| |
 |
Budget
Coastal
Congressional/Legislative Affairs
Conservation Partnership
Contracting and Facilities Mgt.
Duck Stamp
Environmental Contaminants
Fisheries and Habitat Conservation
Grants
History
Human Capital
Hunting
Images
Import / Export
International Affairs
Invasive Species
Law Enforcement
Library
Migratory Birds
Native American Issues
Office of the Chief Information Officer
Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
Planning / ABC
Policy and Directives
Pollinators
Public Access Civil Rights
Science
Training Center (NCTC)
Video
Volunteer
Wetlands
Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program
Wind Power Committee
|
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Cave Closures, Other Actions Recommended to Stem Spread of White-Nose Syndrome in Bats
December 4, 2009
The Fish and Wildlife Service has released a report recommending the closure of human access to caves and mines where bats with white-nose syndrome are hibernating in areas susceptible to spread of the disease. The report also suggests limiting human access to unaffected caves and mines. The actions are aimed at controlling the spread of WNS while scientists work to better understand the cause and find a way to stop the mysterious disease.
|
|
| Little brown bat; close-up of nose with fungus. Credit: Photo courtesy Ryan von Linden/New York Department of Environmental Conservation
|
News Release
Learn More
|
|
Protecting America's Wildlife Resources
Service Sea Otter Investigation Secures Second Guilty Plea
December 1, 2009
An Alaska man has pleaded guilty to two Federal felony counts in connection with the unlawful take and sale of sea otters -- a species safeguarded under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Service special agents in Alaska documented large-scale black market trafficking in sea otter hides during a two-year undercover probe, which has already resulted in one previous felony conviction.
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Division of Human Capital Celebrates Veterans
November 30, 2009
On Thursday, November 12th, 2009, the Branch of Equal Opportunity and Diversity hosted the second annual Veterans Reception as part of the Veterans Day Holiday to honor and celebrate the Service's veterans.
|
|
| International Affairs Employee Cyndi Perry recruits veterans
. Credit: USFWS |
Learn More 
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Lizard-laden Smuggler Arrested in Los Angeles
November 24, 2009
Service special agents arrested a California resident who arrived at Los Angeles International Airport from Australia with 15 lizards strapped to his torso. The smuggled reptiles included CITES-protected monitor lizards as well as species that require export permits from Australia -- permits that are typically not issued for commercial trade or personal export.
|
|
Lizards seized in foiled smuggling attempt. Credit: USFWS
|
News Release
|
|
Threatened & Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Salazar Announces Nearly $650 Thousand in Grants to Conserve Critically Endangered Wildlife Around the Globe
November 23, 2009
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced nearly $650,000 in grants to conserve and protect 30 critically endangered species in 15 countries around the world ranging from the Siamese crocodile in Asia to the Siberian crane in Russia to the Ethiopian wolf in Africa.
|
|
| Siamese
crocodiles. Credit: wikipedia.org. Used under
the Creative Commons license |
News Release (DOI)
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Cooperative Thai-U.S. Investigation Secures Ivory Trafficking Arrests
November 20, 2009
A cooperative undercover investigation by the Service Office of Law Enforcement and the Royal Thai Police resulted in the arrest of two individuals in Bangkok for trading in African elephant ivory. Enforcement officers broke up an intercontinental operation that smuggled ivory from Africa into Thailand and then on to overseas markets, including U.S. buyers negotiating deals via the Internet.
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Climate for Life - Exhibit Showcases Impacts of Climate Change on the World's Ecosystems and Wildlife
November 20, 2009
A special photographic exhibit opened recently at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center sponsored by Conservation International, the International League of Conservation Photographers, and the Service's "Wildlife Without Borders" program.
|
|
| "These extraordinary photographs highlight how important our world's ecosystems and wildlife are to people all over the world--not only for recreation and connecting people to nature--but for providing clean air, clean water, and for regulating our climate." --- Herb Raffaele, Assistant Director, International Affairs |
Video (3:05)
|
|
National Wildlife Refuge System: Conserving Our Lands and Resources
Secretary Salazar Urges Americans to Connect with Nature and Visit a National Wildlife Refuge
November 18, 2009
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the launch of an extensive public service radio campaign urging Americans to connect with nature and visit a National Wildlife Refuge. It consists of eight professionally recorded 60-second spots extolling the sights and sounds of the National Wildlife Refuge System and their efforts to preserve some of these species.
