The Service long administered programs for California and Nevada from the Portland office, which also supervises Washington state, Idaho, Oregon, Hawaii, and the Pacific islands.

"This action by the Fish and Wildlife Service acknowledges the increasing challenges and complexities of managing natural resources in this region," Secretary for Resources Doug Wheeler said.

"It will enable California to better coordinate state and federal programs to protect and manage wildlife habitat and species," he said. "We have worked effectively and cooperatively with Mike Spear for many years on programs that are crucial to sustaining wildlife and balancing the compatible land uses of a growing population."