About cfgwa
The California Fish and Game Wardens' Association (CFGWA) originated in 1922, and was established with the CA Secretary of State in 1937. CFGWA is a tax-exempt IRS 501(c)(5) organization, made up of rank-and-file employees (Game Wardens, Warden Pilots, and Lt. Specialists) of the Law Enforcement Division of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
We are made of mostly active-duty Game Warden’s that are currently working across California, in various roles. We allow membership of non rank-and-file officers, such as Lt. Supervisors, Captains, and Chiefs. We also have many retired Game Wardens who maintained their membership.
We are not affiliated with our parent labor union, the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA), although we work closely and collaborate with them to further our missions.
Mission Statement
Our sole mission is to support and advocate for Game Wardens, Warden Pilots, and Lt. Specialists of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife. We do this by communicating between field level officers and Department leadership, supporting officers directly or coordinating outside support, and advocating on behalf of our members with public and private sector groups.
California has the 5th largest economy in the world and is regarded as a worldwide leader in environmental protection.
Game Wardens ARE California’s environmental police.
3rd
largest state in the US
160,000
sq. miles in the state of CA
700
sq. miles protected by each Game Warden
$
Among the lowest paid state peace officers
our challenges
Across the planet, Game Wardens are a small but dedicated force, sworn to protect public safety and natural resources. California's Game Wardens have the proud tradition of being the first sworn statewide police force in California (Est. 1871). Unfortunately, Game Wardens continue to face increased roles and responsibilities with static or decreasing support and funding.
lack of support
In a state that prides itself on being at the forefront of environmental protection and natural resource conservation, California Game Wardens - the men and women who are in the field risking their lives to enforce those laws and regulations - should be receiving the highest levels of support from the leaders of the state. CFGWA will not stop trying until we make that happen.
However, they pay their Game Wardens approximately 35% less than other high-demand California state peace officers. Game Wardens are the first, best, and sometimes only line of public safety and environmental protection in California. These fully sworn peace officers are truly in the field each day risking their lives to protect California’s wildlife, watersheds, habitats, ports-of-entry and ensure public safety.
lack of funding
At around 160,000 square miles, California is the 3rd largest state in the U.S. The average California Game Warden covers approximately 700 square miles and 144,000 citizens on average. California has historically had the lowest number of Game Wardens per capita in the United States. Despite this, California Game Wardens remain among the lowest paid state peace officers in California.
recruitment & retention
For these reasons (among others), the Department of Fish and Wildlife has struggled to recruit and retain qualified Game Wardens for decades, often losing officers to other higher paying law enforcement agencies in California or private sector jobs. Frequently, Game Wardens have had to move their families out of California for a variety of reasons, often citing the cost of living in California compared to a Game Warden salary as a primary reason.
We are the last line of defense for the diverse ecosystems across California, and we need all of the support we can get in order to continue protecting California’s natural resources for many years to come.
support CFGWA’s mission
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Take action
Contact the Governor's Office to demonstrate that you value the work being done to protect California’s natural resources
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Reach Out
Reach out to your local representative in either the California State Assembly or California State Senate
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Speak out
Let your County Supervisors know you want them to prioritize natural resource protection in your area
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Shop the store
Purchase merchandise from our online store, from which all proceeds go directly back into supporting CFGWA and its members
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Donate
Make a financial contribution to CFGWA and help us continue protecting California’s natural resources for many years to come.