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Interior Department Debuts New 'Speaker Series' Featuring Dr. Jane Goodall
November 18, 2009
Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace, presented a lecture to U.S. Department of the Interior employees and conservation partners last Friday, sharing her view of international conservation and what it takes to achieve long-term success and the critical role of local populations and youth.
|
|
| Dr. Jane Goodall. Credit: Tami Heilemann / DOI |
Learn More (DOI)
|
|
National Wildlife Refuge System: Conserving Our Lands and Resources
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge Celebrates Return of Puget Sound Tides
November 17, 2009
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge in Washington celebrated the largest estuary restoration project in the Pacific Northwest. More than 21 miles of tidal sloughs and channels have been restored in the Nisqually estuary reconnecting the wetlands of the Nisqually River, McAllister Creek and tides of Puget Sound in Washington. This will help in the recovery of Chinook salmon and greatly improve the overall health of the local watershed ecosystem. The project is the combined efforts of many people and partners over 12 years, including Ducks Unlimited and the Nisqually Indian Tribe.
|
|
| (Main Image) Nisqually estuary.
Credit: Jean Takekawa/USFWS. (Rollover Image) (left to right) Congressman Norm Dicks; Jean Takakawa, Manager Nisqually Refuge; Cynthia Iyall, Nisqually Tribal Chair; and Tom Dwyer, Conservation Director Ducks Unlimited - cut ribbon to officially open the Nisqually Estuary.
Credit: Amy Gaskill/USFWS. |
|
Pacific Region
Nisqually Delta Region
|
|
National Wildlife Refuge System: Conserving Our Lands and Resources
Service Urges Americans to Recycle, National Wildlife Refuges Win Green Awards
November 13, 2009
Sunday, November 15 marks the 12th annual America Recycles Day, which cites the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourages people to join the movement toward creating a better environment. For example, sustainable and recycled products were used in the construction of visitor centers at National Wildlife Refuges across the United States, such as Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Minnesota, and Ohio River Islands National Wildlife Refuge in West Virginia, both recent recipients of 2009 U.S. Department of Energy awards.
|
|
| The new visitor center at the Ohio River Islands Refuge includes roof shingles made of 80 percent recycled post-industrial waste. Credit: USFWS |
News Release (DOE)
America Recycles Day
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
The Brown Pelican has Recovered
November 11, 2009
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that the brown pelican, a species once decimated by the pesticide DDT, has recovered and is being removed from the list of threatened and endangered species under the Endangered Species Act.
|
Sonoran Desert's Visionary Conservation Leader Passes
November 10, 2009
A driving force behind one of the Nation's most successful community
conservation plans has died. Maeveen Behan was a key architect of the
Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan, which includes 3 million acres of land in
Pima County, Arizona, including the city of Tucson, and surrounding communities.
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Service Signs Historic Wilderness Agreement
November 9, 2009
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with six other agencies, signed a groundbreaking Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation for Wilderness Conservation with Mexico and Canada. On the opening day of the 9th World Wilderness Congress, His Excellency Felipe Calderon Hinojosa, the President of Mexico announced the multinational agreement. The MOU provisions address ecosystems, migratory wildlife, and recognizes natural resources do not start and end with geographical boundaries. The MOU also encourages cooperative efforts to conduct and share scientific research.
|
|
| (Main Image) Chupadera Peak and 140 surrounding acres, part of Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge in New Mexico, was recently designated wilderness status.
Credit: © John Bertand (Rollover Image) Each year, tens of thousands of sandhill cranes return to the refuge for the winter.
