Pacific Southwest Region
California, Nevada and Klamath Basin


Pacific Southwest Region

Region 8, the Pacific Southwest Region, was established 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. The Pacific-Southwest Region places decision-making 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, Calif.

PACIFIC SOUTHWEST HIGHLIGHTS

  • Credit: USFWS

    Bob Shaffer Honored with National Blue-winged Teal Award

    Congratulations are in order for Bob Shaffer, coordinator of Central Valley Joint Venture, recipient of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan's 2012 National Blue-winged teal award. The National Blue-winged Teal Award recognizes partners whose activities result in substantial benefits to waterfowl, other wetland-associated migratory bird populations . Full story...

    Credit: USFWS

    Partnerships: Working with The Nature Conservancy to Replace Orchards with Native Habitat Along the Sacramento River

    The Sacramento River National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Sacramento River in the northern California. While the valley and banks of the river are currently areas of intensive agriculture production, historically the area was an example of sizeable biodiversity. It was this biodiversity that brought The Nature Conservancy and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service together to form the refuge 24 years ago. Full story...

    Credit: USFWS

    Sacramento NWR Staff, Partners, Rescue Stranded Salmon

    They were big, approximately 15 pounds on average, and there were dozens of them. While Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge wildlife biologist Mike Carpenter was out conducting a wildlife survey on the refuge, he noticed movement in the water below a water control structure. They turned out to be Chinook salmon that had inadvertently found their way into this waterway on their spawning migration and had become stranded. Full story...

    Credit: USFWS

    Los Banos 3rd-5th Graders Able to 'Connect With Nature' at the San Luis NWR, Thanks to Grant Program

    Since the San Luis NWR visitor center's grand opening in 2011, visitors have been coming in increasing numbers. One special group of visitors has been finding it difficult to make its way to the new facility - the local area's public school children...that is, until now. Full story...

"Pacific Southwest Highlights" presents the latest news about the region. See our archives of past articles