On February 2, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published the proposed rule, “National Wildlife Refuge System: Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH)” opening a public comment period for 30 days The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to both revise the existing BIDEH policy and implement a new rule that will guide management of national wildlife refuges. The proposals will help provide a consistent, transparent, and science-based approach for evaluating both existing and new management practices at national wildlife refuges, in support of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
On March 5, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service extended the public comment period for the proposed rule, “National Wildlife Refuge System: Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health,” by 60 days. During a 90-day public comment period, that closed on May 6, 2024, we received more than 200,000 individuals comments or signatures on the BIDEH proposal. The significant number of comments received on the BIDEH proposal from a diverse range of stakeholders demonstrates the importance of, and interest in, the National Wildlife Refuge System.
The Service takes seriously the public input received during any public comment period. We are in the process of reviewing and analyzing the comments received on the BIDEH proposal to identify, understand and address the substantive issues raised. As we continue our review of the public comments, if we have questions or need to clarify issues raised related to the proposal, we will reach out to commenters. The Service will be transparent in making public any additional substantive comments we may receive that are not already reflected in the public record.
The Service appreciates the robust public interest and engagement on this proposal. The substantive public comments provided will help the Service ensure we employ a consistent approach to ensure the ecological integrity across our refuges in support of the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Learn more about the Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health policy.