Credit: © Jerry Goffe |
News Release (The WILD Foundation )
WILD9
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
New Moth Species Discovered within Service’s Marine National Monument
November 9, 2009
Researchers from the University of Hawai‘i have discovered eight new moth species not found anywhere else in the genus Hyposmocoma on three islands within Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument. It is thought the moths may be descendants of species that colonized the Hawaiian archipelago more than 5 million years ago. The monument is managed by the Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in close coordination with the State of Hawai‘i.
|
|
| (Main Image) Nihoa Island where several of the moth species were discovered. Credit: Daniel Rubinoff/University of Hawai'i. (Rollover Image) Figure of the eight newly discovered Hyposmocoma species. |
News Release
Pacific Region
Papahānaumokuākea
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Service Announces 2009 Candidate Notice of Review
November 6, 2009
The Service released its 2009 Candidate Notice of Review, a yearly appraisal of the current status of plants and animals that are considered candidates for protection under the Endangered Species Act. There are now 249 species recognized by the Service as candidates for ESA protection.
|
|
| The New Mexico meadow jumping mouse is one of the 249 candidate species recognized by the Service. Credit: J. Frey |
News Release
Learn More
|
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
FWS Marks Veterans Day with No Fees at National Wildlife Refuges
November 5, 2009
In honor of America’s service men and women, Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced that areas managed by the department will not charge entrance fees on Wednesday, November 11, 2009. “Visitors to public lands managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Bureau of Reclamation are invited to visit and reflect on what our service men and women have done to maintain our freedom and keep peace around the world,” said Salazar. This year's free admission in observance of Veterans Day applies to all visitors.
|
|
| Entrance to Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge in southwestern Louisiana. Credit: Steve Hillebrand/USFWS |
News Release (DOI)
|
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Cynthia Dohner Chosen as Regional Director of The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Southeast Region
|
|
| Cynthia Dohner, Regional Director of Southeast Region. Credit: USFWS |
|
November 5, 2009
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam Hamilton announced today the selection of Cynthia K. Dohner as regional director for the Southeast Region.
“Cindy is an outstanding choice with a proven track record when it comes to solution-oriented conservation in the Southeast region,” Hamilton said. News Release
|
Climate Change
Salazar Hosts Forum on Renewable Energy, Job Creation, and Climate Impact and Adaptation
November 4, 2009
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar hosted a Clean Energy Economy Forum earlier this week with stakeholders from 39 states across the country at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Sam D. Hamilton joined Deputy Secretary David Hayes and other top Department of the Interior officials in discussing the importance of renewable energy and job creation, climate impact and adaptation, and efforts to support and maintain the treasured landscapes of America in the emerging clean energy economy .
|
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
US Fish & Wildlife Service Brings Together Latin American Conservationists
November 4, 2009
This week in Montelimar, Nicaragua, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Fauna & Flora International are jointly conducting a precedent-setting workshop aimed at developing a cadre of conservation professionals in Latin America.
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
U.S. Hunter Found Guilty of Smuggling Leopard Trophy
November 3, 2009
A Federal jury has convicted a South Dakota man on smuggling and wildlife charges in a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service case that exposed illegal hunting in South Africa and the "laundering" of smuggled leopard trophies through Zimbabwe and then on to the United States. The investigation previously secured guilty pleas from two South African outfitters, a Denver taxidermist, and four other U.S. hunters.
|
|
| A Service wildlife inspector raised questions when these leopard hides arrived in Denver, prompting an investigation by Service special agents. Credit: USFWS |
News Release (DOJ)
Case Summary |
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Service Announces Proposal to List the Salmon-crested Cockatoo as Threatened under Endangered Species Act
November 3, 2009
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced a proposal to protect the salmon-crested cockatoo of Indonesia as threatened under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). If made final, the measure would extend ESA protection to this species. The measure was published in the November 3, 2009, Federal Register.
|
National Wildlife Refuge System: Conserving Our Lands and Resources
National Wildlife Refuges Reach Out to
Homeschoolers
October 28, 2009
Environmental education is vital to understanding the National Wildlife Refuge System and our Nation’s wildlife heritage. Outdoor experiences play a crucial role in helping to shape positive lifelong attitudes toward wildlife and nature. Kenai National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska offers the Magnificent Moose program designed to reach local homeschooled children and increase awareness about the biology and behaviors of moose. Homeschool days at J.N. “Ding” Darling Refuge in Florida offer programs revolving around a Service theme such as Nature Photography, Junior Duck Stamp and Estuary Day. Read more in the current issue of Refuge Update, the bimonthly newsletter of the Refuge System.
