The National Wildlife Refuge System, founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, is the only service within the federal government whose sole mission is the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of habitat – meaning the places wildlife need to survive. Resident within these refuges are the last great migrating herds of caribou, humpback and right whales, polar bear, grizzlies, rare orchids and hummingbirds, elk, moose and river otter. Closer to home, the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge covers almost the entire Connecticut shoreline. Included are many nearshore islands, salt marshes and riverine ecosystems. Contiguous marine areas benefit through reduced pollution.
Crisis In The Wild: How Staffing Shortages Threaten Southwest National Wildlife Refuges
National wildlife refuges across the Southwest, particularly in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, are facing a severe staffing crisis. This shortage of personnel threatens the vital conservation work that these refuges undertake, impacting both wildlife and the communities that rely on these natural spaces for recreation and education. This local crisis reflects a nationwide staffing issue that the National Wildlife Refuge Association has been working to address.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association Embarks on Campaign to Address Refuge Staffing Crisis
The National Wildlife Refuge System, the world's largest network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation, is facing a staffing crisis that threatens its ability to protect biodiversity and provide recreational opportunities. In response to this dire situation, the National Wildlife Refuge Association is focusing its efforts in the 118th Congress to raise awareness of this issue and secure the necessary funds to sufficiently staff the Refuge System. We recently sent a letter to Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, outlining the work we will be doing with our partners and supporters to advocate for increased funding for the Refuge System to address these challenges.