Understaffing

National Wildlife Refuge System Nears Collapse

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.

Stand Up For National Wildlife Refuges: Public Witness Day Call to Action!

Stand Up For National Wildlife Refuges: Public Witness Day Call to Action!

Public Witness Day is approaching, and it's your chance to advocate directly for increased funding for the Refuge System. The House Committee on Appropriations deadline is Friday, May 10th, 5:00 PM ET, and the Senate Committee on Appropriations deadline is Wednesday, May 15th, 5:00 PM ET.

Crisis In The Wild: How Staffing Shortages Threaten Southwest National Wildlife Refuges

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 Wildlife Toll: Why Continuing Resolutions Fall Short For The National Wildlife Refuge System

The Wildlife Toll: Why Continuing Resolutions Fall Short For The  National Wildlife Refuge System

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.

Combating Understaffing On National Wildlife Refuges Throughout The Country

Combating Understaffing On National Wildlife Refuges Throughout The Country

The National Wildlife Refuge Association listens to the growing concerns of refuges about how chronic underfunding is affecting their refuge, complex, and region. Due to this underfunding, staff positions are being cut, law enforcement is expected to cover thousands of acres (and in the worst-case scenario, a full state), refuges are being complexed, and important programs are being dropped.

Statement on the House Appropriations Committee’s release of FY2022 Omnibus language

Statement on the House Appropriations Committee’s release of FY2022 Omnibus language

The National Wildlife Refuge Association strongly supports increased funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System, the largest system of public lands set aside for wildlife in the world. Covering 95 million acres of land and 750 million acres of ocean, the Refuge System is currently funded at just under 60¢ per acre per year. Year after year, the Refuge System remains underfunded, with little traction in Congress to increase funding for habitat that serves not just wildlife species, but people as well.