U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

What's going on at FWS

With more than 560 National Wildlife Refuges, 70 national fish hatcheries, numerous regional and field offices across the country and thousands of active conservation projects, the nearly 8,000 employees of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service have a lot going on. Here are a few of the latest news stories from across the Service...

A small brown animal sits on gray rocks in front of a lake and mountain background

Land Management

Snow Lakes or Bust

Eighteen miles of hiking in the mountains with 5,000 feet of elevation gain in one day – yes, please? Join Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery staff on an age-old pilgrimage into the mountains for the benefit of salmon, habitat, and people.

Dec 2, 2024

A view of the forested hills leads to a large open body of water below

The Highlands Conservation Act grant program at 20

Since 2004, the Highlands Conservation Act grant program has protected more than 16,000 acres in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York and Connecticut Highlands, putting conservation “on the map” for people and wildlife. As it marks two decades, the program has an expanded reach and updated...

Nov 25, 2024

U.S. Capitol building in the sun with tops of trees in foreground

Coastal Barrier Resources System Expands under Reauthorization

On November 25, 2024, President Joe Biden signed into law the BEACH Act. This bipartisan legislation reauthorizes and makes the most significant changes to the CBRA since 1990.

Nov 26, 2024

a view of a green, forested landscape with an overcast sky

History and Culture

One small step: More than 1,000 acres returned to the Onondaga Nation

Though Indigenous people cared for the land under our feet in the U.S. for thousands of years, these original caretakers suffered the seizure of their ancestral territory. To address these acts, the Service and New York State are returning more than 1,000 acres of ancestral homeland to the...

Nov 22, 2024

Recreation

Archers in Action: A Journey from State Plan to National Triumph

When Kentucky’s state wildlife and education agencies joined forces to create an in-school archery program, they sparked a movement that is shaping future generations. This innovative program not only fostered a passion for archery among students but also tapped into critical funding from the...

Nov 13, 2024

Recreation

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Finalizes New Public Access to Hunting and Fishing in National Wildlife Refuge System

Continuing the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to increase recreational access on public lands, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today the finalization of 52 new distinct hunting and sport fishing opportunities on approximately 211,000 acres nationwide in the National Wildlife...

Nov 6, 2024

Our Focus

The history of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service can be traced back to 1871. We are the only federal government agency whose primary responsibility is to manage fish and wildlife resources in the public trust for people today and future generations. Here are just a few of our focus areas...

Director's Priorities

aerial view of wetlands, boreal forest, and a river

National Wildlife Refuges

a small bird with a cricket in its mouth being held by a biologist

Protecting Wildlife

Climate Change

National Fish Hatchery Systems

Law Enforcement

What We Do For You

If you’re looking for places to experience nature; interested in partnering with us; seeking technical advice, permits, grants, data or scientific research; want to know more about today’s conservation challenges; looking for ways on how you can get involved and make a difference -- the Service has a lot to offer and more…

Partners for Fish and Wildlife: Landowners (Heguy Family) Meet with Partners for Fish and Wildlife Biologist Chris Jasmine and Carol Evans of the Bureau of Land Management to Review Progress

Visit Us - Our Locations

With more than 560 national wildlife refuges, dozens of national fish hatcheries and more than 100 field offices, there are numerous great U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service locations to visit.