What We Do
THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT (ESA)
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The ESA provides a critical safety net for America’s at-risk native fish, wildlife and plants. With species recovery as our ultimate goal, we work with a wide variety of partners to guide research, develop conservation actions, restore habitat and recover species. We use the best available science in our decision making, foster relationships that result in tangible conservation outcomes and develop a workforce of conservation leaders.
Our office works on a variety of projects in partnership with federal and state agencies, tribes, local governments and private landowners. Together, our work results in positive conservation gains that support the recovery of listed and at-risk species.
- We help identify, protect, and recover threatened and endangered species
- We consult with federal agencies under Section 7 Section 7
Section 7 Consultation The Endangered Species Act (ESA) directs all Federal agencies to work to conserve endangered and threatened species and to use their authorities to further the purposes of the Act. Section 7 of the Act, called "Interagency Cooperation," is the mechanism by which Federal agencies ensure the actions they take, including those they fund or authorize, do not jeopardize the existence of any listed species.
Learn more about Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act fish and wildlife resources are considered by agencies during project planning - We support the development and permitting of habitat conservation plans
- We partner with tribes and private landowners to restore fish and wildlife habitat
- We educate communities about rare fish, wildlife, and plants and how they can help
For more information contact Jennifer Jones, Forest Resources branch manager at 530 841-3109 or jennifer_jones@fws.gov
LISTING AND RECOVERY PLANNING
The Yreka Fish and Wildlife Office is responsible for monitoring the status of more than 100 listed species that live in California and currently receive protection under the Endangered Species Act. Our staff evaluate the status of listed species and work with partners to develop and implement recovery strategies. Our day-to-day work includes:
- Reviewing and drafting scientific documents that assess the status of a species
- Drafting recovery plans and conservation strategies
- Developing and implementing recovery actions
- Identifying and mapping critical habitat
- Reviewing applications for scientific research permits
For more information, contact Nadine Kanim, fish and wildlife biologist at 530 841-3108 or nadine_kanim@fws.gov
SECTION 7 CONSULTATIONS
Federal agencies are required to consult with the Service under Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act when federal projects may result in take of a listed species or damage critical habitat for a listed species. Each year, our staff completes formal and informal consultations with other federal government agencies, keeping project timelines on-track, and wildlife and habitat protected.
For more information, contact Christine Jordan, fish and wildlife biologist at 530-841-3111 or christine_jordan@fws.gov
HABITAT CONSERVATION PLANS and SAFE HARBOR AGREEMENTS
Non-Federal entities who are planning activities that may harm endangered or threatened wildlife or fish species are required to obtain a permit from our agency under Section 10 of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Habitat Conservation Plans (HCPs) and Safe Harbor Agreements (SHAs) provide a path to balance wildlife conservation with the needs of the community and local economies.
These needs may include a variety of needs from agriculture and ranching operations to infrastructure maintenance and residential development. The primary objective of the HCP and SHA programs is to take a strategic approach to conserve species and the ecosystems they depend on while improving efficiencies in permitting processes. We review HCPs and SHAs developed by landowners and partners. Our review helps ensure that mitigation measures are included in the plan to minimize impacts to listed species and results in conservation for the species in the area. Our review and approval of the project results in issuing a permit for the project to the landowner. The public has an opportunity to comment on projects before they are permitted.
For more information contact Jennifer Jones, Forest Resources branch manager at 530 841-3109 or jennifer_jones@fws.gov
FISH and AQUATIC CONSERVATION
The goal of the Yreka FWO Fish and Aquatic Conservation (FAC) program is to conserve, protect, and restore native fisheries populations in the Klamath Basin by collaborating with States, Tribes, other federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and other Service Programs.
Our efforts are focused through actions that include monitoring salmon populations, restoring instream habitat, and promoting sub-basin level coordination by providing grant funds to several external partner groups and organizations that cover the three mainstem Klamath River tributaries - the Shasta, Salmon and Scott rivers - as well as the mid- and lower Klamath River. These groups plan and implement yearly community outreach and education programs to promote actions that benefit fisheries. Each of these actions are guided by the latest strategic planning documents, best available science, and current recovery plans.
For more information please contact Ryan Fogerty, Habitat Restoration branch manager at 530-641-3128 or ryan_fogerty@fws.gov
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PARTNERS for FISH and WILDLIFE PROGRAM
The Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program is the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's habitat restoration cost-sharing program for private landowners. Partners for Fish and Wildlife emphasizes the enhancement and restoration of ecological communities for the benefit of native fish and wildlife in conjunction with the management objectives of private landowners.
Partners for Fish and Wildlife was established to provide technical and financial assistance to private (nonfederal and nonstate) landowners who wish to restore fish and wildlife habitat on their land.
The goals of the program are to:
- Implement proactive, voluntary, on-the-ground habitat restoration projects that benefit federal trust species and their habitats on private and tribal lands.
- Provide technical and financial assistance to landowners who are interested in providing suitable habitat for fish and wildlife on their property.
- Provide leadership and promote partnerships using the Service's and other organizations' expertise.
- Conduct public outreach to broaden understanding of fish and wildlife habitats while encouraging and demonstrating conservation efforts.
For more information contact Ryan Fogerty, Habitat Restoration branch manager at 530-641-3128 or ryan_fogerty@fws.gov
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KLAMATH BASIN TRIBAL COORDINATION PROGRAM
The federal government has a unique and distinctive political relationship with federally recognized Native American tribes. It is defined by treaties, statutes, executive orders, judicial decisions and agreements and differs from relationships with state and local governments or other entities.
These agreements have given rise to a special federal trust responsibility, involving the legal responsibilities and obligations of the United States toward Indian tribes and the application of fiduciary standards of due care with respect to Indian lands, tribal trust resources and the exercise of tribal rights.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, as a bureau of the Department of the Interior, has a mandated obligation to ensure that the federal Indian trust responsibility is fulfilled. The Yreka FWO coordinates with several federally-recognized tribes throughout Northern California.
For more information please contact Trevor Super, Native American Program Specialist at 530 841-3121 or trevor_super@fws.gov
