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 EnergyThis 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 GuidelinesDocument 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 ProgramTells 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 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program Guidance on Third-Party Contracts for Personnel ServicesInstructs 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 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
Recovering Equipment Costs on a Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration GrantInforms 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 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
Eligibility of State Grant Projects for the Stocking of Pen-Raised Birds Under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration ActInterprets the Wildlife Restoration Act for eligibility for projects for stocking pen-raised birds, and also gives requirements for projects. ID: FW-G-0096 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
Guidance for Wildlife Action Plan Review and RevisionsTells States the process for updating State Wildlife Action Plans in order to receive benefits under the State Wildlife Grant Program. ID: FW-G-0098 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
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 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
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 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
Calcein (Se-Mark) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Calcein (Se-Mark) (INAD #10-987).
ID: FW-G-0064 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
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 | |||
Ovaplant Salmon Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogue (sGnRHa) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study Protocol (INAD #11-375)This is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Salmon Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone analog (sGnRHa-Ovaplant) (INAD #11-375).
ID: FW-G-0072 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Measures of Effectiveness for Wildlife Conservation in Central America - Latin America Regional Program (English and Spanish)The document identifies indicators for both conservation actions and threats. It seeks to serve as draft guidelines for how to measure the effectiveness of commonly-funded conservation actions and how to assess the status of common threats across the region.
ID: FW-G-0084 |
International Affairs | |||
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 AfricaStandard 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 ConservationGuidelines 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 SubmissionInstructions 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 ReportThis 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 AlaskaAlaska regional policy on permitted cabins.
ID: FW-G-0032 |
National Wildlife Refuge System | |||
Revised Special Use Permit Fees for Commercial Guiding on NWRs in AlaskaGuidance 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 RegionThis 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 PolicyThis 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 GuidanceThis 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 GuidelinesThese 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) | |||
GnRH IIa Chicken Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for GnRH IIa chicken gonadotropin-releasing hormone II analog use (INAD #13-345).
ID: FW-G-0230 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
17α-Methyltestosterone Tilapia Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of 17-alpha methyltestosterone in tilapia (INAD #11-236). This is a revision to an existing protocol published in 2007. ID: FW-G-0059 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
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 | |||
Incidental Take of Migratory Birds (Director's Order 225)This policy, which goes into effect on 12/3/2021, explains that the Service interprets the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) to prohibit incidental take of migratory birds and will enforce the statute accordingly. This Order provides background and guidance to Service employees, including expectations for conducting Service activities, providing technical assistance, and prioritization of our enforcement activities. ID: FW-G-0231 |
Migratory Bird Program | |||
17α-Methyltestosterone Rainbow Trout and Atlantic Salmon Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of 17-alpha methyltestosterone in rainbow trout and Atlantic salmon (INAD #8557). It is a revision to a protocol published 7/16/2007. ID: FW-G-0058 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
17β-Estradiol Brook Trout Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of 17-beta estradiol in brook trout (INAD #12-671). This is a revised protocol that was published in 10/2016.
ID: FW-G-0060 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
35% Perox-Aid (Hydrogen Peroxide) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of 35% Perox-Aid (hydrogen peroxide) for the control of ectoparasites (INAD #11-669). This is a revised protocol first published in 12/2007. ID: FW-G-0061 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Aquaflor as a Feed Additive Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for Aquaflor (forfenicol) use as a feed additive (INAD #10-697). This is a revision to a protocol published in 2/2009. ID: FW-G-0062 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Chloramine-T Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Chloramine-T (INAD #9321). This is a revision to a protocol published in September 2007.
ID: FW-G-0066 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Common Carp Pituitary (CCP) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is a revision to an existing protocol published in 2020 and revised in 8/2021. It is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Common Carp Pituitary (CCP) (INAD #8391). ID: FW-G-0067 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Diquat Dibromide Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is a second revision of an existing Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol that was published in 2007. It is for the use of Reward (diquat dibromide) (INAD #10-969).
ID: FW-G-0068 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Erythromycin 200 Injectable Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis an additional revision to a study protocol published in 2016 and revised in August of 2021. It is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Erythromycin (Erymicin 200 injection) (INAD #12-781).
ID: FW-G-0069 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone (LHRHa) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is a second revision to an existing study protocol published 3/2021 and revised 9/2021. It is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Luteinizing Hormone-Releasing Hormone analog (LHRHa) (INAD #8061).
ID: FW-G-0071 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Ovaplant-L Salmon Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Analogue (sGnRHa) Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study Protocol (INAD #13-298)This is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Salmon Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone analog (sGnRHa-Ovaplant-L) (INAD #13-298). This is a revision to the protocol published 6/2019. ID: FW-G-0073 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Oxytetracycline Dihydrate Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for Oxytetracycline dihydrate (Terramycin 200) medicated feed (INAD #9332). It is a revision to a protocol published in April 2008.
ID: FW-G-0075 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Oxytetracycline Hydrochloride Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for the use of Oxytetracycline (Terramycin 343) for immersion therapy (INAD #9033). This is a revision to the protocol published 7/2007. ID: FW-G-0077 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Slice Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for Slice (emamectin benzoate) use (INAD #11-370). It is a revision to a protocol published 5/2010.
ID: FW-G-0078 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Interim Guidance: Implementing the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow's Needs ActGives 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 |
Wildlife and Sportfish Restoration Program | |||
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 | |||
Aqui-S 20E Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is a revision to an existing Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol published in 2013 and revised in 2016 and 2021 for the use of Aqui-S 20E (eugenol) (INAD #11-741).
ID: FW-G-0063 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Benzoak Vet (Benzocaine) Exemption Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) Study ProtocolThis is an Investigational New Animal Drug (INAD) study protocol for a compassionate aquaculture exemption for Benzoak Vet (benzocaine). ID: FW-G-0232 |
Fisheries and Aquatic Conservation | |||
Endangered Species Act Compensatory Mitigation PolicyThis 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) |