PUBLIC POLICY

Local to National
Ensuring that public policies are supportive of waterfowl, conservation, and hunting sets the stage for accomplishing CWA’s program goals. We influence legislative and policy decisions that are made at the regional, state, and federal levels. Supportive agencies, effective partnerships, and informed politicians are all vital for success.

Need to find the legislators in your area? Click here for California State representatives.
To find your Federal representatives, click here.


Key Issues
CWA advocates programs that benefit waterfowl and wetlands and preserve our hunting traditions. Issues include water supplies, water quality, habitat and evaluation funds, public access, hunting protections, firearms and ammunition protections, and more. To learn about current issues, click here>>



Our Approach
Building strong relationships is central to CWA’s public policy work. Actions include constant monitoring of legislation, coalition-building with appropriate groups for each issue, commenting on land-use plans, testifying at hearings, coordinating grassroots action, working with legislators to help write language for bills, and on rare occasions battling issues in court.



Case Study: The SHARE Program
CWA-sponsored AB 396, signed into California law in 2003, created the Shared Habitat Alliance for Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Program to encourage private landowners to voluntarily open their properties to the public for hunting and other wildlife-dependent recreational activities. AB 396 authorized several funding sources for the SHARE Program, including the use of federal funds.

CWA, through a contract with the California Outdoor Habitat Alliance, is currently administering the pilot program. Next year, lead responsibility for SHARE transfers to the Department of Fish and Game, which will partner with CWA, COHA, and other wildlife conservation organizations to administer the full-scale program over the long-term. To learn about SHARE, click here>>

SETTING POLICY
Political action is an integral part of every CWA program. Learn more about the Mallard, Pintail, Wood Duck, Goose, or Heritage Programs by clicking on the program name of interest.