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Service Awards $800,000 in Grants to Explore Cause, Control of White-Nose Syndrome in Bats
October 26, 2009
At an event held in conjunction with the Smithsonian Institution’s National Zoo in Washington, DC, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and Parks Jane Lyder announced 6 grant awards totaling $800,000 going toward research efforts to explore the cause and control of white-nose syndrome, a wildlife health crisis of unprecedented proportions that has now killed more than a million bats in the Northeast and remains unchecked
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Service, United Kingdom Net Internet Ivory Trafficker
October 26, 2009
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service special agents, working undercover out of the agency's law enforcement office in Richmond, Virginia, helped British authorities successfully bring charges against a man using e-Bay to sell elephant tusks, whale teeth, and other products made from ivory. Investigators with HM Revenue & Customs showed that the man had also falsely obtained and altered a certificate of exemption for use in exporting ivory.
|
|
| Ivory items shown above were among those seized by British officers during the joint Service/U.K. investigation. Credit: HM Revenue & Customs
|
News Release (HM Revenue & Customs) |
|
Threatened & Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Service Proposes Critical Habitat for Polar Bear
October 22, 2009
The Service announced a proposal to designate 200,541 square miles as critical habitat for the polar bear and will open a 60-day comment period on the measure. The critical habitat proposal identifies habitat in three separate areas: barrier island habitat, sea ice habitat and terrestrial denning habitat.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 Recovery
Act
at Work
Quilcene NFH Electric Fish Weir System Repairs
FFS #R1PV/R1PR
Where:Quilcene National Fish Hatchery, Quilcene, WA
What’s Happening:The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service received Recovery Act funding to repair an electric fish weir system that guides adult salmon into the hatchery from the Quilcene River. The projects are expected to employ approximately eight workers.
|
|
|
|
|
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Oil & Gas Company Fined for Killing Threatened Fish
October 21, 2009
An oil and gas company that discharged acidic fluids into a stream in Knox County, Kentucky, pleaded guilty to violating the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Clean Water Act and was ordered to pay a $50,000 fine.
Case Summary
Map of Stream Confluence
News Release (DOJ)
Species Profile
National Wildlife Refuge System: Conserving Our Lands and Resources
National Wildlife Refuge Lighthouse Featured on U.S. Postage Stamp
The Matagorda Island Lighthouse in Texas is one of five Gulf Coast Lighthouses featured in a new series of 44-cent stamps issued by the U.S. Postal Service.
Learn More
Visit a refuge
Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Coral Smuggler Pleads Guilty
October 19, 2009
A German national investigated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for unlawfully importing over 40 tons of internationally protected stony coral from the Philippines (which bans all coral exports) has pleaded guilty to one felony smuggling count.
News Release
Information about FWS & Coral Reef Conservation
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Maryland Artist Robert Bealle Wins 2009 Federal Duck Stamp Contest
October 17, 2009
Robert Bealle an artist from Waldorf, Maryland, took top honors today at the 2009 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest. Bealle’s painting of an American wigeon will be made into the 2010-2011 Federal Duck Stamp,
News Release
Learn More
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Strickland Announces Service Proposals for 2010 CITES Meeting in Doha, Qatar
October 16, 2009
Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and
Wildlife and Parks Tom Strickland today announced a number of species
conservation proposals, resolutions and other agenda items that the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service has submitted on behalf of the United States
government for consideration during the upcoming meeting of the Conference
of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered CITES). Strickland will lead the US delegation to CoP15.
News Release
Threatened and Endangered Species: Achieving Recovery and Preventing Extinction
Assistant Secretary Strickland Announces Support for Listing Atlantic Bluefin Tuna on International Trade Endangered Species List
October 15, 2009
Tom Strickland, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, announced that the United States supports a proposal submitted by the principality of Monaco to list the Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in Appendix I of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES).
News Release (DOI)
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Critical Report Documents the Risks of Giant Invasive Snakes in the United States
October 13, 2009
Five giant non-native snake species would pose high risks to the health of ecosystems in the United States should they become established here, according to a U.S. Geological Survey report.
News Release (USGS)
View Report (USGS)
Learn More
Connecting People With Nature: Ensuring the Future of Conservation
Don't Buy It — Harrison Ford Encourages the Public to Help Stop Illegal Trade of
Tigers and African Elephants
October 8, 2009
Harrison Ford and other entertainment and sports celebrities have lent their voices to
help conserve some of the world's endangered wildlife.
Video
Learn More
Tips for Travelers |
|
|
|
|
|
