defenders.org
Gov. Newsom Signs Landmark Legislation Creating California Wildlife Coexistence Program
Governor Gavin Newsom today signed into law Senate Bill 1135, establishing the California Wildlife Coexistence Program within the Department of Fish and Wildlife to better manage and reduce human-wildlife conflict through non-lethal, proactive strategies. The bill, authored by Senator Catherine S. Blakespear, passed both chambers with bipartisan support. Defenders of Wildlife co-sponsored the measure along with the National Wildlife Federation. Defenders of Wildlife’s California program director Pamela Flick issued the following reaction: “Gov. Newsom has solidified California’s position as a key leader in wildlife coexistence, underscoring the importance of proactively minimizing negative wildlife interactions. We are thrilled that this vital statewide program is now the law of the land, and look forward to working with CDFW, farmers, ranchers and communities to deploy non-lethal wildlife coexistence strategies throughout the Golden State. We are immensely grateful for the support from the governor and state legislature, and thank Sen. Blakespear’s for her leadership on this crucial issue.”...