California Department of Fish and Wildlife

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW), formerly known as the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), is a department within the government of California, falling under its parent organization California Natural Resources Agency. The Department of Fish and Wildlife manages and protects the state's diverse fish, wildlife, plant resources, and native habitats. The department is responsible for related recreational, commercial, scientific, and educational uses. The department uses its law enforcement division to prevent and stop illegal poaching.

History

The first California fish and game act was passed in 1852 by the California State Legislature and signed into law by Governor John Bigler. The Game Act placed closed seasons on 12 counties for quails, partridges, mallard and wood ducks, elk, deer, and antelope. In 1852, a second legislative action protected salmon runs. In 1854, the Legislature extended the act to include all counties of California. In 1860, protection controls were extended for trout. Lake Merritt (Oakland, California) was made the first game refuge of California in 1869, believed to be the first in the United States.