Laws and Regulations

Everything on the refuge is either a home or food for wildlife, so during your visit help protect wildlife by respecting the following regulations:

  • Keep dogs and bikes off of refuges, their presence disturbs wildlife and poses a safety risk to other visitors;
  • Use official trails only;
  • Take only pictures, leave only footprints;
  • Respect refuge boundary signs, closed areas and private property; and
  • Pack your garbage out with you.
Migratory Bird Conservation Act

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to conduct investigations and publish documents related to North American birds, and establishes a Migratory Bird Conservation Commission (MBCC) to approve areas recommended by the Secretary for acquisition. The MBCC...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
An aerial view of pelican island.
National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act

The National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act provides authority, guidelines and directives for the Service to improve the National Wildlife Refuge System; administers a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife and plant...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act

The National Wildlife Refuge Volunteer Improvement Act authorizes cooperative agreements with nonprofit partner organizations, academic institutions, or State and local governments to construct, operate, maintain, or improve refuge facilities and services, and to promote volunteer, outreach, and...

Laws, Agreements & Treaties
Refuge Recreation Act

The Refuge Recreation Act of 1962, with subsequent amendments, authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to administer refuges, hatcheries and other conservation areas for recreational use, when such uses do not interfere with the primary purpose for which these areas were established.

Laws, Agreements & Treaties