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Study bill SB 1305 would task CDFW with assessing feasibility of grizzly reintroduction
Summary
SB 1305 would direct the Department of Fish and Wildlife to study whether reintroducing California grizzly bears is biologically and socially feasible; tribal leaders and conservation scientists urged a careful, science‑based roadmap while rural and agricultural groups urged a 'no' vote citing prior studies and public‑safety concerns.
Senator Richardson presented SB 1305, a study bill directing the Department of Fish and Wildlife to assess habitat suitability, population viability, tribal consultation needs, costs, and conflict-mitigation measures before any decision on grizzly reintroduction. The author and tribal cosponsors described the measure as a responsible, pre-decisional process: "SB 13 o 5 does something very simple and very responsible. It asked California to do the work before making any decision in the reintroduction of the species," said Octavio Escobedo III, a tribal leader who testified in support.
Opponents — including the California Deer Association, multiple county boards of supervisors, the California Cattlemen's Association, and the Rural County Representatives of California — said prior work (including a California Grizzly Alliance study) indicates the proposal is unlikely to be feasible and warned about creating new management problems and costs for rural communities. Bill Gaines, speaking in opposition, argued the bill would consume years and millions of taxpayer dollars to evaluate a course of action he said is unlikely to succeed. The committee accepted amendments clarifying that any reintroduction would be prohibited until specific actions and appropriations were made and advanced the bill to appropriations on call.
