What We Do
Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service lands and waters managed within the Refuge System, from the purposes for which a national wildlife refuge national wildlife refuge
A national wildlife refuge is typically a contiguous area of land and water managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the conservation and, where appropriate, restoration of fish, wildlife and plant resources and their habitats for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans.
Learn more about national wildlife refuge is established to the recreational activities offered to the resource management tools used. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.
Management and Conservation
Refuges deploy a host of scientifically sound management tools to address conservation challenges. These tools include water management, haying, grazing, fire management, invasive species invasive species
An invasive species is any plant or animal that has spread or been introduced into a new area where they are, or could, cause harm to the environment, economy, or human, animal, or plant health. Their unwelcome presence can destroy ecosystems and cost millions of dollars.
Learn more about invasive species management, inventory and monitoring, and planning.
Water Level Management
Water control structures at Kellys Slough National Wildlife Refuge are used to lower wetland water levels to encourage particular plants to grow and establish mudflats for migrating shorebirds and waterfowl.
Grassland Management
A number of grassland restoration techniques are used to manage grasslands for the benefit of grassland-nesting birds. For example, livestock grazing and periodic prescribed burns help remove dead plant material. This leads to taller, thicker grasses and wildflowers, which improves nesting habitat and helps native plants out-compete weeds and nonnative grasses.
Tree Removal
Historically, grasslands in the area were devoid of most trees except for occasional willows and shorter brush along rivers and streams. Today, exotic trees, such as Russian olive, invade grassland areas and displace grassland wildlife. Prescribed fire and mechanical removal of the trees help their encroachment into the grasslands.
Law Enforcement
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement officers have a wide variety of duties and responsibilities. Officers help visitors understand and obey wildlife protection laws. They work closely with state and local government offices to enforce federal, state and refuge hunting regulations that protect migratory birds and other game species from illegal take and preserve legitimate hunting opportunities. Other law enforcement duties include patrolling closed areas or wilderness areas, maintaining relationships with neighboring landowners, maintaining refuge boundaries and participating in public events.
Laws and Regulations
Management actions on national wildlife refuges are bound by many mandates including laws and executive orders.