Stories from the Home Page
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The Big Six uses are outlined in the refuge system’s operating principles. Credit: Christin Engelberth
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Young Artist Finds her Muse at Ridgefield National Wildlife RefugeJune 14, 2018A college art student not normally one for the outdoors was sent on a voyage of discovery when she drew a challenging class project: illustrate the “Big Six” uses of national wildlife refuges—hunting, fishing, photography, wildlife observation, education and interpretation. She found her inspiration during a visit to Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge in Washington; her illustrations might now inspire you. |
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The Big Six uses are outlined in the refuge system’s operating principles. Credit: Christin Engelberth
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The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex fire crew. Credit: Jack Sparks/USFWS
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Driving Home, Service Fire Crew Comes Across and Helps Fight Five Small FiresJune 14, 2018A Service fire crew from San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex in California was traveling home from a three-day “skills and drills” workshop last week when the firefighters encountered not one but five vegetation fires burning in the median of Interstate 5 just outside Maxwell, California. The crew—including two new seasonal firefighters—sprang into action. Working with local firefighters, they soon put the fires out. |
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The San Luis National Wildlife Refuge Complex fire crew. Credit: Jack Sparks/USFWS
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Dragonfly at Port Louisa Refuge, IA. Credit: Jessica Bolser/USFWS
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Why I Took These ShotsJune 13, 2018National wildlife refuges are wonderful places for nature photography – for visitors and employees. Jessica Bolser, a wildlife biologist at Iowa’s Port Louisa National Wildlife Refuge, uses her keen observation skills to capture amazing shots. She has taken hundreds of photos at the refuge in recent years, including this one of an eastern amberwing dragonfly. What she loves about this shot “is the delicate detail on the wing and the tiny hairs on the legs.” |
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Dragonfly at Port Louisa Refuge, IA. Credit: Jessica Bolser/USFWS
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Group photo of four generations of Reeds sit on the front stoop of Jewell Reed's home. Credit: Jennifer Strickland/ USFWS
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Nature's Good Neighbors: Family Builds Conservation LegacyJune 8, 2018Wildlife is part of the business model at Reed Ranch, a sheep and cattle operation in Wyoming's Thunder Basin. |
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Group photo of four generations of Reeds sit on the front stoop of Jewell Reed's home. Credit: Jennifer Strickland/ USFWS
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Fishing and boating are surefire ways to make memories. Credit: Ed Grimes
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'Catch the Summer Fun'; Fishing is the 'Reel' Deal at National Fish Hatcheries and National Wildlife RefugesJune 1, 2018National Fishing and Boating Week begins Saturday, June 2 and ends on June 10. This celebration offers the perfect opportunity to engage in two great summer pastimes on your public lands and waters, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether you have lost the habit of going outdoors, never found the time to connect with nature or are a certified outdoorsman or –woman, National Fishing and Boating Week is made for you. |
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Fishing and boating are surefire ways to make memories. Credit: Ed Grimes
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A waterman inspects oysters. Credit: Harris Seafood Company. Credit: Harris Seafood Company.
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Nature's Good Neighbors: Service Helps Oysters and Watermen in the ChesapeakeMay 30, 2018For several years, the Fish and Wildlife Service has been helping communities in part of the Chesapeake Bay create oyster beds. More oysters mean cleaner water, a thriving habitat for other species, protection for shorelines and a boost for the local seafood industry. |
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A waterman inspects oysters. Credit: Harris Seafood Company. Credit: Harris Seafood Company.
