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$500 Million for Refuge Disaster Relief—Thanks to Your Advocacy!
Big news for national wildlife refuges! Congressional leaders just released a funding bill to keep the government running through March 14, 2025 (coincidentally the anniversary of the National Wildlife Refuge System!). But even more exciting, this bill includes $500 million for disaster relief to repair national wildlife refuges damaged by hurricanes, floods, and severe storms.
Welcome To The Willamette Valley Conservation Area: The 572nd Jewel in the National Wildlife Refuge System
Discover the newest addition to the National Wildlife Refuge System, the Willamette Valley Conservation Area in Oregon. As part of the Willamette Valley National Wildlife Refuge Complex, this conservation area is home to diverse ecosystems, including wetlands, grasslands, and oak woodlands, which support a wide range of wildlife, such as the Dusky Canada Goose and Fender’s Blue Butterfly. Learn about the collaborative efforts, including contributions from tribal nations, to protect and restore these vital habitats. Although not yet open to the public, future plans promise opportunities for people to connect with nature in this remarkable landscape.
Why Congressional Appropriations Are Important To The National Wildlife Refuge System
The National Wildlife Refuge System encompasses more than 850 million acres of land and waters across America’s 568 National Wildlife Refuges, including 5 Marine National Monuments. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is responsible for managing these lands and is expected to fulfill its obligation to the Refuge System’s 64 million annual visitors and diverse wildlife on a budget of a mere 61¢ per acre per year, a fraction of what other land agencies receive. For comparison, the National Park Service receives $31 per acre for land management.