TABLE OF CONTENTS
Topics | Sections |
1.1 What is the purpose of this chapter? 1.2 What is the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? | |
1.3 When and by what authority was the Service created? 1.4 What is the history that led up to the creation of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, which later became the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? | |
1.5 What are the Service’s overall objectives? 1.6 What are the Service’s overall functions to achieve its mission? 1.7 Where can employees find more about the Service’s organization and offices? |
OVERVIEW and MISSION
1.1 What is the purpose of this chapter? This chapter:
A. Describes the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service),
B. Provides information about how and when the Service was created, and
C. References other documents where employees can learn more information about the Service’s history, organization, and functions.
1.2 What is the mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? The Service’s mission is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
AUTHORITY and HISTORY
1.3 When and by what authority was the Service created?
A. Creation and authority. The Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife was created in the Department of the Interior on November 6, 1956, by the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 (70 Stat. 1119). That Act was amended on July 1, 1974, by Public Law 93-271 (88 Stat. 92) to, among other purposes, abolish the position of Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife and designate the Bureau as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
B. Director’s authority. The authority of the Service Director, as delegated by the Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks, is established in Part 242 of the Departmental Manual (DM).
1.4 What is the history that led up to the creation of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, which later became the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service? See 029 FW 1, History of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, for historical information about the beginnings and development of the Service. That chapter describes how, since 1871, the Service and its predecessor agencies have been at the forefront of American fish and wildlife conservation.
OBJECTIVES and FUNCTIONS
1.5 What are the Service’s overall objectives? The Service has three high level objectives:
A. To assist in the development and application of an environmental stewardship ethic for our society, based on ecological principles and scientific knowledge of fish, wildlife, and plants.
B. To guide the conservation, development, and management of the Nation's fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
C. To administer a national program to provide the public opportunities to understand, appreciate, and wisely use fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
1.6 What are the Service’s overall functions to achieve its mission? In fulfillment of its mission and objectives, the Service performs the following functions, among others, often working with partners, through Federal programs relating to migratory birds, endangered species, interjurisdictional fish and marine mammals, and inland sport fisheries:
A. Acquires, protects, and manages unique ecosystems necessary to sustain fish, wildlife, and plants such as migratory birds, resident species, and endangered species.
B. Supports the restoration of depleted interjurisdictional fish stocks, the recovery of federally listed threatened and endangered species, and the fulfillment of Federal mitigation responsibilities.
C. Provides protection of fish and wildlife from dislocation or destruction of their habitats; overuse; and industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollutants.
D. Renders financial and professional technical assistance to States through Federal assistance programs for the enhancement and restoration of fish and wildlife resources.
E. Conducts programs of enforcement, management, and professional technical assistance to other agencies for the protection of endangered species.
F. Promulgates and enforces regulations for the protection of migratory birds, marine mammals, fish, and other nonendangered wildlife from illegal taking, transportation, or sale within the United States or from foreign countries.
G. Conducts programs of planning, evaluation, and professional technical assistance to other agencies, States, and Tribes for the proper use and protection of fish and wildlife habitat that directly benefit the living natural resource and add quality to human life.
H. Conducts programs of interpretation, education, and recreation to foster a stewardship ethic in the American public through high quality fish- and wildlife-oriented experiences.
I. Develops and delivers training programs through its National Conservation Training Center for Service employees, other Federal agency employees, Tribes, States, and other partners to better prepare individuals to fulfill the mission of the Service and meet their professional objectives relevant to the protection of fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats.
J. Communicates information essential for public awareness and understanding of the importance of fish, wildlife, and plant resources.
1.7 Where can employees find out more about the Service’s organization and offices? Employees can find more information about the Service:
A. At Part 142 of the Departmental Manual (DM), U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Organization. These DM chapters describe the Service’s organization and provide detailed information about each program’s functions.
B. On the Service’s website. The Service website provides information on programs at Headquarters, offices across the country, and the latest initiatives and goals.