News
President Geoffrey Haskett of the National Wildlife Refuge Association testified before Congress on the proposed revisions to the Biological Integrity, Diversity, and Environmental Health (BIDEH) rule for the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Congress recently passed a package of several fiscal year (FY) 2024 spending bills, including the Department of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill that funds the National Wildlife Refuge System. This spending bill will cut $14.5 million from the National Wildlife Refuge System’s Operations & Maintenance budget, or a 2.6% reduction from FY2023 levels. Notably, this bill also does not provide funding to cover the 5.2% pay increase for federal employees that went into effect in January. It costs the Refuge System an estimated $3
The National Wildlife Refuge System stands as a stronghold for biodiversity and Nature-based Solutions supporting climate resiliency and conserving the delicate balance of nature. However, the ongoing challenge of funding through continuing resolutions poses a significant threat to the thriving wildlife that calls these national wildlife refuges home.
In a significant move for conservation advocacy on Capitol Hill, the Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus (CWRC) of the 118th Congress has been reconstituted, signaling an expansion of this vital bipartisan group. Established in 2006, the CWRC plays a crucial role in fortifying, protecting, and preserving the National Wildlife Refuge System. The reconstitution of the caucus reflects a growing bipartisan commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the Refuge System.
On Wednesday, November 15th, 2023, the halls of the Rayburn Office Building on Capitol Hill echoed with the enthusiastic celebration of wildlife conservation at the National Wildlife Refuge Expo. Back from a few years' hiatus during and following COVID, from 10 am to 2 pm, attendees had the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, from a captivating live raptor display to adult coloring sessions, all while learning about the vital work happening within the Refuge System.
It’s time to celebrate because it’s National Wildlife Refuge Week! Nationwide, we highlight and share the numerous wonders and significance of the National Wildlife Refuge System throughout the second full week of October annually. In celebration of Refuge Week, two major events have occurred further emphasizing the importance of national wildlife refuges: the Department of Interior marked two new locations as national wildlife refuges in Wyoming and Tennessee and the introduction of congressional resolutions designating the week of October 8th to 14th to be National Wildlife Refuge Week. How amazing! If you haven’t had a chance yet, the National Wildlife Refuge Association invites you to celebrate Refuge Week with us by downloading our toolkit and spreading the word about the Refuge System!
As we embrace the spirit of Latino Conservation Week, we come together to honor and pay homage to the invaluable contributions made by the Latino community in our shared endeavor to conserve and protect wildlife and wild lands across the country. This year, we proudly support the congressional resolution proposing the official designation of the third week of July as Latino Conservation Week, introduced by Representative Nanette Barragán (D-CA) this week. Through this symbolic gesture, we signal our commitment to fostering sustainability, promoting inclusivity, and safeguarding the future of the National Wildlife Refuge System.
Twenty-two former public officials, including multiple former Secretaries of the Department of the Interior, sent a letter to Secretary Haaland expressing their concerns regarding the Interior’s intentions for the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge. Throughout their collective tenures in public service, they have defended Alaska’s public lands and the conservation and subsistence values protected under the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, the world's largest network of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation, is facing a staffing crisis that threatens its ability to protect biodiversity and provide recreational opportunities. In response to this dire situation, the National Wildlife Refuge Association is focusing its efforts in the 118th Congress to raise awareness of this issue and secure the necessary funds to sufficiently staff the Refuge System. We recently sent a letter to Shannon Estenoz, Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, and Martha Williams, Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, outlining the work we will be doing with our partners and supporters to advocate for increased funding for the Refuge System to address these challenges.
