers about nearby wolf activity to help reduce conflicts though the collars are not reliable sources for real-time data.</p> <p>Recent attempts to capture and collar California wolves from the ground have been unsuccessful. Helicopter captures are an added effort while ongoing ground captures will be adapted to increase success. Other Western states, including Oregon and Washington, routinely use helicopters to capture and monitor their wolf populations.</p> <p>Captured and collared mule deer and Rocky Mountain elk will enhance CDFW’s knowledge of distribution, abundance, migration patterns, recruitment, survival and habitat use.</p> <p>The captures will take place on lands managed by the USDA Forest Service as well as on private properties with permission from landowners. CDFW is grateful to the USDA Forest Service, timberland owners and other private landowners that are providing access to their lands for the capture.</p> <p><em>CDFW photo of a gray wolf in northeastern California, part of the Lassen Pack.</em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Jeffrey.Stoddard@wildlife.ca.gov">Jeffrey Stoddard</a>, CDFW Northern Region, (530) 768-7146<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> CDFW, Robinson Rancheria Partner on Pilot Program to Remove Invasive Carp, Goldfish to Help Clear Lake Hitchhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/cdfw-robinson-rancheria-partner-on-pilot-program-to-remove-invasive-carp-goldfish-to-help-clear-lake-hitchScientific StudyTue, 14 Feb 2023 16:51:07 GMTCDFW and the Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California (Robinson Rancheria) have initiated a pilot program on Clear Lake to remove invasive carp and goldfish to benefit the Clear Lake hitch, also known as “Chi.”<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>*** A Joint News Release with the Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California ***</strong></p> <p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Robinson Rancheria Pomo Indians of California (Robinson Rancheria) have initiated a pilot program on Clear Lake to remove invasive carp and goldfish to benefit the Clear Lake hitch, also known as “Chi.”</p> <p>The Clear Lake hitch or Chi is a large, native minnow found only in Clear Lake and its tributaries within Lake County. Since 2014, the fish has been listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act. An important cultural resource for Native American tribes within Lake County, Clear Lake hitch populations used to be seen in runs numbering in the tens of thousands.</p> <p>Through permitting and $177,872 in grant funding from CDFW, the Robinson Rancheria is leading the pilot research effort to study the effectiveness and benefits of removing nonnative carp and goldfish from Clear Lake.</p> <p>The Robinson Rancheria contracted with the Minneapolis-based WSB engineering and environmental consulting firm to seine sections of Clear Lake from Feb. 3 through Feb. 11, 2023, to catch carp and goldfish. Some of the carp and goldfish were kept for biological testing but most of the fish -- including all nontarget sport fish -- were returned to the lake unharmed as part of the feasibility study.</p> <p>The timing of the project was chosen to coincide with the period when carp and goldfish form large aggregations in preparation for spawning for more efficient collection of target species and to minimize bycatch of other fishes. CDFW was on the water monitoring the effort. Other partners include the Big Valley Band of Pomo Indians and the Lake County Water Resources Department.</p> <p>Carp and goldfish are detrimental to Clear Lake hitch and their habitat in several ways, including predating on Clear Lake hitch eggs; disturbing and circulating nutrients in the lake that can reduce water clarity and foster harmful algal blooms in the summer; and inhibiting tule growth. Tule provide important rearing habitat for juvenile Clear Lake hitch.</p> <p><em><strong>CDFW Photo:</strong> Clear Lake hitch by Richard Macedo.</em></p> <p><em>###</em></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contacts:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:Sarah.Mussulman@wildlife.ca.gov">Sarah Mussulman</a>, CDFW Fisheries Branch, (916) 591-1152<br /> <a href="mailto:watermgr@rrcbc-nsn.gov">Karola Kennedy</a>, Robinson Rancheria, (707) 530-5320<br /> <a href="mailto:Peter.Tira@wildlife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p> California Fish and Game Commission Holds Hybrid Meetinghttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/california-fish-and-game-commission-holds-hybrid-meeting4Scientific StudyFri, 10 Feb 2023 10:28:16 GMTAt its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento with an option for the public to join via Zoom.<p>At its February meeting, the California Fish and Game Commission acted on several issues affecting California’s natural resources. The following are just a few items of interest from this month’s meeting held in Sacramento with an option for the public to join via Zoom.</p> <p>In the agenda item to determine whether listing western Joshua tree as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act (CESA) is warranted, California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Director Charlton H. Bonham reported that <a href="https://esd.dof.ca.gov/trailer-bill/public/trailerBill/pdf/841" target="_blank">The Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act (PDF)</a> was introduced as a budget trailer bill on Feb. 7. The proposed bill language would provide for the conservation of western Joshua tree at a landscape scale, while also making available a permitting and mitigation process that would rely on simpler template permits and allow payment of in-lieu fees. It acknowledges the needs of the various parties involved in the issue. It aims to incorporate the needs of California tribes through government-to-government consultation, co-management and relocation of western Joshua tree to tribal lands upon request. The proposed bill will go through the legislative process and the public will have ample opportunity to provide input. This approach creates a specific conservation program for the western Joshua tree while also recognizing the critical role renewable energy projects play in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the negative impacts of climate change, the role public works projects play in providing essential public services and current housing needs in California. In light of the introduction of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act, the Commission voted to continue its decision on listing western Joshua tree under CESA to a future meeting while leaving the record open for the sole purpose of continued input from tribal nations.