News
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.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is proud to announce the inaugural National Wildlife Refuge System Employee Appreciation Day on December 17, 2024. This special day is dedicated to honoring the tireless efforts of the employees of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Wildlife Refuge System who care for America’s 573 national wildlife refuges and marine national monuments, spanning over 95 million acres of land and 760 million acres of marine areas.
The 125th Christmas Bird Count (CBC) is here! Running from December 14, 2024, to January 5, 2025, this beloved tradition invites bird lovers to join one of the world’s longest-running wildlife surveys. Organized by the National Audubon Society, the CBC began in 1900 as a conservation-friendly alternative to holiday bird hunts. Many national wildlife refuges fall within CBC count circles, making it a fun and meaningful way to support wildlife and collect valuable bird data. Join a local count or tally birds from your feeder and contribute to understanding bird populations around your favorite refuge!
The Biden administration announced a Record of Decision (ROD) on the Arctic Refuge leasing program and that it will hold the second lease sale in the crown jewel of America’s National Wildlife Refuge System, as set out in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This once again puts the coastal plain of the Refuge under threat from those most interested in profiting off of it.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association stands firmly against the Biden administration’s endorsement of a proposed land swap that would pave the way for a road through the heart of the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. This decision undermines decades of conservation efforts, threatens critical wildlife habitat, disregards tribal opposition, and sets a dangerous precedent for all public lands in Alaska.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is pleased to announce the appointment of Shampa Panda-Bryant to its Board of Directors. She brings a wealth of experience to the Refuge Association, with a focus on natural resource regulations and wildlife conservation. Her expertise will be a valuable asset.
The National Wildlife Refuge System, founded by Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, is the only service within the federal government whose sole mission is the conservation of wildlife and the preservation of habitat – meaning the places wildlife need to survive. Resident within these refuges are the last great migrating herds of caribou, humpback and right whales, polar bear, grizzlies, rare orchids and hummingbirds, elk, moose and river otter. Closer to home, the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge covers almost the entire Connecticut shoreline. Included are many nearshore islands, salt marshes and riverine ecosystems. Contiguous marine areas benefit through reduced pollution.
he National Wildlife Refuge Association expresses its deep appreciation to Senators Chris Coons (D-Del.) and John Kennedy (R-La.) for their bipartisan leadership in introducing a Senate resolution to designate the week of October 13-19, 2024, as National Wildlife Refuge Week. This resolution celebrates the significant role that national wildlife refuges play in wildlife conservation, supporting local communities, and offering diverse recreational opportunities for the public.
The National Wildlife Refuge Association is seeking a dynamic and experienced Regional Partnership Specialist to join our Urban Wildlife Refuge Program team in South Florida. This full-time position will play a key role in expanding the reach of the Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge’s Urban Program, fostering community engagement, building partnerships, and promoting wildlife conservation across diverse urban communities.
