Habitat management

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking public comments on a proposed National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Maryland. 

The draft proposal and environmental assessment for establishing the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s counties in Maryland is now available for review and public comment. An in-depth, collaborative effort over the past 15 years demonstrated that currently unprotected habitats in these counties support significant populations of fish and wildlife. 

Draft Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment

The proposal would conserve up to 40,000 acres in fee-title acquisitions or easements from willing sellers, helping to conserve habitats that support threatened and endangered species, waterfowl and migratory birds of conservation concern. Landowners who do not wish to sell or donate interests in land are under no obligation to do so.

For more information about this project, please see the Press Release, Frequently Asked Questions and the Land Protection Plan and Environmental Assessment document, now available for a 45-day public review and comment period.

Direct questions and comments to: fw5southernmarylandplan@fws.gov

Library

Facilities

Green Heron standing on branch
Patuxent Research Refuge
Created to conserve and protect wildlife and wildlands through research, Patuxent Research Refuge offers 13,000 acres of tranquil forest, meadow and wetlands amid a densely populated urban area. Countless birds, mammals, pollinators, amphibians, and more call it home. Immerse yourself in this...
National Wildlife Refuge
Laurel,MD
Nest of with eight American black duck chicks
Chesapeake Bay Ecological Services Field Office
We work with landowners, private and community organizations, government agencies and others to conserve, protect and enhance fish and wildlife in the Chesapeake Bay area including Delaware, Maryland and the District of Columbia. Our conservation priorities include: endangered, threatened and at-...
Conservation Office
Annapolis,MD

News

Programs

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.
Program
Washington,DC
A rocky shoreline of a river. The water is calm. Mist and green branches line the river.
The Ecological Services Program works to restore and protect healthy populations of fish, wildlife, and plants and the environments upon which they depend. Using the best available science, we work with federal, state, Tribal, local, and non-profit stakeholders, as well as private land owners, to...
Program
Baileys Crossroads,VA
A bright orange sky with a setting sun with a pond and vegetation in the foreground
The realty division of the National Wildlife Refuge System supports the acquisition and management of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands, using Migratory Bird Conservation and Land and Water Conservation Fund dollars.
Program
Falls Church,VA