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National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997

Landmark Law

During the 105th Congress, a bipartisan congressional coalition joined with a diverse group of non-governmental organizations, state fish and wildlife agencies, and the Interior Department to craft the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997 (PL. 105-57). This Act supplies much-needed organic legislation for the first time in the National Wildlife Refuge System's nearly 100-year history. Signed by President Clinton on October 9, 1997, the Act amends the National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 (16 U.S.C. 668dd-ee), and provides significant guidance for management and public use of the Refuge System.

New Statutory Mission Statement

"The mission of the System is to administer a national network of lands and waters for the conservation, management, and where appropriate, restoration of the fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats within the United States for the benefit of present and future generations of Americans."

Administration of the Refuge System

The Refuge System is to be consistently directed and managed as a national system of lands and waters devoted to wildlife conservation and management. The Refuge Improvement Act also requires maintenance of the Refuge System's biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health; and monitoring of the status and trends of refuge fish, wildlife, and plants. Continued growth of the Refuge System is to be planned and directed in a manner that will contribute to conservation of the ecosystems of the United States.

Management Hierarchy

As a first priority, the Refuge Improvement Act requires that each refuge be managed to fulfill the Refuge System Mission as well as the specific purpose(s) for which the refuge was established. The Act also declares that compatible wildlife-dependent recreational uses are legitimate and appropriate, priority general public uses of the Refuge System. These six uses (hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation) are to receive enhanced consideration, in planning and management, over all other general public uses of the Refuge System. When compatible, these wildlife-dependent recreational uses are to be strongly encouraged.

Compatibility Determination

A compatibility determination is required for a wildlife-dependent recreational use or any other public use of a refuge. A compatible use is one which, in the sound professional judgement of the Refuge Manager, will not materially interfere with or detract from fulfillment of the Refuge System Mission or refuge purpose(s).

Comprehensive Conservation Plan

The Act requires development of a comprehensive conservation plan for each refuge and management of each refuge consistent with the plan.

Interagency Coordination and Public Involvement

When planning for expanded and new refuges, and when making refuge management decisions, the Act requires effective coordination with other Federal agencies, state fish and wildlife or conservation agencies, and refuge neighbors. In addition, a refuge is to provide opportunities for public involvement when making a compatibility determination or developing a comprehensive conservation plan.

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Division of Refuges
4401 North Fairfax Drive-MS670
Arlington, VA 22203 703/358 1744
1 800/344 WILD
http://www.fws.gov

January 1999

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