The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Pacific Southwest Region co-manages more than 300 animals and plants listed as endangered or threatened species within California, Nevada, and a portion of Klamath basin in Oregon. Recovery permits are managed within the Ecological Services program of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Ecological Services program carries out our agency mission by using the best available science, while working with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to avoid, minimize, and mitigate threats to our nation's natural resources.
Under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service may permit any act otherwise prohibited by section 9 for scientific purposes or to enhance the propagation or survival of threatened and endangered species. See more information on the "What We Do" page.
The primary responsibility of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the American people. One of the tools available to the USFWS is to issue permits that assist with fulfilling this mission.