U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Guidance Documents

This is a database of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidance documents that are statements of general applicability, intended to have future effect on the behavior of regulated parties, that set forth policy on a statutory, regulatory, or technical issue, or an interpretation of a statute or regulation.

If you have a question or suggestion about these guidance documents, please send an email to guidance_webportal@fws.gov. To ensure adequate response, please include the title of the document and its ID number in your email.


Details and documents Program Date issued Date posted

Native American Policy (510 FW 1)

The Native American Policy provides a framework for government-to-government relationships, which furthers the United States’ and the Department of the Interior’s trust responsibility to federally recognized tribes to protect, conserve, and use tribal reserved, treaty guaranteed, or statutorily identified resources.

ID: FW-G-0095

 Native American Program

Eagle Conservation Plan Guidance, Module 1-Land-based Wind Energy

This document provides guidance for wind developers seeking permits for incidental take of bald and golden eagles.

ID: FW-G-0088

 Migratory Bird Program

National Bald Eagle Management Guidelines

Document provides guidance for avoiding impacts to bald eagles that could result in take in the form of distubance.

72 FR 31156 

 

ID: FW-G-0089

 Migratory Bird Program

Grant Agreement Requirements and Program Income Guidance for Third-Party Commitments Under the State Wildlife Grants Program and the Landowner Incentive Program

Tells State Wildlife Grant and Landowner Incentive Program recipients how they must document and maintain a record of third-party agreements and determine and treat program income.

ID: FW-G-0097

 Office of Conservation Investment

Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Guidance on Third-Party Contracts for Personnel Services

Instructs grant recipients what they must do to support using donated personnel services under a contract as matching funds to the Federal award. 

ID: FW-G-0103

 Office of Conservation Investment

Recovering Equipment Costs on a Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Grant

Informs recipients of requirements that must be met in order to recover costs for equipment used as part of a Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Federal award.

ID: FW-G-0102

 Office of Conservation Investment

Eligibility of State Grant Projects for the Stocking of Pen-Raised Birds Under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act

Interprets the Wildlife Restoration Act for eligibility for projects for stocking pen-raised birds, and also gives requirements for projects.

ID: FW-G-0096

 Office of Conservation Investment

Guidance for Wildlife Action Plan Review and Revisions

Tells States the process for updating State Wildlife Action Plans in order to receive benefits under the State Wildlife Grant Program.

ID: FW-G-0098

 Office of Conservation Investment

Interim Guidance - Implementing the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Act (Public Law 116-17)

Gives guidance to States on how to implement the amendments to the Wildlife Restoration Act as a result of Public Law 116-17. Guidance will be rescinded when a final rule is published.

ID: FW-G-00100

 Office of Conservation Investment

Real Property: Valuation, Negotiation, and Acquisition (520 FW 7)

Sets policies for the acquisition of real property in financially assisted projects administered by the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. Guidance will be rescinded when superseded by regulations.

ID: FW-G-0101

 Office of Conservation Investment

Implementation of the D.C. Circuit Court Decision in United States Association of Reptile Keepers, Inc. v. Zinke, No. 15-5199 (D.C. Cir. )

This document explains to the public how the Department of the Interior implements the court decision for injurious wildlife. It is related to the interpretation of interstate transport in 18 U.S.C. 42 (a). 

ID: FW-G-0070

 Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation

What Can I Do With My Ivory?

The information on this webpage is intended to provide guidance for those who wish to buy, sell, or otherwise trade in elephant ivory.

ID: FW-G-0087

 International Affairs

Standard Measures of Effectiveness and Threats for Wildlife Conservation in Central Africa

Standard indicators were developed to improve conservation by helping USFWS and its grantees and partners to: monitor, assess and report on performance; collect, share and aggregate comparable data; and learn and improve from others implementing similar actions.

ID: FW-G-0085

 International Affairs

Assistance Awards Guidelines - Division of International Conservation

Guidelines for recipients of financial assistance awards issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (Service) International Affairs programs. 

ID: FW-G-0080

 International Affairs

General Instructions for Registering in DUNS / System of Award Management (SAM)

Instructions for recipients on how to create a DUNS number for their organization, and register in SAM. 

ID: FW-G-0082

 International Affairs

E-Permits Online Submission

Instructions on how to submit an application form are available by clicking on "help" including Frequently Asked Questions and a Quick Start Guide

ID: FW-G-0081

 International Affairs

Administrative Actions to Strengthen U.S. Trade Controls for Elephant Ivory, Rhinoceros Horn, and Parts and Products of Other Species Listed Under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (Director's Order 210)

This document describes administrative Actions to Strengthen U.S. Trade Controls for Elephant Ivory, Rhinoceros Horn, and Parts and Products of Other Species Listed Under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

ID: FW-G-0079

 International Affairs

Guidance on the Antique Exception Under the Endangered Species Act, as amended (Appendix 1 to Director's Order 210)

Guidance on the Antique Exception Under the Endangered Species Act for certain protected species (ivory).

