The director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is an extremely important position, one which oversees the entire National Wildlife Refuge System. For the first three years of the Trump Administration, no director was nominated or confirmed by the Senate, which had a major impact on operations, staff morale, and partner organizations. The person who takes on this job will need to address challenges with a collaborative, science-based approach to conservation and climate change.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association will support candidates that meet the standard requirements of the position, and have qualities that we believe will benefit the USFWS and the National Wildlife Refuge System for the next four years and into the future. The ideal candidate should have
A robust background in wildlife conservation, a deep knowledge of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and a strong belief in the science used to manage these refuge lands and wildlife populations for the benefit of future generations. The director of USFWS has specific academic requirements by law:
“No individual may be appointed as the Director unless s/he is, by reason of scientific education and experience, knowledgeable in the principles of fisheries and wildlife management.” (16 U.S. Code §742(b) Director, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service)
An understanding of the value of Refuge Friends groups and nonprofit partners that support the National Wildlife Refuge System and provide so many services, from bookstores to birding tours to basic operations in the absence of USFWS staff. They provide connections to local communities as well as grassroots support for national wildlife refuges and the Refuge System at large.
A commitment to addressing climate change as a threat to the National Wildlife Refuge System. Erosion, a higher frequency of damaging storms and floods, and extended fire seasons have stretched the capacity of the USFWS to its limit, and the new director should acknowledge and address climate issues as a priority.
Experience managing a variety of activities on public lands and a dynamic approach to balancing the needs of different visitors, with a focus on the “Big Six”: Wildlife observation, photography, education, interpretation, hunting, and fishing.
Someone who understands the National Wildlife Refuge System for what it is:
The world’s largest and most diverse collection of public lands and waters set aside specifically for the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants.
The National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act includes this mission statement: “To administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of the present and future generations of Americans.” For several years, some appointed leaders haven’t honored their responsibilities, and we need people who will.
We look forward to working with the Biden Administration’s appointees in fulfilling the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and restoring conservation science to the agency.