Migratory Species
As weather changes dramatically in the tundra, partnerships and local knowledge are crucial for preserving the Western Arctic Caribou Herd and the subsistence lifeways which depend on them.
We are the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the only agency in the federal government whose primary responsibility is the conservation and management of fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the American people.
We offer a variety of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and our shared natural heritage. And through our work to conserve natural resources, we provide communities with healthier environments, clean water, flood control and a strong economy.
Achieving Our Mission
Learn about our priorities, statutory authority and functions.
History of Fish and Wildlife
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a bureau within the U.S. Department of the Interior and the nation’s oldest conservation agency. Our origins date back to 1871 when Congress established the U.S. Fish Commission to study why the nation’s food fishes were decreasing and recommend ways to reverse that decline.
Though the name of our agency has changed multiple times over the years, what endures is the collective dedication of Service employees to face the conservation challenges of their day—and now, our day—with ingenuity, integrity and hard work. Fortunately, our history shows that we’ve always been up to the challenge.
Our Locations
Latest Stories
History and Culture
A steady drum beat rose under the watchful eyes of native bald eagles, friends and ancestors. For the first time in more than 350 years, the Rappahannock Tribe’s drums sounded over their ancestral capital town.
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,...
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,...
Our Partners
Each year, approximately 2,000 kids and their families use the athletic fields at the Springville sports complex, except when they can’t because storms wash out the fields. Flooded conditions delay or cancel games, disappoint little league athletes and cause a lot of work and expense for the city’...
Our Partners
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.
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See Where Your Tax Dollars Go
Each year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service develops an annual budget justification which defines our goals, objectives, and the funding necessary to accomplish them. Once approved, funds are allocated to programs and regions, and monitored to ensure those funds are used as mandated by Congress.
Do Business With Us
The mission of the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is to work with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. In support of the mission, the FWS procures goods and services that include: land rehabilitation; information technology resources; construction projects; professional and nonprofessional services; supplies; and environmental studies. We look forward to working with qualified, capable contractors, including small businesses.
Work With Us
The range of career options available in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is as wide as it is rewarding. A career with us might be just what you’re looking for if you’re passionate about supporting our mission and science, water quality, nature, air quality, fish, birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, native plants, or education. You can make a difference by bringing your unique experience, background, and perspective to our work.