Wildlife Viewing Area at Nisqually NWR Visitor's Center Headquarters Area David Patte/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Effects of Climate Change on Wildlife and Habitat Concern Most Visitors to National Wildlife Refuges
Visitors to national wildlife refuges are concerned about the impact of climate change on America's fish, wildlife and plants - as well as the habitat that supports them, a new survey just released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service shows. The survey also shows strong support for efforts to help native species adapt to changing climate conditions, such as those now being implemented by the Service and its partners.
Seventy-one percent of the more than 10,000 visitors to national wildlife refuges who took part in the survey conducted by the U.S. Geological Survey in 2010 and 2011 - believe that climate change poses a serious threat to wildlife and wildlife habitat. About 74 percent of the same respondents agree that addressing climate change effects on wildlife and wildlife habitats will benefit future generations.
Refuge volunteer at work educating a visiting grandma and grandson on peregrine falcon biology at Cape Meares NWR. Roy W. Lowe/USFWS
Pacific Region National Wildlife Refuges Receive High Marks From Visitors
An overwhelming percentage of visitors to Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge and Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge in 2010 and 2011 were favorably impressed with recreational opportunities and services according to a peer-reviewed government survey released today. Some 90 percent of respondents gave consistent high marks to all facets of their outdoor experience at the refuges.
This data is part of a national survey commissioned by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and designed, conducted, and analyzed by researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey between July 2010 and November 2011. More than 10,000 visitor responses were analyzed from 53 refuges across the nation. In addition to Cape Meares and Turnbull, five of these refuges are in the Pacific Region including: Deer Flat, Kilauea Point, Malheur, McNary, and William L. Finley.
Of the surveyed visitors 75% had been to Cape Meares once in the last 12 months. The other 25% had visited multiple times averaging 12 times during the year. An estimated 65 % of the 177 survey respondents visited Turnbull multiple times over a 12-month period. The top three activities respondents participated in included wildlife observation, bird watching, and driving the auto tour route.
The survey results will inform Service performance planning, budget, and communications goals. Results will also inform Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCPs), Visitor Services, and Transportation Planning processes.
Under the Endangered Species Act, we can celebrate the successful recovery of the once thought extinct black-footed ferret. Credit: Ryan Hagerty / USFWS
Service Celebrates 2012 Endangered Species Day!
On May 18, 2012, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and numerous organizations will honor Endangered Species Day, and the nationwide conservation efforts underway protecting America's threatened, endangered and at-risk species. The bald eagle, brown pelican, American alligator and Maguire daisy are all species that were on the brink of extinction, but have successfully rebounded. These species are just a few examples of those benefiting from the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act and the dedicated people who work to ensure their continued existence
