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.

The Biden administration announced a Record of Decision (ROD) on the Arctic Refuge leasing program and that it will hold the second lease sale in the crown jewel of America’s National Wildlife Refuge System, as set out in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This once again puts the coastal plain of the Refuge under threat from those most interested in profiting off of it.

The National Wildlife Refuge Association stands firmly against the Biden administration’s endorsement of a proposed land swap that would pave the way for a road through the heart of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. This decision undermines decades of conservation efforts, threatens critical wildlife habitat, disregards tribal opposition, and sets a dangerous precedent for all public lands in Alaska.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Florida Panthers are subspecies of Mountain Lion and are known for their elusive nature. They are highly independent and territorial, except when mating or raising kittens. Compared to other subspecies, Florida Panthers have characteristics of a crooked tail, unique patches on their fur, and black markings that highlight the tips of their tails, ears, and snout. They prefer warm climates like swamps, wetlands, and upland forests. In the past, their range extended beyond Florida, and many wild panthers were spotted in the Gulf Coast states, between Florida and Louisiana, and even in Arkansas. However, today, a majority of the remaining wild panthers can be found only in the southwestern tip of Florida, with an estimated population of just over 200 individuals.