California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) is a state agency responsible for managing California's diverse fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. Their mission is to conserve and manage these natural resources for their ecological values and for public use and enjoyment. The agency operates across California's diverse landscapes, from Mount Shasta to the San Francisco Bay, and from Mammoth Lakes to the Mojave Desert. CDFW staff includes scientists, wildlife officers, and specialists who work on various conservation efforts such as studying fish species' diets, monitoring wild trout, studying pollinators, collaring elk to monitor their health, and planting white abalone in coastal waters. The department covers a wide range of activities including fishing and hunting licensing, conservation efforts, species management, environmental review, and providing educational resources about wildlife.