</p> <p>CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of Law Enforcement David Bess recognized Lt. Nate Smith for receiving the Gold Medal of Valor for saving the life of a Fresno County Sheriff’s Deputy who was shot while on duty and Warden April Esconde for receiving the Silver Medal of Valor for saving a drowning woman. Additionally, Chief Bess announced the promotion of Erica Manes as Assistant Chief of the Northern Enforcement District. Manes was formally pinned by Deputy Chief Nathaniel Arnold and Assistant Chief Christy Wurster who recently vacated the position to which Manes was promoted.</p> <p>The Commission received a presentation from CDFW on the first <a href="/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Management/Decadal-Review">Decadal Management Review Report</a> for the statewide network of marine protected areas. CDFW thanked partners and stakeholders for extensive effort put into creating this report. Interested members of the public are invited to attend the <a href="/Conservation/Marine/MPAs/Management/Decadal-Review#566381263-forum">Management Review Forum</a> on March 15 in Monterey to hear findings and recommendations on the review. Public comment will be heard on March 16 at the Marine Resources Committee meeting (day two) at a location to be determined in the Monterey or Santa Cruz area.<span style="font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif"></span></p> <p>The Commission authorized an Experimental Fishing Permit to test the commercial use of timed and acoustic release pop-up gear systems developed by Sub Sea Sonics in the California Dungeness crab fishery.</p> <p>The full commission was present or participating online during the meeting. In her last act as Commission President, Samantha Murray held elections and passed the gavel to President Eric Sklar. Commissioner Erika Zavaleta was re-elected to Vice President. Committee assignments were designated. President Sklar and Commissioner Murray will continue to co-chair the Marine Resources Committee. Vice President Zavaleta and Commissioner Anthony Williams will co-chair the Wildlife Resources Committee. Commissioner Jacque Hostler-Carmesin will remain chair of the Tribal Committee.</p> <p>The agenda for this meeting, along with supporting information, is available on the <a href="https://fgc.ca.gov/Meetings/2023" target="_blank">Commission website</a>. An archived audio file will be available in the coming days. The next meeting of the full Commission is scheduled for April 19-20, 2023, in the Fresno or Bakersfield area.<br /> <span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p> <p>###</p> <p><em>The California Fish and Game Commission was one of the first wildlife conservation agencies in the United States, predating even the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries. There is often confusion about the distinction between the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and the Commission. In the most basic terms, CDFW implements and enforces the regulations set by the Commission, as well as provides biological data and expertise to inform the Commission’s decision-making process.</em><span style="font-size:12.0pt"></span></p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:jordan.traverso@wildlife.ca.gov">Jordan Traverso</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 212-7352</em></p> California’s 2022 General Deer Seasons Set to Beginhttps://wildlife.ca.gov/News/Archive/californias-2022-general-deer-seasons-set-to-beginWildlifeWed, 14 Sep 2022 13:25:02 GMTThe California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) general deer season is set to open in many parts of the state Saturday, Sept. 17. Deer season is already underway in California’s A and B4 zones along the coast.<p>The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) general deer season is set to open in many parts of the state Saturday, September 17. Deer season is already underway in California’s A and B4 zones along the coast. Hunters are advised to visit <a href="/Closures">CDFW’s Emergency Closures web page</a> for information and resources before heading to their favorite hunting spots.</p> <p>The majority of California’s general deer hunting zones – B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, D6 and D7 – open Saturday, September 17, along with premium hunting zones C1, C2, C3, C4, X9a, X9b and X12 in portions of Siskiyou, Shasta, Tehama, Mono and Inyo counties and surrounding areas. Several other general deer hunting zones – D3, D4, D5, D8, D9 and D10 – open the following week, on Saturday, September 24, as does premium hunting zones X8 and X10 in portions of Alpine and Tulare counties and surrounding areas.</p> <p>To improve the accuracy of deer population estimates and monitoring, CDFW is transitioning to updated approaches that employ recent innovations in population modeling. These models allow scientists to combine data from a variety of sources to generate estimates of population processes. Over the last few years, CDFW has employed numerous methods for collecting the data for each of the parameters needed to fit its models. One of the primary methods is to walk along transects, pick up deer scat, send samples to a lab to sequence the DNA for identifying individual deer, and then estimate total population size based on the frequency that collectors re-encounter scat from the same individual over space and time.</p> <p>Hunters are reminded that deer tag reporting is mandatory – even for hunters who are unsuccessful or those who did not have a chance to hunt at all. CDFW has produced a video on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_kReutK5Is" target="_blank">how to properly complete, attach and report your deer tag (Video)</a>.</p> <p>As a friendly reminder, California has phased out the use of lead ammunition for hunting. Nonlead ammunition is required for all wildlife harvest with a firearm. Additional deer hunting information, including hunt zone descriptions, maps and special hunts, is available at <a href="/Hunting/Deer">CDFW’s deer hunting web page</a>.</p> <p>CDFW also encourages hunters to participate in the state’s chronic wasting disease (CWD) surveillance program. Stop by a CWD sampling station after harvesting deer or elk in California to have samples taken for testing or ask your local meat processor or taxidermist if they are participating in the program. While CWD doesn’t exist in California, robust surveillance allows for early detection and better options if it is detected. Please help to protect California’s deer and elk populations and hunting opportunities.</p> <p><a href="/Conservation/Laboratories/Wildlife-Health/Monitoring/CWD">A list of CWD sampling stations</a> can also be found on the CDFW website.</p> <p><em><strong>Photo Credit</strong>: Robert / <a href="https://stock.adobe.com/" target="_blank">stock.adobe.com</a></em></p> <p>###</p> <p><em><strong>Media Contact:</strong><br /> <a href="mailto:peter.tira@wildllife.ca.gov">Peter Tira</a>, CDFW Communications, (916) 215-3858</em></p>