Pacific Southwest Region - US Fish & Wildlife Service

From Salt Ponds to Wetlands
Former commercial salt ponds in San Franciso Bay are being restored to wetlands at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay Refuge (click arrow to start. Video courtesy KQED public television.)

Region 8 adopted a new name, Pacific Southwest Region, in January 2009. The name reflects our geographic location between the Service's Pacific Region (Region 1) and Southwest Region (Region 2) and is consistent with the Service's naming convention for regions.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service established Region 8, formerly the California and Nevada Operations Office (CNO), in 1998 in recognition of the unique natural resource challenges facing California, Nevada and the Klamath Basin. Many of these challenges evolve from the inherently rich biodiversity of this area, coupled with many of the fastest growing communities in the nation.

In Region 8, decision-making is placed at the local level, where managers can best develop partnerships with external groups and organizations that contribute to the conservation of fish, wildlife and plant resources. We will continue to be a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. Region 8 is headquartered in Sacramento, California.

What's New

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Central Valley Project Grants Available

Funding for projects that improve conditions for federally listed species and associated habitats impacted by the federal Central Valley Project is available through two grant programs managed by the Service and Bureau of Reclamation. Proposals are due by Nov. 13, 2009. Learn More

Climate Change: Service Releases Climate Change Strategy for Public Review
Builds on Secretary Salazar's DOI Climate Change Order

As part of the Department of the Interior's commitment to building a coordinated strategy to respond to the impacts of climate change on the nation's natural resources, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a proposed strategic plan September 23, 2009, that will guide the agency's efforts to respond to the unprecedented threat posed by global warming.

News Release

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Climate Change in Region 8:

In January 2009, the Region co-sponsored a climate change workshop focused on the coastal ecosystems of California, Oregon and Washington . See the agenda and presentations..

In August 2008, the Service co-sponsored a workshop addressing climate change in arid and semiarid ecosystems in the southwest United States. See presentations and other workshop resources.

Climate change is accelerating the need for change in conservation organizations. Conservation in Transition - Leading Change in the 21st Century (1.4mb .pdf) is our vision for meeting the challenges of conservation in the 21st century.

Visit the Service's Climate Change website.