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Wildlife Refuges Targeted for Huge Funding Increase by White House

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Wildlife Refuges Targeted for Huge Funding Increase by White House

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is thrilled to see a large increase for the National Wildlife Refuge System Operations and Maintenance Fund in the President’s FY2022 budget request. This increase to $584 million, $81 million more than current enacted funding, will go towards hiring additional staff to tackle invasive species, protect wildlife and habitat, and perform biological work and visitor services on wildlife refuges. This request is historic: $584 million is by far the largest proposed budget for Refuge System O&M ever.

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30x30 For The National Wildlife Refuge System

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30x30 For The National Wildlife Refuge System

The Biden Administration released their 30x30 campaign outline. We fully support efforts to fully fund National Wildlife Refuge System operations and maintenance, establish wildlife corridors, and expand protected lands. This plan seeks to do all this, plus increase outreach to private landowners, many of whom are all in on protecting their land for wildlife.

Harriett Tubman's Father's Cabin Discovered at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Harriett Tubman's Father's Cabin Discovered at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Last month, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s archeological team discovered the long-lost site of Harriet Tubman’s father, Ben Ross’ cabin within the 2,961 acres of newly added forested wetlands to Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland. This finding shows not only how important it is to preserve our refuges for wildlife, but also for the deep historical significance that lies within them.

What Fuels You: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

What Fuels You: Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge

Located in southwestern Oklahoma, Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge was established in 1901 to protect wildlife in danger of extinction and reintroduce species that had been eliminated. The 59,020-acre refuge is managed by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and is home to bison, elk, and wild turkey.

The refuge has a mixed-grass prairie that remained intact due to rocks that prevented plowing. Large native grazing animals such as bison and Texas longhorn cattle call the habitat home.

What Fuels You: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

What Fuels You: Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge

Monte Vista National Wildlife Refuge is located in south-central Colorado in the San Luis Valley. The valley is a high mountain basin, sitting at 7,800 feet. It extends over 100 miles north to south and over 50 miles east to west.

The valley is surrounded by the Sangre de Christo, San Juan, and Saguache mountain ranges. Sangre de Christo, meaning Blood of Christ, got its name from Spanish explorers who observed the red glow of the mountains at sunset.

Outstanding individual and group efforts recognized at annual Refuge Awards program by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Outstanding individual and group efforts recognized at annual Refuge Awards program by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Since 1994, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has honored the outstanding accomplishments by refuge managers, refuge employees, volunteers, Friends groups, and refuge advocates through our Refuge System Awards program. The National Wildlife Refuge System depends on the dedication of individuals and groups like this year’s award winners to manage, protect, promote, and enhance the world’s largest network of lands and waters set aside for wildlife conservation.

Mary Weiler and Kevin Weiler named National Volunteers of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Mary Weiler and Kevin Weiler named National Volunteers of the Year by the National Wildlife Refuge Association

Mary Weiler and Kevin Weiler; volunteers at Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge in Titusville, FL, have been named the country’s outstanding 2021 Volunteers of the Year, by the National Wildlife Refuge Association. The award, given annually, recognizes outstanding accomplishments of volunteers in support of the operation and management of the National Wildlife Refuge System.