Blog — The National Wildlife Refuge Association

'Unfortunately, you're all fired': Federal layoffs hit Louisiana national wildlife refuges

'Unfortunately, you're all fired': Federal layoffs hit Louisiana national wildlife refuges

Mackenzie Kleinpeter logged into work Friday, thinking her job as a wildlife biologist and oil and gas specialist at the Southwest Louisiana National Wildlife Refuges Complex was safe from recent federal layoffs.

Three U.S. Fish & Wildlife workers were fired from John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Another was sacked in S. Jersey.

Three U.S. Fish & Wildlife workers were fired from John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. Another was sacked in S. Jersey.

All three sacked employees from the Heinz refuge were under the one-year mark in employment. One of them —a bio-technology worker —was just two weeks shy of a full year of service.

Mass Firing of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employees Threaten National Wildlife Refuge System & Conservation

Mass Firing of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Employees Threaten National Wildlife Refuge System & Conservation

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is deeply alarmed by today’s Department of the Interior-wide termination of approximately 370 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.

National Wildlife Refuge Association Congratulates Doug Burgum on Confirmation, Looks Forward to Strengthening the National Wildlife Refuge System Together

National Wildlife Refuge Association Congratulates Doug Burgum on Confirmation, Looks Forward to Strengthening the National Wildlife Refuge System Together

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. 

National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates 50 Years of Conservation

National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates 50 Years of Conservation

2025 marks a momentous milestone for the National Wildlife Refuge Association: 50 years of unwavering support for the National Wildlife Refuge System. Since 1975, the National Wildlife Refuge Association has been the only independent voice solely dedicated to protecting the largest network of lands and waters in the world dedicated to wildlife conservation. For five decades, the Refuge Association has led the charge, uniting passionate individuals, Refuge Friends groups, and policymakers to rally around this system of public lands and waters to ensure its protection for generations to come.

Oil Companies Reject Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Lease Sale— A Victory for Wildlife Conservation, Indigenous Rights & the Planet

Oil Companies Reject Arctic National Wildlife Refuge Lease Sale— A Victory for Wildlife Conservation, Indigenous Rights & the Planet

The congressionally mandated second lease sale for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (Arctic Refuge) was a total failure, with no bids received. This development reaffirms what has always been true: the Arctic Refuge is a place where wildlife and people come first, not drilling. For time immemorial, the Gwich’in and other Indigenous Peoples have depended on this land, and it remains a sanctuary for caribou, muskoxen, polar bears, millions of migratory birds, and countless other species. The future of the Arctic Refuge lies in its continued protection and stewardship— not as a site for exploitation. 

$500 Million for Refuge Disaster Relief—Thanks to Your Advocacy!

$500 Million for Refuge Disaster Relief—Thanks to Your Advocacy!

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.

National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates the First-Ever National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day

National Wildlife Refuge Association Celebrates the First-Ever National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to announce the inaugural National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day on December 17, 2024. This special day is dedicated to honoring the tireless efforts of the employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System who care for America’s 573 national wildlife refuges and marine national monuments, spanning over 95 million acres of land and 760 million acres of marine areas.