Landmark Expansion For 4 National Wildlife Refuges With Help From The National Wildlife Refuge Association

Landmark Expansion For 4 National Wildlife Refuges With Help From The National Wildlife Refuge Association

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) recently shared some good news for conservation efforts throughout the United States. Four national wildlife refuges have been expanded, protecting up to 1.13 million acres of newly protected wildlife habitat across New Mexico, North Carolina, and Texas. This announcement is particularly exciting for the National Wildlife Refuge Association, which played a significant role in expanding two critical refuges in Texas - Aransas and Big Boggy NWRs. The other two refuges that received expansions are Roanoke River NWR in North Carolina and Muleshoe NWR, which spans the border between New Mexico and Texas.

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President Geoffrey Haskett Champions BIDEH Rule & Funding For National Wildlife Refuges

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President Geoffrey Haskett Champions BIDEH Rule & Funding For National Wildlife Refuges

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.

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Revised Permits Don't Go Far Enough: Protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!

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Revised Permits Don't Go Far Enough: Protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge!

The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge, a crown jewel of the National Wildlife Refuge System, faces a critical juncture. A proposed strip mine, located a mere stone's throw from its borders, threatens to disrupt this irreplaceable ecosystem. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division recently released revised permits for the Twin Pines Minerals project after considering public comments from last year.  These revised permits, however, do not adequately address the significant environmental risks the mine poses to Okefenokee NWR.

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The 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups: Apply Today!

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The 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups: Apply Today!

The National Wildlife Refuge Association is excited to announce the opening of the application period for our 2024 O’Brien Prize for Refuge Friends Groups. The O’Brien Prize is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding achievement by Refuge Friends groups in support of the National Wildlife Refuge System.

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Happy 121st Birthday to the National Wildlife Refuge System, and Welcome Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area!

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Happy 121st Birthday to the National Wildlife Refuge System, and Welcome Everglades to Gulf Conservation Area!

This year, we celebrate a momentous occasion: the 121st birthday of the National Wildlife Refuge System! For over a century, this incredible network of lands and waters has served as a beacon of conservation, protecting a staggering array of wildlife and providing cherished outdoor experiences for millions.

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Fiscal Year 2024 Spending Bill Shortchanges National Wildlife Refuge System

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Fiscal Year 2024 Spending Bill Shortchanges 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

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

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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.

Soaring Back From The Brink: The Story Of The California Condor

Soaring Back From The Brink: The Story Of The California Condor

Imagine the vast expanse of the California sky, dotted with the silhouettes of majestic birds with nine-foot wingspans. These were the California Condors, once soaring freely across the continent, playing a critical role in their ecosystems. But tragedy struck, and their numbers plummeted to the brink of extinction. Today, thanks to dedicated conservation efforts, they are slowly reclaiming their rightful place in the sky, and the National Wildlife Refuge System plays a vital role in their remarkable comeback.

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Hunting deer with lead ammunition has the side effect of killing America’s eagles

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Hunting deer with lead ammunition has the side effect of killing America’s eagles

Dan Ashe, a lifelong hunter, emeritus board member of the National Wildlife Refuge Association, and former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, calls for Maryland to join the movement towards responsible hunting practices. His recent article in The Baltimore Sun highlights the critical issue of lead ammunition's harmful effects on both wildlife and public health.