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
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Credit: USFWS
One Man's Vision Leads to a 'Refuge on the Bay'One of the unsung heroes of the decades long effort to create the San Francisco Bay's first National Wildlife Refuge is the man who came up with the idea, a visionary Santa Clara County Planner named Art Ogilvie. In the mid-1960s, Ogilvie first brought a group of citizen-activists together to discuss the possibility of a refuge on the Bay. On October 31, 2012, over 100 enthusiastic supporters, including U.S. Reps. Mike Honda and Zoe Lofgren, gathered at the refuge to celebrate its 40th anniversary and recognize local heroes like Ogilvie who were instrumental in making it a reality. Learn more...
Credit: USFWS
"Endangered Species Extravaganza!" Engages Latino Families at Bay Area Refuge
Staff at the Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge celebrated their annual after-school community outreach event, "Science Night" at the refuge's Environmental Education Center (EEC) in Alviso, Calif. This yearly event aims to engage children and families from the local, predominantly latino George Mayne Elementary School about environmental conservation. Learn more...
Credit: USFWS
Nevada Partners Conserving the Monte Neva PaintbrushMonte Neva paintbrush (Castilleja salsuginosa) is a member of the Orobanchaceae (broomrape) family. It is restricted to damp, open alkaline clay soils on travertine hot-spring mounds. In 2012, a Cooperative Range Improvement Agreement was signed by BLM, the Service, and Nevada Natural Heritage Program to conserve three acres for the plant at Hot Springs Hill. Learn more...
Credit: USFWS
New Federal Policy Supports Use of Feathers in Tribal Cultural and Religious PracticesThe Department of Justice issued a new policy today designed to support the cultural and religious practices of federally-recognized tribes and tribal members while protecting native migratory bird populations. The new policy clarifies and expands existing policy protecting the right of tribal members to posess and use feathers and other parts from eagles and other federally-protected migratory birds for cultural and religious purposes. Learn more...
Recent News Releases 
- Feb 13, 2013 - Fish and Wildlife Service Identifies Essential Habitat for Coachella Valley Milk-Vetch Plant
- Feb 13, 2013 - San Luis National Wildlife Refuges Building Receives Top Award
- Feb 05, 2013 - Final Revised Critical Habitat for Tidewater Goby Identified
- Feb 01, 2013 - Island Night Lizard Recovery Success – Species Proposed For Removal From Endangered Species Protection
Find a Refuge or Hatchery
renewable energy
Lands in California and Nevada are among the worlds richest sources of renewable energy in the form of wind, solar and geothermal energy. The Pacific Southwest Region provides environmental review of renewable energy projects in support of the Department of the Interior's initiatives to advance environmentally appropriate renewable energy in California and Nevada and Klamath Basin. Learn more about our role in renewable energy developmentclimate change
The impacts of climate change exacerbate existing stress on our fish and wildlife resources in California, Nevada and Klamath Basin. Dealing with these challenges will require an unprecendented level of collaboration. Learn more about the Pacific Southwest Region's efforts in understanding climate change here.
get connected!
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service FieldNotes
FieldNotes showcases the activities, events and conservation work of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service here in the Pacific Southwest Region. The articles inside are written by our employees and reflect the efforts of the Service and our partners in conserving and preserving the unique natural resources here in California, Nevada and the Klamath Basin. After you've visited FieldNotes, follow us on these social media channels...
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join the conversation
Visit "Open Spaces," our daily blog about news, issues, and people in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Join in our conversation about wildlife in our news blog and add your own comments. Participate in an ongoing conversation about wildlife conservation, climate change impacts and collaborative solutions. You can also follow us on our Pacific Southwest Region Facebook and Twitter pages and share these stories with others.
