Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

What's going on at FWS

With more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 national fish hatcheries, numerous regional and field offices across the country and thousands of active conservation projects, the nearly 8,000 employees of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have a lot going on. Here are a few of the latest news stories from across the Service...

Endangered Species Act
Nearly $20M Going to Recovery Actions for Four Groups of Endangered Species
Today on the second anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced a nearly $20 million investment for endangered species recovery implementation efforts. The Service’s $25 million of the Inflation Reduction Act recovery implementation funds are reserved to...
Fort Valley State University students, dressed for hunting, stand on dirt road at sunrise.
Get Involved
Academics Afield Program Builds Hunting Communities and Increases Outdoor Access at HBCUs
College is often a time of self-discovery, and many students seek out new experiences through campus clubs, studying abroad, and trying new activities. Academics Afield is a college learn-to-hunt program created by the Georgia Wildlife Federation in 2019 that aims to introduce students to shooting...
A hawk-like bird flies over trees, with a rainbow behind it.
History and Culture
50th Celebration for Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1974 with approval by the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission. It was purchased with Duck Stamp dollars to protect the Nisqually River Delta from development.
Flock of Canada geese in flight over from a wetland edged in grasses.
Land Management
Interior Establishes Willamette Valley Conservation Area in Oregon
CORVALLIS, Ore. — The Department of the Interior today announced the establishment of the Willamette Valley Conservation Area in Oregon as the 572nd unit of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-managed National Wildlife Refuge System. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams joined...
Sunrise view from the Visitor's Center at Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge
Wildlife Management
Service Promotes Public Access to Hunting and Fishing
Continuing the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today 53 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide in the National Wildlife Refuge System.
4 people sanding downstream of undersized road culverts in a stream holding a big metal fish
Habitat Restoration
Restoring the ‘lifeblood’ of Prince of Wales Island, Alaska
Partners working together in Southeast Alaska to steward salmon and their habitat in one of the most heavily logged watersheds on Prince of Wales Island.

Our Focus

The history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be traced back to 1871. We are the only federal government agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources in the public trust for people today and future generations. Here are just a few of our focus areas...

What We Do For You

If you’re looking for places to experience nature; interested in partnering with us; seeking technical advice, permits, grants, data or scientific research; want to know more about today’s conservation challenges; looking for ways on how you can get involved and make a difference -- the Service has a lot to offer and more…

Visit Us - Our Locations

With more than 560 national wildlife refuges, dozens of national fish hatcheries and more than 100 field offices, there are numerous great U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service locations to visit.