News
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is deeply alarmed by today’s Department of the Interior-wide termination of approximately 420 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees, many of whom are critical to the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These firings, which disproportionately target biologists and natural resource professionals, are a direct attack on science-based conservation and the future of America’s wildlife.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association congratulates incoming Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on his confirmation. We look forward to working with him and his team to strengthen the world’s largest system of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation— the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Big news for national wildlife refuges! Congressional leaders just released a funding bill to keep the government running through March 14, 2025 (coincidentally the anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System!). But even more exciting, this bill includes $500 million for disaster relief to repair national wildlife refuges damaged by hurricanes, floods, and severe storms.
The Biden administration announced a Record of Decision (ROD) on the Arctic Refuge leasing program and that it will hold the second lease sale in the crown jewel of America’s National Wildlife Refuge System, as set out in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This once again puts the coastal plain of the Refuge under threat from those most interested in profiting off of it.
he National Wildlife Refuge Association expresses its deep appreciation to Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing a Senate resolution to designate the week of October 13-19, 2024, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. This resolution celebrates the significant role that national wildlife refuges play in wildlife conservation, supporting local communities, and offering diverse recreational opportunities for the public.
President Geoffrey Haskett of the National Wildlife Refuge Association testified before Congress on the proposed revisions to the Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule for the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Congress recently passed a package of several fiscal year (FY) 2024 spending bills, including the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill that funds the National Wildlife Refuge System. This spending bill will cut $14.5 million from the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Operations & Maintenance budget, or a 2.6% reduction from FY2023 levels. Notably, this bill also does not provide funding to cover the 5.2% pay increase for federal employees that went into effect in January. It costs the Refuge System an estimated $3
The National Wildlife Refuge System stands as a stronghold for biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions supporting climate resiliency and conserving the delicate balance of nature. However, the ongoing challenge of funding through continuing resolutions poses a significant threat to the thriving wildlife that calls these national wildlife refuges home.
In a significant move for conservation advocacy on Capitol Hill, the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus (CWRC) of the 118th Congress has been reconstituted, signaling an expansion of this vital bipartisan group. Established in 2006, the CWRC plays a crucial role in fortifying, protecting, and preserving the National Wildlife Refuge System. The reconstitution of the caucus reflects a growing bipartisan commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Refuge System.
