Fish & Wildlife Advisory Commission

Role

The Fish and Wildlife Advisory Commission advises the Board of Supervisors on any matters pertaining to fish and wildlife in the county, including natural habitat, wildlife and general environment. The Commission also makes recommendations, consistent with the policies and regulations of the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, to the Board of Supervisors. These recommendations concern expenditures from the County Fish and Game Propagation Fund, created by Fish and Game Code Sections 13003(b) and 13100 for the propagation and conservation of fish and wildlife in the county.

Commission Structure

The Commission consists of ten County residents, with each Supervisor appointing two commissioners. Sean Abbey, Water Quality Specialist, from the Environmental Health Division, is the staff person assigned to the Commission. Sean can be reached at sean.abbey@santacruzcounty.us.

Current Commissioners - as of August 3, 2022

INCUMBENT/APPOINTEE (District): APPOINTMENT DATE: TERM EXPIRATION DATE:
Sam Adelson (1) June 28, 2022 April 1, 2025
Chris Berry (1), Chair April 13, 2021 April 1, 2025
VACANCY (2)   April 1, 2025
David Somerton (2) June 11, 2019 April 1, 2025
Susan Elizabeth Alter (3) October 20, 2020 April 1, 2023
Jon Jankovitz (3) January 12, 2021 April 1, 2023
VACANCY (4)   April 1, 2023
VACANCY (4)   April 1, 2023
Jen Michelsen (5) October 22, 2019 April 1, 2025
Jenni Gomez (5) April 16, 2019 April 1, 2025

There are currently three vacancies on the commission . If you are interested in serving on the Fish & Wildlife Advisory Commission,  please apply here: Commissions, Committees & Advisory Bodies

Regular Meetings

Times and dates: The Commission meets at 7 p.m. on the first Thursday of each active month. 

Click here for the 2023 Meeting Schedule.

Location: Remote via Teams

Agendas: Agendas are posted at least five days in advance of meetings and are distributed to all Board members, local water districts, AMBAG, interested persons and the press. Agendas and attachments are posted on the County website.

Current Agendas and Agendas and Minutes from Previous Meetings

Public Comment Policy

Biennial Report:

Every two years, the Commission submits a biennial report to the Board of Supervisors and the County Administrative Officer. This report highlights the activities, accomplishments and future goals of the Commission.