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Managing Fire
Monitoring a controlled burn at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. (Photo: Jeff Adams/USFWS)Fire, managed wisely, is an important conservation tool. Some plants and animals can’t live without it. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service uses prescribed fire to restore wildlife habitat at national wildlife refuges. In the process, the Service makes nearby homes and businesses safer by reducing the risk of destructive wildfire. Read our story.
Find a Refuge
Plan Your Visit
Public Lands and Waters
Founded by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 and administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Wildlife Refuge System is a diverse network of lands and waters dedicated to conserving America’s rich fish and wildlife heritage.
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Wildlife Conservation
Refuges deploy a host of scientifically sound management tools to address biological challenges. Tools range from water management to wilderness character monitoring.
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Great Recreation
Refuges offer people access to a range of popular activities that depend on thriving fish and wildlife populations. These include hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, photography and education.
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Part of Local Communities
Through partnerships, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service leads the way in developing community-driven conservation solutions that reap ecological and economic benefits for fish, wildlife and people.
Services
We offer a wealth of tools and resources for the people we serve.
Get Involved
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Volunteers
Gain new experiences and meet new people while helping to advance wildlife conservation.
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Friends
Join neighbors in helping refuges restore habitat and expand access to green space.
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Urban Communities
Find out how urban residents can work with refuges to better their communities.
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Youth
Explore paid and unpaid opportunities to develop leadership skills.
American black bear at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in Maine. (Photo: Keith Ramos/USFWS)