The California Department of Fish and Game (DFG) has extended the public comment period for the Draft Wildlife Action Plan through July 21, 2006. The extension is the result of requests from the public and interested organizations.

The plan, created in cooperation with the Wildlife Health Center at UC Davis, is available online at http://www.dfg.ca.gov/habitats/wdp/index.html. Comments may be provided via email through this web site or regular mail sent to: Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Action Plan Comments, 1416 9th St., 12th Floor, Sacramento, CA, 95814.

Initial public response to the draft plan was significant, with DFG receiving nearly 4,000 comments. However, the initial interest and series of public meetings held earlier this month spawned renewed interest in the plan and what it means for wildlife and wildlife habitat in California.

Each state has been asked to develop a wildlife action plan, known technically as a comprehensive wildlife conservation strategy, to examine the state of wildlife conservation and prescribe actions to conserve wildlife and vital habitats before they become too rare and costly to protect. California's action plan identifies five key issues: 1) integrating wildlife conservation into local land use decisions; 2) restoring and conserving riparian habitats; 3) providing essential water for wildlife; 4) controlling invasive species; 5) and expanding conservation education.

California's Wildlife Draft Action Plan was developed as a landmark reference for conservationists and the general public. The mission of the plan will be to draw upon decades of conservation efforts, identify current challenges and recommend conservation actions based on sound science and stakeholder involvement. The action plan will encourage an ecosystem approach to conservation issues. This broad approach recognizes the interdependence of multiple species and their habitats. The plan will also take into consideration the needs of individual animals inhabiting particular regions of the state.

The action plan identifies 807 vulnerable wildlife species, and what actions are needed to improve wildlife populations and the habitats upon which they depend. The plan is largely based on the concept that the best insurance the state can have is to ensure that the conservation of species and habitats is increased.