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Challenging and rewarding saltwater fishing opportunities can be found at. clockwise from top left, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Credit: USFWS
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As Summer Starts, Your Guide to FishingMay 29, 2018Fishing opportunities are available at public lands and waters managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service across the country. Those fishing opportunities represent virtually every type of sport fishing on the continent – seasonally and in accordance with state and federal regulations. From remote Alaska to mangroves in Florida, your public lands offer anglers adventure and diversity in a natural setting. Get hooked today! |
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Challenging and rewarding saltwater fishing opportunities can be found at. clockwise from top left, Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge in Rhode Island, Big Branch Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Louisiana and Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Credit: USFWS
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Rick Spring and his therapy dog, Max, at the door to one of his blinds. Credit: Brent Lawrence/USFWS
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Nature's Good Neighbors: Disabled Veteran Crafts Accessible Hunting BlindsMay 24, 2018Rick Spring knows that spending time hunting, fishing and hiking isn't always a given for injured veterans or other people with disabilities. So he builds and donates to federal and state lands, including national wildlife refuges, hunting and bird-watching blinds that are compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act guidelines. A Spring-made blind, for example, is big enough to accommodate two wheelchairs. |
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Rick Spring and his therapy dog, Max, at the door to one of his blinds. Credit: Brent Lawrence/USFWS
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Americans will have more access to hunting and fishing under the proposal. Credit: Creative Commons
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Secretary Zinke Proposes Expansion of Hunting and Fishing Opportunities at 30 RefugesMay 21, 2018Continuing his efforts to increase recreational access to public lands, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has announced a proposal to open more than 248,000 acres to new or expanded hunting and fishing opportunities at 30 national wildlife refuges. If finalized, this would bring the number of units of the National Wildlife Refuge System where the public may hunt to 377, and the number where fishing would be permitted to 312. |
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Americans will have more access to hunting and fishing under the proposal. Credit: Creative Commons
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Carolyn Read looking over her boysenberry crop. Credit: Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
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Nature's Good Neighbors: Berry Grower Embraces Conservation, HistoryMay 18, 2018San Marcos, California, ranch owner Carolyn Read, 86, runs a ranch that started in the 1800s and faces increasing development pressure from sprawling San Diego. Determined to keep her land working and wild, Read is the only non-commercial boysenberry producer in Southern California. She’s worked with the Service to restore some of her property for pollinators and native birds. |
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Carolyn Read looking over her boysenberry crop. Credit: Joanna Gilkeson/USFWS
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Federal Wildlife Officer Ashley Uphoff teaches orienteering. Credit: Joshua Bauer/USFWS
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Tools of the Trade: Kids Get Hands-on Experience Learning to Solve Wildlife CrimeMay 17, 2018What do federal wildlife officers do everyday? Like all law enforcement professionals, they serve and protect, but there’s more to the story. Learn about what federal wildlife officers in the Midwest Region are doing to inspire the next generation of women and men who protect America's National Wildlife Refuge System. |
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Federal Wildlife Officer Ashley Uphoff teaches orienteering. Credit: Joshua Bauer/USFWS
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Thumbnail of the Attu 75: Remembering a Forgotten War video. Credit: USFWS
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Valor in the Aleutians: Commemorating the Battle of AttuMay 15, 2018Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge's Attu Island, the westernmost of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, and another Aleutian island, Kiska, share a unique history. These islands were refuge lands dedicated to wildlife before being captured by enemy forces during World War II. This month marks the 75th anniversary of the battles to retake Attu. The Service and partners are commemorating the Battle of Attu, World War II in the Aleutians, and the sacrifices of the Alaska Native Unangax? people. |
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Thumbnail of the Attu 75: Remembering a Forgotten War video. Credit: USFWS
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Florida panther kittens are nestled in their den near Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: David Shindle /Florida FWCC
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Partnerships Put Once Near-Extinct Texas Cactus on Path to RecoveryMay 15, 2018Thanks to a slew of partnerships among the Service, Texas agencies and local stakeholders, the Service downlisted the Tobusch fishhook cactus from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. When listed under the ESA in 1979, fewer than 200 plants were known to exist. Today more than 3,300 cacti have been documented. This action brings this plant, once on the brink of extinction, one step closer to the ultimate ESA goal, full recovery and delisting. |
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Florida panther kittens are nestled in their den near Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: David Shindle /Florida FWCC
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Florida panther kittens are nestled in their den near Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: David Shindle /Florida FWCC
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At a National Wildlife Refuge Near You: Some of Nature's Cutest BabiesMay 11, 2018As Mother’s Day approaches, try not to smile at these National Wildlife Refuge cuties. In addition to helping humans, refuges around the nation provide places for youngster and mom animals to thrive. |
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Florida panther kittens are nestled in their den near Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: David Shindle /Florida FWCC
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“There is nothing better than spending your day outside in beautiful surroundings, in a country you know and appreciate,” says Gary Lang. Credit: Ryan Hagerty/USFWS
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Nature's Good Neighbors: For Fly Fishing Guide, Conservation and Commerce Go Hand in HandMay 10, 2018In West Virginia, fly fishing guide Gary Lang works with the Service and others to preserve clean rivers. It helps his business because trout need the clear water. It’s also about preserving the streams for future generations of wildlife and people alike to enjoy. |
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“There is nothing better than spending your day outside in beautiful surroundings, in a country you know and appreciate,” says Gary Lang. Credit: Ryan Hagerty/USFWS
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