WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 6, 2026 – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) announced its new National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) plan, which reprioritizes maintenance, staffing, and the original purpose of NWRs, with an increased focus on public hunting access and waterfowl habitat conservation on refuges.
“When Teddy Roosevelt created America’s first National Wildlife Refuge, it was designed to conserve wildlife habitat for future generations. We are pleased to see the Fish and Wildlife Service is refocusing on the tools and strategies that will best support that original mission. From prioritizing staff where they’re needed most – on the refuge – to expanding access to hunting and recreation on our public lands, this plan will help better maintain our refuges and the critical waterfowl habitat they support. Thank you to Director Nesvik and the USFWS for directing much-needed attention and resources to America’s NWR system.”
Adam Putnam, DU CEO
The National Wildlife Refuge System is the world's largest network of lands and waters dedicated to the conservation of fish, wildlife, and plants, encompassing more than 570 refuges and 95 million acres across the United States. Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the system provides critical habitat for hundreds of species, including migratory birds, threatened and endangered wildlife, and native fish. In addition to conservation, national wildlife refuges offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, wildlife observation, photography, environmental education, and outdoor recreation for millions of visitors each year. Over the years, many NWRs have suffered from staffing shortages and deferred maintenance, leading to deteriorating habitat and infrastructure.
“In addition to our longstanding partnership supporting voluntary conservation easements on private lands, Ducks Unlimited has historically worked with the Fish and Wildlife Service to expand and maintain America's National Wildlife Refuge System. We stand ready to work with our partners at the Service to implement this plan for the betterment of waterfowl, wildlife, and the American people who enjoy them every day.”
Dr. Karen Waldrop, DU COO
Visit the DU Media Toolkit page for essential resources to help explain and promote Ducks Unlimited’s conservation mission.
For more information, visit www.ducks.org, and be sure to follow DU’s Twitter feed – @DucksUnlimited and @DUConserve – to get the most up-to-date news from Ducks Unlimited.
Media Contact
Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing wetlands, grasslands and other waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has restored or protected more than 20 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science, DU’s projects benefit waterfowl, wildlife and people in all 50 states. Learn more at www.ducks.org.
