Game Wardens are California's Thin Green Line
As full-time, fully-sworn peace officers, Game Wardens engage in a dangerous and complex mission every day, providing public safety and protecting California’s rich and diverse natural resources.
advocating for Game Wardens and their mission
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), and advocates for rank-and-file employees (Wardens, Warden Pilots, and Lt. Specialists) of the Law Enforcement Division of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Increasing Responsibilities
1/3
of Necessary Staffing (2021 SBB Review)
Rising Cost of Living
49%
Lower Salary (2021 CalHR Study)
WHAT GAME WARDENS DO
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Inland Enforcement
California’s Game Wardens can be found patrolling anywhere from downtown Los Angeles, to the backcountry of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. By vehicle, foot, or horse, Wardens will stop at no length to protect California’s wildlife and environment.
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Marine Enforcement
Marine Wardens patrol California’s 1,100 miles of coastline by way of various sized patrol boats, enforcing recreational and commercial fishing regulations and protecting California’s vast marine ecosystem.
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CANNABIS ENFORCEMENT
As members of the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, Wardens assigned to cannabis enforcement combat the environmental damage caused by illicit cannabis grows, and often deal with the ancillary crimes associated with cannabis cultivation.
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OIL SPILL PREVENTION & RESPONSE
OSPR Wardens are the first responders for oil spills and any Hazmat incidents which are threatening waters of the state. They conduct investigations into the cause and coordinate clean-up efforts with other allied agencies.
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K9 OFFICERS
Located throughout the state are Warden K9 Officers who help locate suspects and evidence, while providing protection for their handlers and the public.
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SPECIAL OPERATIONS
Covert officers and specialized investigators target wildlife trafficking and the illegal commercialization of wildlife, and utilize various tools to assist officers around the state. This district is also home to Warden Pilots.
SHOP our swag
Show your support for CFGWA by visiting our online shop and purchasing exclusive merchandise not found anywhere else. We take pride in the quality and variety of merchandise we offer. From hats and shirts to stickers and challenge coins, you’ll find it all in our shop.
All proceeds from the sale of CFGWA merch goes directly back into supporting CFGWA, its members, and the mission of spreading the word about the important work California’s Game Wardens do.
GAME WARDEN NEWS
California Game Wardens fill a vital role throughout the state. Many miles out at sea, in the marshes of the Delta, high in the Sierra Nevada’s, deep in the coastal redwoods, all along the coastline, the vast expanse of California’s deserts, or downtown Los Angeles – Game Wardens proactively search for resource criminals and all threats to public safety across the entirety of the state.
SUPPORT CAlifornia GAME WARDENS
CFGWA and our members need your help to succeed.