California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Home Lands

Lands Program Overview

The Lands Program is responsible for assisting Regional staff in the management of over 1,000,000 acres of fish and wildlife habitat. In total the California Department of Fish and Wildlife manages 711 properties throughout the state. These properties provide habitat for a rich diversity of fish, wildlife, and plant species and comprise habitats from every major ecosystem in the state. In addition, the Lands Program also administers several private lands conservation programs designed to assist landowners with the management of wetlands, riparian habitats, native grasslands and wildlife-friendly farmlands.

Click on the links below to learn more about the Lands Program and its efforts to conserve and manage California's Wildlife Areas, Ecological Reserves, and private lands.

Explore the California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Public Lands

Mission Statement

To work in partnership with the CDFW's Regions to ensure that the state's lands are managed and maintained to provide optimal benefits for fish, wildlife, and plants by:

  • Developing uniform, statewide policies and planning guidance relative to the acquisition, protection, restoration, enhancement, and management of lands;
  • Providing statewide policy and programmatic coordination with conservation groups and local, state, and federal resource agencies to conserve privately owned lands;
  • Developing uniform guidelines and regulations for public use and land management plans that focus on the needs of fish, wildlife, and plants.
  • Providing budgetary and technical assistance to Regional land managers; and
  • Fostering public use, knowledge, and enjoyment of lands.