Strengthening the National Wildlife Refuge System

National wildlife refuges conserve wildlife and habitat while providing opportunities for Americans to hunt, fish and enjoy other wildlife-dependent recreation. Rooted in Purpose examines how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can better support that work and fulfill the purposes for which each refuge was established.

Informed by refuge visits, surveys and direct engagement with employees and partners, the report presents 29 recommendations to strengthen field operations, keep practical habitat management tools available, prioritize essential infrastructure and reduce unnecessary administrative burdens.

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Four areas for action

Mission and habitat

Focus management on refuge purposes and support appropriate tools, including prescribed fire, grazing, agriculture, active forest management, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.

Learn more about invasive species control and predator management.

Organization and public access

Direct resources toward field operations, reduce unnecessary management layers and strengthen hunting, fishing and other compatible wildlife-dependent recreation.

Maintenance and infrastructure

Prioritize essential assets, improve maintenance planning and make effective use of skilled crews and shared equipment.

Partnerships and administrative support

Strengthen relationships with states, tribes, landowners, hunting and conservation organizations, agricultural partners and communities. Simplify processes that impede refuge work.

From recommendations to results

Secretary’s Order, Making America’s National Wildlife Refuges Great Again, establishes Departmental direction for advancing this work. Implementation will include identifying responsibilities, resources and required approvals, with continued employee and partner engagement.

The measure of success will be improvements on refuge lands: effective habitat management, reliable infrastructure and quality public access consistent with refuge purposes.