U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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...

2 people strapped into pvc/harness cage; both wear helmets

The Dunker: Critical Aviation Lifesaving Training

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service flies in small planes over land and often over water for work. Recently, Director Martha Williams took the Water Ditching and Survival (aka “dunker”) training at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility in Alexandria, Virginia, with Noah Matson,...

Nov 21, 2023

Tribal Wildlife Grants Program Support Species of Cultural and Traditional Importance

Since its inception in 2003, the competitive Tribal Wildlife Grants (TWG) Program has awarded more than $111.6 million to federally recognized Native American and Alaska Native Tribes, providing support for more than 626 conservation projects. These grants benefit a wide range of fish, wildlife,...

Nov 21, 2023

Photo of orphaned well on Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge

Habitat Restoration

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law at work in Louisiana

Located not far from Lake Charles, Baton Rouge, New Orleans and Texas, Lacassine National Wildlife Refuge offers diverse vegetation which provides habitats for wildlife. Species that call the refuge home, include ducks, geese, bobcats, coyotes, foxes, minks, white-tailed deer and alligators. ...

Nov 14, 2023

A Washoe Environmental Protection Department member kneels as they cradle a bullfrog tadpole in the palm of their hands.

Our Partners

Historic Funding Opportunity for Lake Tahoe Basin Celebrates Second Anniversary

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was signed in November 2021 and made a historic $17 million investment in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Since 2022, $6.5 million in funding has been put to work across seven projects in the Basin.

Nov 17, 2023

Our Partners

America the Beautiful: Delaware River Watershed

Over the past two years, a critical funding source, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, has created tremendous opportunities to find, fund and further conservation work with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service partners — states, federal agencies, Tribes, nonprofits and even private citizens.

Nov 16, 2023

Two men in a boat pull in a net from the water at the edge of a muddy bank. The net has one fish caught in it.

Habitat Restoration

Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Fights Invasive Carp

Thanks to a $1 million grant from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, large numbers of common carp will soon be removed from a popular fishing spot.

Nov 13, 2023

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...

Director's Priorities

Two small, brown butterflies on a flower with pink long petals and a deep redish-brown seed head.

National Wildlife Refuges

The Endangered Species Act at 50

Climate Change

Invasive Species Management

Law Enforcement

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.