House subcommittee pulls for more funding for National Wildlife Refuges, global warming research

Interior appropriations bill provides $35 million more than current budget for refuges and a total of $10 million for National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center

WASHINGTON – The House Interior Appropriations subcommittee led by Chairman Norm Dicks (D-WA) approved legislation today that would boost funding for the National Wildlife Refuge System to $469 million, a $35 million dollar increase over last year’s record setting budget.

The FY 2009 House Interior, Environment and Related Agencies appropriations bill marks another important step toward reversing a decade-long funding shortage that has forced the refuge system to shed upwards of 300 jobs and accumulate a staggering $3.5 billion operations and maintenance backlog in wildlife refuges throughout the nation. A coalition report released last month details the devastating impacts that this funding crisis has dealt to America’s premiere wildlife refuges.

“Once again, Congressman Norman Dicks has proven to be a champion of wildlife and public lands by continuing to help resurrect American’s wildlife refuges and addressing the challenges of global warming,” said Rodger Schlickeisen, president of Defenders of Wildlife. “The refuge system urgently needs these funds to address years of deteriorating wildlife habitat, infrastructure and educational programs.

“Increased funding will finally start to make a dent in the funding shortages facing the refuge system, including the loss of hundreds of agency biologists, wildlife refuge managers and other crucial staff, the lack of law enforcement officials and cutbacks in vital agency services. The Bush administration’s neglect has created a situation where 36 percent of our nation’s wildlife refuges have absolutely no staff whatsoever.”

The bill provides an increase of almost $1.5 billion over the president’s budget to a total of $27.9 billion. The bill also increases funding by $8.5 million for the groundbreaking National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center to $10 million dollars. The center was established in last year’s funding bill to provide federal and state agencies and other stakeholders with the necessary tools to help the nation’s wildlife and habitats weather the impacts of global warming.

“In providing this significant boost to the National Global Warming and Wildlife Science Center, Chairman Dicks continues to be at the forefront of efforts in Congress to deal with the enormous threat posed by climate change,” said Schlickeisen.

The 548 wildlife refuges across the nation account for 100 million acres of public lands that provide sanctuary for wildlife, vital habitat for endangered species, game for hunters and anglers, recreational opportunities for hikers and photographers and a variety of educational programs. Hosting 40 million visitors annually, the nation’s refuges contribute over $1.7 billion to the economy and provide more than 27,000 Americans with jobs.

“We’re recklessly putting some of the world’s most stunning wildlife and America’s few remaining wild places in jeopardy,” continued Schlickeisen. “Without the proper funding, the refuge will be forced to cut up to 20 percent more jobs. The $35 million increase provided by this bill won’t change the damage that’s already been done overnight, but plans to downsize more staff can be tabled for another year, giving our refuges a chance to recover.”

Learn more about what Defenders is doing to preserve America's National Wildlife Refuges.

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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities.  With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come.  For more information, visit www.defenders.org.

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