Natural Resource Damage Assessment & Restoration

Fish, wildlife, and other natural resources can be injured when hazardous substances enter the environment. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with other Department of Interior, State, Tribal and Federal partners, act as "trustees" for these resources. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has responsibility for National Wildlife Refuges, endangered and threatened species, migratory birds, and other natural resources. Trustees seek to identify the natural resources injured, determine the extent of the injuries, recover damages from those responsible, and plan and carry out natural resource restoration activities. These efforts are possible under the Natural Resource Damage Assessment and Restoration Program (Restoration Program), the goal of which is to restore natural resources injured by contamination. More info. [pdf file]