Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System
Directs National Wildlife Refuges to Prioritize Recreation and Habitat
What it does
The Secretary of the Interior must prioritize wildlife-dependent public uses, conserve and expand habitat, and provide public involvement in refuge planning.
Real-world impact
- Expanded opportunities for hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing on refuges.
- Refuge planning will require public input and cooperation with state agencies.
- Existing compatible uses may continue temporarily on new refuge lands.
Topics
Summary
This order sets the mission and four guiding principles for the National Wildlife Refuge System: prioritize wildlife-dependent public uses, protect habitat, build partnerships, and involve the public.
It directs the Secretary of the Interior to recognize and expand compatible hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, and education opportunities, maintain the biological integrity of refuges, allow certain existing uses including agency needs for military preparedness, plan for refuge growth, and provide public input during planning.
Questions, answered
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- “What agencies are affected by this order?”
- “How does this order change existing policy?”
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