• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

High Peaks Alliance

The Local Voice in Land Conservation | High Peaks Region Maine

  • Projects
    • High Peaks Initiative
    • Fly Rod Crosby Trail
    • Community Based Conservation
  • About
    • High Peaks Region
    • Local Resources
    • Board Members
    • Corporate Partners
  • News and Events
  • Contact
  • Make a Donation
  • Volunteer

USFWS Announces 2014 Expansion of Hunting, Fishing Opportunities in National Wildlife Refuge System

March 14, 2014 By highpeaksalliance

Image

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe today announced the agency will expand hunting and fishing opportunities throughout the National Wildlife Refuge System, opening up new hunting programs on six refuges and expanding existing hunting and fishing programs on another 20 refuges. The rule also modifies existing refuge-specific regulations for more than 75 additional refuges and wetland management districts.

The Service manages its hunting and fishing programs on refuges to ensure sustainable wildlife populations while offering traditional wildlife-dependent recreation on public lands.

“For more than a century, hunters and anglers have been the backbone of conservation in this country and a driving force behind the expansion of the National Wildlife Refuge System,” said Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell. “By providing more hunting and fishing opportunities on refuges, we are supporting a great recreational heritage passed down from generation to generation, creating economic growth in local communities and helping to ensure that conservation stays strong in America.”

Under the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, the Service can permit hunting and fishing where they are compatible with the refuge’s purpose and mission. Hunting, within specified limits, is permitted on more than 335 wildlife refuges. Fishing is permitted on more than 271 wildlife refuges.

“Hunting and fishing are time-honored ways to enjoy the outdoors and teach people to value nature,” said Director Ashe. “Our National Wildlife Refuge System has millions of acres of public land and water to provide quality hunting and fishing experiences. We hope these expanded hunting and fishing programs will allow more Americans to experience this connection with nature.”

Hunting, fishing, and other outdoor activities on national wildlife refuges help stimulate the economy and generate funding for wildlife conservation. Banking on Nature, a Service report released in November, showed refuges pumped $2.4 billion into the economy. Across the country, the refuges returned an average $4.87 in total economic output for every $1 appropriated in Fiscal Year 2011.

Other wildlife-dependent recreation on national wildlife refuges includes wildlife photography, environmental education, wildlife observation, and interpretation.

To read more: http://www.fws.gov/news/ShowNews.cfm?ID=93DA888D-FF13-4470-29232A2C80EF74E8

Filed Under: News

Primary Sidebar

Important Links

  • Make a Donation
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • High Peaks Alliance Blog
  • Local Resources
  • Volunteer

Your Contributions to High Peaks Alliance Make Conservation in the Region Possible

Become a Member

Footer

Site Links

  • About the High Peaks Alliance
  • Community Based Conservation
  • Fly Rod Crosby Trail
  • High Peaks Initiative
  • Corporate Partners

Latest News and events

Fly Rod Crosby Carving Event at IF&W Building Augusta Maine

Share your story with us! Submission Guidelines

Why hike ten of Maine’s High Peaks when you can do all fourteen?

Double Your Adventure in the Maine Outdoors, High Peaks style!

High Peaks Alliance to host talk at UMF on best foliage hikes

Signup for Our Newsletter

Copyright © 2023 High Peaks Alliance · All Rights Reserved

Web Design Company Profile