ID: FW-G-0083

 International Affairs

Using Available Legal and Regulatory Authority to Deny Wildlife Violators from Obtaining Federal Wildlife-Related Permits and Licenses (Director's Order 212)

This Order establishes policy and procedure for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service employees to assert our full legal and regulatory authority to deny wildlife violators the ability to obtain wildlife permits, certificates, and licenses.

ID: FW-G-0086

 International Affairs

Overview of Concessions, Authorities, and Responsibilities (630 FW 6)

Agency policy for concession operations on national wildlife refuges. Overview includes information on authorities and responsibilities.

ID: FW-G-0029

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Administering Concessions (630 FW 8)

Agency policy for administering concessions, including day-to-day operations and oversight.

ID: FW-G-0001

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Policy, Procedures, and Responsibilities for Volunteers (150 FW 1)

Agency overall policy on working with volunteers.

ID: FW-G-0033

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Volunteer Eligibility (150 FW 2)

Agency policy on requirements and documents necessary for working with volunteers.

ID: FW-G-0037

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Volunteer Program Operations (150 FW 3)

Agency policy on day-to-day operations when volunteers are involved in activities.

ID: FW-G-0038

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Federal Land Managers Air Quality Related Values Working Group Phase 1 Report

This report, housed on the National Park Service's site, was co-developed to provide a consistent approach to air quality modeling and analysis among Federal land managers.

ID: FW-G-0013

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Use of Non-Lead Ammunition for Management and Research Activities on Refuges (601 FW 8)

National policy for the use of non-lead ammunition for wildlife management and collections activities on national wildlife refuges. The policy does not apply to public hunting on refuges.

ID: FW-G-0036

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Appropriate Refuge Uses (603 FW 1)

National framework for determining appropriate refuge uses.

ID: FW-G-0004

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Compatibility Determination for Refuge Uses (603 FW 2)

Policy to determine compatibility of proposed and existing uses of national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0009

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Wildlife-Dependent Recreation Guidelines (605 FW 1)

Overall policy on management of wildlife-dependent recreation programs on refuges.

ID: FW-G-0042

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Management of Recreational Hunting Programs (605 FW 2)

Policy on management of recreational hunting programs on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0024

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Management of Recreational Fishing Programs (605 FW 3)

Policy on management of recreational fishing programs on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0023

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Management of Wildlife Observation Programs (605 FW 4)

Policy on management of wildlife observation programs on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0026

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Management of Recreational Wildlife Photography Programs (605 FW 5)

Policy on management of recreational wildlife photography programs on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0025

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Management of Environmental Education Programs (605 FW 6)

Policy on management of environmental education programs on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0021

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Management of Interpretive Programs (605 FW 7)

Policy on management of interpretive programs on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0022

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Wilderness Administration and Resource Stewardship (610 FW 2)

Policy on wilderness administration and resource stewardship.

ID: FW-G-0041

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Minerals Management (612 FW 1)

Policy for managing development of minerals that exist beneath national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0028

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Floodplain Management (613 FW 1)

Policy and guidance on compliance with Executive Order 11988, Floodplain Management.

ID: FW-G-0016

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Wetlands Protection (613 FW 2)

Policy and guidance on compliance with Executive Order 11990, Protection of Wetlands.

ID: FW-G-0040

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Coastal Zone Management (613 FW 3)

Policy and guidance on compliance with the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972

ID: FW-G-0008

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Comprehensive Conservation Planning Process (602 FW 3)

Guidance on developing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) for refuges.

ID: FW-G-0011

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Managing Cultural Resources Overview (614 FW 1)

Policy for managing cultural resources on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0027

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Compliance with National Historic Preservation Act (614 FW 3)

Guidance on compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0010

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Habitat and Species Step-Down Planning (602 FW 6)

Policy for planning and developing habitat management plans and annual habitat work plans on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0019

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Cooperative Agricultural Use (620 FW 2)

Policy for use of cooperative agriculture on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0012

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Field Trials for Hunting (631 FW 5)

Policy for permitting field trials for recreational hunting on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0014

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program (640 FW 1)

Policies and procedures for implementation of the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program.

ID: FW-G-0030

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Coastal Barrier Resource System (651 FW 1)

Guidance for administering the Coastal Barrier Resources Act.

ID: FW-G-0007

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Wetlands Policy and Action Plan (660 FW 1)

Guidance on wetland policies and action plans.

ID: FW-G-0039

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Inventory and Monitoring in the National Wildlife Refuge System (701 FW 2)

Guidance on how natural resource surveys are conducted, including collaboration with survey partners.

ID: FW-G-0020

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health, as amended (601 FW 3)

Policy for maintaining and restoring biological integrity, diversity, and environment health on national wildlife refuges.

ID: FW-G-0005

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Policy on Management of Permitted Cabins in Alaska

Alaska regional policy on permitted cabins.

ID: FW-G-0032

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Revised Special Use Permit Fees for Commercial Guiding on NWRs in Alaska

Guidance on revised Special Use Permit fees for commercial guiding, outfitting, and transporting operations on national wildlife refuges in Alaska.

ID: FW-G-0034

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Soliciting and Awarding Concession Contracts (630 FW 7)

Agency policy for awarding concession contracts.

