SWAP 2015 is a comprehensive, statewide plan for conserving California's fish and wildlife and their vital natural habitats for future generations. It is part of a nationwide effort by all 50 states and five U.S. territories to develop conservation action plans and participate in the federally authorized State and Tribal Wildlife Grants (SWG) Program. Congress created the SWG program in 2000, recognizing the need to fund programs for the conservation of wildlife diversity.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) has received approximately $37 million in federal support for the state's wildlife conservation activities through the SWG program from 2005 through 2014. California's first SWAP was completed in 2005 and the SWG program requires SWAPs to be updated at least every 10 years. CDFW has now prepared the draft SWAP 2015, which is the first comprehensive update of SWAP 2005. CDFW published SWAP 2015 for public review between May 18 and July 2, 2015. During this time, public meetings are being held in Sacramento, San Diego, Los Angeles, and Oakland.

SWAP 2015 focuses on conserving wildlife in the nation's most biologically diverse state while considering the growing human population, changing climate, and the implications to the state's natural resources. SWAP 2015 is a flexible, but scientifically grounded plan. Employing an ecosystem approach to conserve and manage diverse habitats and species, the plan creates a blueprint for conservation actions necessary to respond to the highest priorities of California's freshwater aquatic, marine, and terrestrial resources in a coherent manner. Its implementation relies on making important and helpful conservation information more accessible to resource managers and the public, and on developing lasting partnerships with a broad array of governments, agencies, organizations, businesses, and residents. With help from many partners, CDFW's vision for the state's wildlife is to sustain the floral and faunal biodiversity of California over the next decade and establish the conservation framework for the decades that follow.

If you wish to provide comments on the draft SWAP 2015, please submit them by July 2, 2015. You may use a convenient online comment form, submit an email to SWAP@wildlife.ca.gov, or send comments by mail to: SWAP 2015 Update, California Department of Fish and Wildlife, 1416 Ninth Street, 12th Floor, Sacramento, CA 95814.  

If you have questions, please feel free to contact CDFW Project Lead, Armand Gonzales; CDFW Project Co-Lead, Junko Hoshi; Ascent Senior Biologist, Linda Leeman; or Ascent Principal, Curtis E. Alling, AICP. Ascent Environmental greatly appreciates the opportunity to assist CDFW with preparation of SWAP 2015 (with support by Blue Earth Consultants and Foundations of Success).