Friends – it’s been a wild couple of weeks and we have some updates. There is a lot to cover.

First, thank you to all who submitted public comments at the Fish and Game Commission meeting this last week. The recording has been posted and anyone can listen by clicking the links below.

Wednesday (Jump to 00:20:51) 

Thursday (Jump to 05:33:08)

After public comment at the meeting on Wednesday we were treated to a rare moment of voluntary disclosure and transparency from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) in the form of a statement from Interim Director Valerie Termini. We should remind everyone that Termini has acted as the Conservancy’s “main contact at CDFW for the duration of the project” since they started really gearing up in 2022. Given her expertise and familiarity with the Conservancy's efforts to eradicate Catalina Island deer, we were very keen to hear what she had to say and we suspect you will be, too. Have a listen by jumping to 02:51:00 and then join us back here tomorrow for a fact-check.

Second, we wanted to share a copy of the actual granted permit itself for those of you who wish to read it. Don’t be alarmed by the size of this document. Most of it is the report from the Conservancy’s paid consulting firm, Land IQ. Land IQ’s contribution is largely a planting and monitoring blueprint—a gardening plan at scale. This is a client-funded consultant deliverable, not independent, peer-reviewed scientific findings. Permitted deer removal activities are detailed on P. 6. The Conservancy’s spin on Catalina Island deer starts on P. 51.

Third, we wanted to share the opposition letter that we submitted to CDFW on Thursday along with our partners at Safari Club International, Howl for Wildlife, and the California Rifle and Pistol Association. We will keep you posted on any response but, for safety, please do not hold your breath.

Fourth, we wanted to express some gratitude and appreciation. Please note, this is in no way a comprehensive list nor are these expressions in any way adequate! These are just a few individuals and organizations that deserve some acknowledgement right now.

Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn and Team

Supervisor Hahn listened to us long before any other representative would give us the time of day. She and her team took the time to understand. They saw the shortcomings in this plan and they have been courageously voicing opposition and calling for truth and transparency ever since. Without their support, it is very likely the deer would already be dead. Thank you, Supervisor Hahn and Team!

California State Senator Lena Gonzalez

Senator Lena Gonzalez and her team have also taken the time to listen to constituents. They have met with stakeholders, gathered and considered the facts. They took decisive action by calling on CDFW to pause final decision-making to ensure that real transparency, meaningful public engagement, and independent, peer-reviewed science supported deer eradication. Regarding the CDFW’s decision to fast-track approval anyway, Senator Gonzalez said, “I am deeply disappointed the department chose not to engage the community and allow for a more comprehensive review of the unique and consequential impacts this permit will have on the island. I stand in full solidarity with my community.” She sure has. Thank you, Senator Gonzalez.

Avalon City Council

At the Avalon City Council meeting on February 3, 2026, the Council voted unanimously to direct the City Attorney to file an objection to the issuance by the CDFW of the Conservancy's Restoration Management Permit. Thank you so much, council members, for acting swiftly and decisively on this matter. 

Howl for Wildlife, the California Rifle and Pistol Association, California Bowmen Hunters/State Archery Association, California Deer Association, and Safari Club International

These organizations have been with us since the beginning and words cannot begin to express how much we appreciate their time, expertise, and partnership. We are so grateful. Rick, Bill, Charles, Greg, Keely, and Lisa: Thank you so much!

Fish and Game Commission President Eric Sklar
We submitted public comments about the Conservancy’s plan at the Fish and Game Commission meeting this week. The Commission isn’t the decision-maker on CDFW’s Catalina deer permit, but it is a public, policy-setting forum—and Commission meetings are governed by open-meeting rules where public comments become part of the public record. CDFW, by contrast, can advance projects without public meetings and without any obligation to answer questions or respond to public input. We want to note and appreciate Commission President Eric Sklar’s statement on Wednesday that even though the Commission has no jurisdiction over this permit, he understands that Commission meetings are frequently the only forum the public has available to comment on CDFW actions. Thank you, President Sklar. We are grateful for the Commission’s time and patience.

Caleb Lins
A very big shoutout and many, many thanks to Caleb Lins for so generously donating food and hosting our upcoming COMMUNITY FUNDRAISER at the Lobster Trap in Avalon! Please join us at the Lobster Trap on February 25, 2026, at 6:00 pm. Your $20 donation includes a pasta dinner and a Q&A with Charles Whitwam, producer and director of the incredible documentary, Killing Catalina. Dinner at 6:30. Raffle at 7:30. Can’t wait to see you there!

All of you!
Most of all, thanks so much to all of you! Your support is what has gotten us this far. Remember, this fight is nowhere near over. 

Lastly, some asks…

• Please keep sharing this petition. We are very close to having 24,000 signatures. Please help us get there.
• Please reach out to Governor Newsom HERE to let him know you oppose this plan. 
• Please reach out to your state and federal government representatives to let them know that you oppose this plan. EVERY. SINGLE. MESSAGE. COUNTS!
  
  • For people living in Avalon:
    • Josh Lowenthal via email to: assemblymember.lowenthal@assembly.ca.gov
    • Representative Robert Garcia via email to: Crgdistrict@mail.house.gov
  • For all Californians:
    • Senator Adam Schiff: CLICK HERE
    • Senator Alex Padilla: CLICK HERE

Consider attending the Conservancy’s next “community conversation” at the Trailhead in Avalon on Tuesday, Feb 18, 2026, at 5:00 pm. Details HERE. Please note – we do not anticipate that this will be any different than all of the other “community conversations.” By this we mean it will be another event staged to create a paper trail of “outreach”—not to invite meaningful public participation. That said, it is an opportunity for you to let the Conservancy know how you feel. 🙂

That's all for now, Supporters. Please stay tuned.