Boozman, Padilla Lead Bill to Strengthen National Wildlife Refuge Management

U.S. Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Alex Padilla (D-CA) introduced bipartisan legislation to strengthen habitat management efforts across the National Wildlife Refuge System by giving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) explicit authority to partner with state, tribal and non-governmental organizations. The National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Partnership Act would expand opportunities to leverage outside expertise, personnel and equipment to maintain healthy habitats and support the fish, waterfowl, wildlife and plant species that depend on these lands. The National Wildlife Refuge System, administered by FWS manages hundreds of wildlife refuges across the country. Unlike lands that can largely be left in their natural state, these refuge habitats require regular, active management to maintain healthy conditions for fish, waterfowl, wildlife and plants. This bill would give FWS the authority to enter into contracts or agreements with these nonfederal partners to perform habitat management on National Wildlife Refuge System lands, similar to authorities already provided to the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and National Park Service. “National wildlife refuges are vital to conserve distinct natural resources by providing unique and essential habitat. Effective management of these sites requires the right resources and collaboration. There are 10 national wildlife refuges in Arkansas and this legislation will give the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service greater flexibility to work with state, tribal and non-government partners to maintain these lands and address management needs. By making better use of available resources and expertise, we can strengthen conservation efforts and ensure these habitats remain healthy for future generations,” said Boozman. “Our public lands are some of our nation’s greatest treasures. Healthy, well-maintained national wildlife refuges are critical to improving fish and wildlife habitat, reducing the impact of natural disasters, and improving access to recreation. This bill will leverage public, private, and non-profit resources to improve habitat conservation and ensure our public lands are supported and protected,” said Padilla . The National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Partnership Act is supported by Ducks Unlimited, the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation and Delta Waterfowl. “National wildlife refuges are essential to the future of wetlands and waterfowl conservation. The National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Partnership Act would help refuges expand their capacity to achieve conservation outcomes and provide more places for waterfowl and other wildlife to thrive. It recognizes the expertise of refuge professionals and ensures they retain the ability to make management decisions based on the needs of the resources they protect. Thank you to Sens. Boozman and Padilla for leading this effort to strengthen our nation’s refuges and expand their impact on wildlife habitat,” said Ducks Unlimited COO Karen Waldrop . "Healthy habitat is the foundation of successful fish and wildlife conservation and quality hunting and fishing opportunities. The National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Partnership Act would strengthen the ability of refuge managers to work with conservation partners on habitat projects that advance each refuge’s purposes. The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) thanks Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus (CSC) Co-Chair Sen. Boozman and CSC Member Sen. Padilla for their bipartisan leadership on this practical approach to improving habitat across the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation Taylor Schmitz . “We sincerely appreciate the leadership of Sen. Boozman and Sen. Padilla to take this practical approach to enhancing habitat on our National Wildlife Refuges. Leveraging the diversity of private sector expertise and capacity, guided by USFWS staff and policy can result in significant improvements on our refuges which are much needed for ducks and duck hunters,” said Delta Waterfowl Chief Policy Officer John Devney . To read the full bill text, click here .