Hundreds of migratory and endangered wildlife species will benefit from a $109 million dollar appropriation from the Land and Water Conservation Fund in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Fiscal Year 2001 budget. These funds will be used to purchase lands for the National Wildlife Refuge System, securing habitat for wildlife and expanding recreational and educational opportunities at 48 refuges in more than 30 states and territories from New Hampshire to the South Pacific.
"The 2001 land acquisition budget will provide a strengthened legacy of wildlife conservation for the American people to appreciate and enjoy for generations to come," said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Jamie Rappaport Clark. "We are particularly grateful to Congress and President Clinton for acting to preserve the integrity of Pelican Island, the nations first refuge."
Land and Water Conservation Fund (LCWF) dollars are used to purchase fee title and conservation easements from willing sellers within the authorized boundaries of the specified refuges. The Service also purchases land with funding obtained through the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and is authorized to accept donations and make exchanges. Once appropriated, LCWF funds are available to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service until spent.
The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses more than 530 national wildlife refuges, thousands of small wetlands and other special management areas. This 93-million-acre network of lands and waters provides "stepping stones" of habitat for many species of migratory birds and other wildlife, sanctuary for hundreds of endangered species, and secure spawning areas for the nations last healthy wild salmon fisheries. More than 35 million people annually visit refuges to enjoy activities such as hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation.
National wildlife refuges are created or expanded as new areas important to fish and wildlife are identified. When considering acquisition of land, the Service evaluates a number of criteria, such as the soil, water quality and quantity, historical and current wildlife use, and the potential for habitat restoration. In addition, the Service considers existing land use, land values, the local economy, and the interests of the community. An area is considered a higher priority for protection if it is threatened with development. During the proposal stages of a new refuge or refuge expansion, the agency considers the interests and input from neighbors, business and community groups, local and state governments, and conservation and recreation organizations.
Although the acquisition of pristine habitat is a high priority for the refuge system, the Service purchases many lands for their habitat restoration potential. In these cases, refuge staff will begin the long but rewarding process of habitat management and restoration
