What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge. The refuge ensures water is available for wildlife, removes invasive plants, and protects Wilderness areas and associated wildlife habitat. Additionally, the refuge participates in endangered Sonoran pronghorn recovery activities.
Management and Conservation
Refuges use a wide range of land management tools based on the best science available. Management tools used are aimed at ensuring a balanced conservation approach where both wildlife and people will benefit. At this field station, most management practices are passive in nature for the benefit of Wilderness.
Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. Federal law enforcement officers ensure the safety of the public and the protection of natural resources. They address illegal activities, including poaching, taking of endangered species, dumping of trash, illegal operation of all-terrain vehicles, trespassing, and more.
Laws and Regulations
There are a lot of fun, interesting, and educational things you can do on the refuge. Keep in mind, if an activity is not wildlife related and doesn't help in the protection or understanding of wildlife or their habitat, there are probably refuge rules governing this activity. Please check with the refuge management before participating in an activity that could harm the environment or yourself. There are plenty of activities at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge for you to enjoy. Be safe and have fun!
Special Use Permits are required for some activities. Permits enable the public to engage in legitimate wildlife-related activities and ensure that such activities are carried out in a manner that safeguards wildlife. Additionally, some permits promote conservation efforts by authorizing scientific research, generating data, or allowing wildlife management and rehabilitation activities to go forward.
At Kofa National Wildlife Refuge, wildlife comes first. For this reason, Special Use Permits (SUP) are required in order to conduct the following types of activities
General
Research
Commercial