Helping to protect California’s natural resources is now just a few mouse clicks away.  

This week the Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) launched the online sales of the 2013 Warden Stamp and the award-winning publication Outdoor California.

The Warden Stamp Program was initiated 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. There are fewer than 400 wildlife officers (formerly called wardens) to patrol and protect 159,000 square miles of California's natural habitat.

“From catching poachers to stopping polluters, wildlife officers put their lives on the line every day to protect California’s natural resources,” said Chief Mike Carion of CDFW’s law enforcement division. “Due to funding levels, our enforcement staff often lack the necessary equipment to get the job done safely and efficiently.”

For $5, individuals can purchase the newly designed 2013 Warden Stamp. All funds raised from the sales of the stamp go to purchase essential law enforcement equipment for wildlife officers and to support CDFW’s K-9 program.

For more than 60 years, Outdoor California has celebrated the state’s natural habitat and wildlife with compelling features and stunning photography.

The bimonthly magazine offers behind-the-scenes access to the fascinating work of department environmental scientists and chronicles cases brought by CDFW wildlife officers in the Thin Green Line feature. Annual subscriptions for the magazine are just $15.

CDFW adds the Warden Stamp and Outdoor California to its catalogue of products and services available through its Automated License Data System (ALDS). The department introduced ALDS two years ago to simplify the purchasing needs for the state’s hunters and anglers.

The online capabilities have made it easier for thousands of sports enthusiasts who have Internet capabilities to purchase the state-required licenses, tags and stamps without traveling to a CDFW office or agent.

To purchase the Warden Stamp or Outdoor California, please visit  www.dfg.ca.gov/licensing/ols/ .

This year's stamp was sponsored by the California Game Wardens Foundation and the Sportsfishing Conservancy, which is also selling the Warden Stamp online at http://sportfishingconservancy.org/ .