Volunteers are a critical resource to supporting oil spill response efforts in California. If they can be utilized safely and effectively during an oil spill, the Office of Spill Prevention and Response (OSPR) will activate its volunteer program to support three types of volunteers and their organizations in the following order: Pre-trained: Volunteers assist with the rehabilitation of oiled animals. Get involved with UC Davis, Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) Member Organization before a spill occurs. By volunteering with one of OWCN’s member organizations you'll gain valuable experience and be eligible for specialized training in caring for oiled animals. For more information, go to Oiled Wildlife Care Network Volunteer Affiliated: Volunteers whose organization has an established role in the oil spill response structure (requires pre-existing arrangement with a government agency). One of these organizations is the CDFW Natural Resource Volunteer Program Community: Concerned citizens (also known as spontaneous) who want to help during an oil spill. CDFW may request the public’s support with response activities if needed. If you are viewing this page during an active oil spill and are interested in volunteering, go to CalSpillWatch Volunteer for updated information. Each spill response is unique and maybe require different skillsets. However, efforts are made to match volunteer talents with oil spill response needs as they become available. Volunteers must be 18 years of age and in good physical health to participate in oil spill response activities. Volunteer Brochure (PDF) Volunteer Brochure en Español (PDF)
OSPR About OSPR Cal Spill Watch(opens in new tab) Contingency and Response Plans Drills & Exercises / ICS Enforcement Financial Responsibility Harbor Safety Laws and Regulations Local Government Oil Spill Response Organizations Response Resources Restoration (NRDA) Science and Wildlife Spill Management Teams Volunteer Related Organizations ERMA - Southwest U.S. Coast Guard NOAA - Office of Response and Restoration USEPA - United States Environmental Protection Agency Oiled Wildlife Care Network Pacific States - British Columbia Oil Spill Task Force California OES Report Log Contact Us California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 715 P Street, Sacramento, CA 95814 Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 (916) 445-0411 for General CDFW Information Office of Spill Prevention and Response Mailing: P.O. Box 944209, Sacramento, CA 94244-2090 (916) 375-8580 for OSPR Information Report Oil Spills (800) 852-7550 or (800) OILS-911 Email OSPR | Office Locations Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram Flickr