ID: FW-G-0035

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Cooperative Agriculture Program Guidance for Region

This guidance assists staff in developing and implementing a cooperative agriculture program on their refuges.

ID: FW-G-0006

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Habitat Conservation Planning and Incidental Take Permitting Processing Handbook (Joint Release/FWS and NMFS)

The purpose of this handbook is to serve as an instructional aid for Fish and Wildlife Service and National Marine Fisheries Service staff. It should be equally helpful to other Habitat Conservation Plan practitioners, such as applicants, consultants, and partners.

ID: FW-G-0051

 Ecological Services (Endangered Species)

Mitigation Policy

This policy is intended to protect and conserve the most important and valuable fish and wildlife resources while facilitating balanced development of the Nation's natural resources.

ID: FW-G-0052

 Ecological Services (Endangered Species)

Establishment, Use, and Operation of Conservation Banks Guidance

This guidance intends to help Service personnel evaluate proposals to establish conservation banks.

ID: FW-G-0048

 Ecological Services (Endangered Species)

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Land-Based Wind Energy Guidelines

These voluntary guidelines provide a structured, scientific process for addressing wildlife conservation concerns at all stages of land-based wind energy development.

ID: FW-G-0056

 Ecological Services (Endangered Species)

Working with Friends Organizations (633 FW 1)

Agency policy for establishing and working with Friends organizations, which are nonprofit organizations that specifically support a Service site or program.

ID: FW-G-0043

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Finance and Administration through Friends Agreements (633 FW 2)

Agency policy and procedures related to finance and administrating work with Friends organizations.

ID: FW-G-0015

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Friends Partnership Agreements (633 FW 3)

Agency policy on how to use Friends agreements and what they include.

ID: FW-G-0018

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Friends Nature Stores and Other Revenue Generating Activity (633 FW 4)

Agency policy on how to interact with Friends organizations when they run nature stores and other revenue generating initiatives.

ID: FW-G-0017

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Interim Guidance: Implementing the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs Act

Gives guidance to States on how to implement the amendments to the Wildlife Restoration Act as a result of Public Law 116-94. Will be rescinded when a final rule is published.

ID: FW-G-0099

 Office of Conservation Investment

Administration of National Wildlife Refuge System Conservation Easements (601 FW 6)

National policy for administration of conservation easements.

ID: FW-G-0002

 National Wildlife Refuge System

Endangered Species Act Compensatory Mitigation Policy

This policy provides clarity and predictability to Service staff and project proponents on applying compensatory mitigation in the context of the ESA to offset effects to federally listed, proposed, or at risk-species, and proposed or designated critical habitat. It also should assist other Federal agencies in carrying out their statutory and regulatory responsibilities under the ESA and should provide project proponents with guidance on the appropriate use of compensatory mitigation for proposed actions.

ID: FW-G-0233

 Ecological Services (Endangered Species)

The Service's Alaska Native Relations Policy

This policy supplements 510 FW 1. It provides more clarity and guidance for the Service’s application of its legal authorities in Alaska for Tribes, Alaska Native Organizations (ANOs), and Alaska Native Corporations (ANCs), where the Service and leaders from Tribes, ANOs, and ANCs recognized the need for additional consideration. 

ID: FW-G-0234

 Native American Program

Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) and Bird Parts

Bird parts are within the scope and are included under the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA). Therefore, it is important for importers and exporters to understand that all prohibitions and requirements, described in 50 CFR 15.11 to 50 CFR subpart B, apply to parts of, as well as whole exotic birds, whether dead or live. This notice to the wildlife import/export community provides more information on the subject.

ID: FW-G-0235

 Office of Law Enforcement

Land Protection Planning (602 FW 2)

This directive implements land protection planning consistent with the National Wildlife Refuge System's Strategic Growth Policy.

ID: FW-G-0236

 National Wildlife Refuge System

State Electronic Data Systems and Eligible Costs under the Wildlife Restoration and Sport Fish Restoration Programs

This guidance outlines a process for how to assess modules/components and associated costs of a State fish and wildlife agency’s State Electronic Data System (SEDS) to determine what activities and associated costs may be considered eligible and allowable.

ID: FW-G-0237

 Office of Conservation Investment

What You Need to Know about the Big Cat Public Safety Act

This is a website with information and guidance for those impacted by the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

ID: FW-G-0238

 International Affairs

Traveling with Your Exotic Pet

This poster provides guidance to anyone traveling with exotic pets that are CITES-listed species. 

ID: FW-G-0239

 International Affairs

4(d) Rule for African Elephants - Guidance

This webpage provides background and FAQs on a final rule on African elephant imports. 

ID: FW-G-0240

 International Affairs

CITES Export Permit and Introduction from the Sea Application Form Guidance for U.S. Shark Fishers and Dealers

This website provides general guidance on what application forms to use to apply for a permit.

ID: FW-G-0241

 International Affairs

CITES-listed Sharks and Rays Flowchart for the Commercial International Trade

This flowchart helps guide those interested in engaging in commercial international trade of CITES-listed sharks and rays.

ID: FW-G-0242

 International Affairs