2017 Year in Review

We pride ourselves in solid science as we work with our partners to move the conservation needle forward for the benefit of the fish, wildlife, plants, habitats, and people of the central and southern California coast. This year, we have many successes to celebrate.

For the first time in nearly 70 years, we saw western snowy plovers nesting on beaches in Los Angeles County, a testament to the perseverance of land managers who work to educate beachgoers and implement on-the-ground restoration.

Along with our state partners, we rescued a population of rare fish from near certain extinction from the damaging effects of wildfire. We then released them back into the wild where they have since been documented successfully breeding.

We worked alongside volunteers within our community to document bird and marine mammal mortalities along our coastline, which provided critical data during a domoic acid event and continues to help us understand the long-term impacts of the Refugio oil spill.

With our partners at the University of California, we broke ground on a restoration project to convert a former golf course into a productive wetland, which will not only provide habitat for wildlife, but will provide a place for visitors to enjoy and explore nature.

We worked diligently and collaboratively with a private landowner to develop and implement vigorous conservation measures for a plant species once thought to be extinct and currently a candidate for listing under the ESA.

And, we approved the first Conservation Bank bordering San Benito and Santa Clara counties, which will permanently protect more than 2,000 acres of habitat for two rare amphibian species while a family’s ranching legacy lives on.

At the end of a robust year of conservation, we can be proud that our passion and perseverance made a difference for the living things that call this beautiful stretch of coastline home. It is because of the tenacity, grace, and enthusiasm of our team, that I am so proud to work for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Thank you.

Stephen P. Henry

Field Supervisor, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office

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Publication date
Facility
A sunrise peeking over a field of flowers
Established in 1987, the Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office works to conserve and protect threatened and endangered fish, wildlife and plants across the central and southern California coast, collaborating with communities and conservation partners to build a future that supports both people and our...
Program
A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Species
Western snowy plover

The western snowy plover is a small shorebird with moderately long legs and a short neck. Their back is pale tan while their underparts are white, and have dark patches on the sides of their neck which reach around onto the top of their chest. Juveniles are similar to nonbreeding adults, but...

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