National Wildlife Refuge System Recreation Fee Accomplishment Reporting, FY21

At least 80% (often 100%) of the recreation fees collected at national wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries stay at the location they were collected. This includes entrance fees, hunting and fishing permit fees, and commercial operation fees. In Fiscal Year 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spent nearly $4 million on visitor services, law enforcement, maintenance, facility improvements and habitat restoration projects from recreation fee revenues.

This table shows how recreational fee dollars were spent.

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Report
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A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.