by Flo Gardipee, USFWS

Endangered Species Overview

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) provides a critical safety net for America’s at-risk native fish, wildlife and plants. Our office was established to implement that safety net throughout much of California. Recovery is the ultimate goal of the ESA. Together with stakeholders we implement research, species protection and habitat restoration to keep at-risk species off the ESA list when possible and create a roadmap for recovery and removal for those currently on the list.

With recovery our goal, we work on all aspects of the ESA: From listing imperiled species and designating their critical habitat, to ensuring that their continued existence is not jeopardized.