December 9, 2021 - The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) 2022 Warden Stamp is now available for purchase online. The Warden Stamp, an annual decal sticker released by the department, is a collector’s item for many Californians. Funds raised from Warden Stamp sales are used to support wildlife officers by helping purchase vital equipment, protective gear and training for wildlife officers and the Law Enforcement Division's K-9 program. For the first time since its inception in 2010, the stamp highlights a native California raptor species: the bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus).

“When choosing the 2022 Warden Stamp, we wanted to highlight a species that inspired strength and resilience,” said David Bess, CDFW Deputy Director and Chief of the Law Enforcement Division. “The bald eagle, once close to extinction in the lower 48 states, has made a remarkable comeback due to enforcement of protective laws and special management programs. The purchase of this stamp will not only show continued support for CDFW’s efforts to manage and protect California’s diverse fish, wildlife and plant resources, but also support the success that can happen when we all work together toward conservation.”

The 2022 stamp, featuring an image of a bald eagle and a CDFW wildlife officer badge, is now on sale for $5.

The Warden Stamp Program was started in 2010 to address the need for better equipment and training for the state’s wildlife officers and to provide funding for special law enforcement programs. Since 1871, wildlife officers have been instrumental in the education and enforcement of laws put in place to maintain the state’s many plant and animal species, like the bald eagle.

Today, wildlife officers patrol on foot, by plane, boats, horseback and in a variety of vehicles. Although their main objectives of protecting California’s plants and animals remains the same, threats to these species and their habitat are always evolving. From the growing threat of wildfires, internet wildlife traffickers and learning to navigate through a global pandemic – CDFW wildlife officers remain committed to being the stewards of the Golden State’s natural resources. Please continue to support wildlife officers and their mission by purchasing the 2022 Warden Stamp.

To view an image of and to purchase the 2022 Warden Stamp, please visit wildlife.ca.gov/warden-stamp.

Thank you for your support!
Source: CDFW