Pacific Southwest Region
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.
Recent News Releases 
- Feb 08, 2010 - Rick Kearney Appointed as New Assistant Regional Director for Climate Change and Science Applications
- Feb 05, 2010 - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to Host Public Open House on Proposed Critical Habitat Designation for Bull Trout
- Feb 05, 2010 - Endangered Species Act Protections for the American Pika Not Warranted
- Feb 04, 2010 - Campground Reopens at Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge
FWS 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.
Find a Refuge or Hatchery
Let's Go Outside
Recovery Investments
Climate Change in Region 8
The Pacific Southwest Region is partnering with other federal agencies to sponsor a workshop focused on Natural Resource Mitigation, Adaptation and Research Needs Related to Climate Change in the Great Basin and Mojave Desert, April 20-22, 2010, in Las Vegas, Nev. The workshop will focus on how climate change is affecting natural resources in deserts of the western U.S., as well as the land, water, and species management and research needs that are essential to address in the coming decade. The FWS will partner with the U.S. Geological Survey and National Park Service to host the workshop. Participating agencies include the U.S. Forest Service, Environmental Protection Agency, Bureau of Land Management, Desert Research Institute, Desert Managers Group, and the Great Basin Research and Management Partnership. Get more Information.
Previous climate change workshops have focused on the coastal ecosystems of California, Oregon and Washington.(see agenda and presentations) and 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.
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.)
