The past week has brought significant developments in Game and Fish news across the United States. In California, the Fish and Game Commission made progress on wildlife conservation with the approval of the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Plan. This new plan addresses threats from habitat loss and climate change and is particularly notable because it includes collaborative management with Native American tribes, a first for state conservation law. Updates to permitting and relocation guidelines for the Joshua tree further emphasize flexible approaches to balancing conservation with desert community needs. At the same meeting, the Commission advanced the endangered listing process for the Quino checkerspot butterfly, which has lost much of its historic range due to habitat loss and other environmental pressures, and moved forward with regulatory changes to protect the declining white sturgeon population. Recent surveys have indicated ongoing declines in white sturgeon, linked to poor river conditions and harmful algal blooms, prompting amendments to reporting requirements and continuation of catch and release-only fishing through the 2025-26 season. Anglers can now obtain a sturgeon report card for free, aligning with new season timing, before a nominal fee resumes in the following year.
California’s Commission also reopened recreational fishing for several groundfish species, including rockfish and lingcod, to all depths north of Point Conception, introducing new bag limits and emergency rules to adapt to dynamic fisheries. Amendments to the market squid management plan were adopted, following input from industry and advisors, to ensure sustainable harvest practices. Additional measures were approved to address threats from invasive mussels and green crab, and meetings have been announced to discuss future closures of certain kelp harvest areas and the continued protection of recreational red abalone.
In Arizona, the Game and Fish Department announced a draft rule change for off-highway vehicle regulations as part of their ongoing five-year review process. According to the Arizona Game and Fish Department, proposed amendments aim to simplify rules, improve public accessibility to services, and maintain consistency with other statutes. Public input is encouraged, and a final hearing is scheduled for December in Phoenix.
Montana is also in the midst of a rulemaking process with the Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting virtually on October 9. Topics include new habitat conservation leases and updates to chronic wasting disease regulations, with opportunities for the public to comment on all hunting, fishing, and trapping rules before final decisions are made.
Nationally, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service remains active with restoration projects, such as rebuilding native cutthroat trout populations in Utah, reintroducing lake sturgeon, and awarding the National Junior Duck Stamp Art Contest to a student from Texas. Collaborative efforts to conserve wetlands and increase angling opportunities for native species continue as key themes across several states. Taken together, these efforts highlight the evolving landscape of wildlife management and the importance of science-based policymaking, public participation, and partnership with tribal governments and local communities.
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