California and Nevada Region
Conserving the Nature of America

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 (double click on arrow to start video, courtesy KQED's QUEST)

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 for the continuing benefit of the American people. Region 8 is headquartered in Sacramento California.

What's New

Region 8 Logo

Climate Change: The Region is co-sponsoring a two-day climate change workshop focused on the coastal ecosystems of California, Oregon and Washington January 29-30, 2008, in San Francisco. See the agenda and conference details.

In August 2008, the Service in collaboration with the U.S. Geological Survey and University of Arizona, 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 the Service’s vision for meeting the challenges of conservation in the 21st century.

Visit the Service's Climate Change website.

Find a Refuge or Hatchery

Recent News Releases

1/13/09 - Proposed Rule Clarifies Hunting Rule Changes at National Wildlife Refuges

1/5/09 - Draft Farallon National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment Released for Public Review

12/30/08 - Final Stock Assessment Report Available on Sea Otters off the California Coast

12/30/08 - Bureau of Reclamation and U.S.Fish and Wildlife Service Release Draft CPAR Report for Public Review and Comment

More News Releases
Last updated: January 13, 2009