News

In late September, Congressman Garamendi, Congressman Huffman, Congressman Thompson, and Senator Padilla introduced the San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Act (HR 9826). This bill, if enacted, would add 5,658 acres to the 24,390 acres that currently make up the refuge. The legislation also directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to enter into a cooperative agreement with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to manage the federal refuge and adjacent state lands at a landscape scale. Following on our previous efforts to support hunting opportunities at the refuge (e.g. Cullinan Ranch), California Waterfowl worked closely with the bill sponsors to ensure that the legislation includes language clearly stating that hunting and fishing are priority activities within the new refuge lands. We have also made it clear that we oppose any new restrictions on waterfowl hunting in areas of San Pablo Bay where it is already available to the public.

California Waterfowl recently provided detailed feedback on the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Klamath Project Operating Procedures 2024-2029. These procedures are crucial in determining how water is allocated across the Klamath Basin, affecting endangered species, tribal rights, agriculture, and the Klamath Refuges. CWA strongly supports the proposed changes, which would allocate more water to the refuges, helping restore critical wetland habitats and support waterfowl populations.

Two separate pieces of legislation that would better conserve managed wetlands in California are still pending.  CWA needs your help to urge the Governor to sign them into law.

The Klamath National Wildlife Refuge Complex held its annual hunt program meeting on September 7, and refuge staff announced that both Tule Lake and Lower Klamath Refuges will be open for limited waterfowl hunting.

Once again, the State of California wants to make it more expensive and burdensome for you to exercise your gun rights!

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that the pintail bag limit will increase from 1 to 3 birds per day for the 2025-26 waterfowl season, following a new interim harvest strategy. This change is the result of years of advocacy by CWA and the work of the USFWS and Flyway Councils. The impact of this new limit will be assessed over several seasons to determine if it should become a long-term strategy or be modified. Recent research suggests that habitat changes, not hunting, have primarily affected pintail populations, and additional harvest opportunities may be sustainable.

Two separate pieces of legislation that would help to better conserve managed wetlands in California are currently pending in the State Legislature. Read more about AB 828 (Connolly) and AB2875 Friedman)

Exciting news for waterfowl hunters! The bag limit for pintails has increased to 3 for the 2025-2026 season—the first increase since 2015! This achievement is the result of years of dedicated work by our advocacy team, who have been tirelessly pushing for better opportunities for hunters.

The California State Legislature approved a $10 billion climate bond, which includes $25 million for wetland and waterfowl conservation, particularly for water deliveries to the Klamath Refuges, and will appear as Proposition 4 on the 2024 ballot.

Two separate pieces of legislation that would help to better conserve managed wetlands in California are winding their way through the legislative process.

Read the full letter sent by CWA and DU requesting urgent water deliveries for Klamath Refuges to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

Another avian botulism outbreak is devastating bird populations throughout the upper Pacific Flyway in the Klamath Basin and Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuges. Stay informed and help raise awareness as we monitor this critical situation.

Latest reports from the Klamath Basin show better wetland habitat conditions from last year, but without additional water deliveries conditions could soon deteriorate.

CWA welcomes its latest corporate partner, Kershaw Knives.

Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) has secured $2.8 million for the California Waterfowl Association to restore and enhance over 1,600 acres of wetlands and uplands in the Bay Area, benefiting many species of migratory birds across the Fourth District and surround areas. Special thanks to Robert Eddings for his excellent work in writing this successful grant proposal. This funding is part of $87 million secured by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission for wetland conservation.

Ever wondered what it would be like to tour a hatchery? Wonder no more! On July 20th from 9am to 11am, the doors at Rancho Esquon (1609 Adams Ranch Rd, Durham, CA) will be open for an exciting and educational hatchery tour.

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Chadd Santerre to the position of director of wetland programs - NAWCA coordinator at California Waterfowl. Chadd has been an integral part of our organization for over 25 years and is renowned as the nation's leading NAWCA grant recipient.

Get paid to flood your wetlands! Applications opened on May 17th and go until June 9th. Check out the application link in the full story as well as all the major details and requirements.

In 2023, we banded a total of 8,549 birds, including 17 different species, with the majority being mallards, northern pintails, and gadwalls.

Creating a succession plan for your DAF is an important decision to make. Are you one of the thoughtful and generous people who have discovered the power of a donor advised fund (DAF)? They are an excellent tool to streamline and simplify charitable giving.

According to reports, a new harvest strategy for northern pintail has at last been approved by the Service Regulations Committee that will provide an opportunity for 3-bird bag beginning for the 2025-26 season.  It will also reportedly not significantly increase the likelihood of a closed pintail season.

California Waterfowl wants to hear from you. This brief multiple-choice survey will help ensure CWA is communicating and operating at our best to support our members’ needs and values.

Purina Extends its Sponsorship of California Waterfowl Association Roseville, CA - California Waterfowl Association is pleased to announce Purina has extended its support of the conservation and educational initiatives of the organization with its 2024/2025 Sponsorship.

Updates on firearm related bills AB 3067 and SB 1160. The CWA advocacy team worked with other partners to gut both harmful bills of responsible gun owners.