Defenders' Experts
National Wildlife Refuge Funding Crisis
Years of stagnant budgets have ballooned the operations and maintenance backlog of the National Wildlife Refuge System to more than $3.3 billion. Most refuges are forced to operate with only minimal staffing, and 36% of refuges have no staff on-site. With this limited capacity, refuge managers struggle to adequately manage wildlife habitat while tackling such challenges as climate change, oil and gas activity, and law enforcement.
Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement
In recognition of these problems, the Cooperative Alliance for Refuge Enhancement (CARE) is working to help the Refuge System fight this serious funding crisis. CARE is a diverse coalition of 21 conservation, sporting, recreation, and scientific organizations that represent more than 14 million members. Defenders of Wildlife has been an active member of the coalition since its inception in 1995.
To see CARE's recommendations on Refuge System funding, download the following reports:
Restoring America's Wildlife Refuges 2011A CARE coalition report that highlights the benefits that national wildlife refuges provide to all Americans.
Restoring America's Wildlife Refuges 2010A CARE coalition report that documents why it is important to maintain the momentum behind recent refuge funding initiatives.
Restoring America's Wildlife Refuges 2008A CARE coalition report that documents the serious funding shortfalls facing the Refuge System and recommends future funding to enable the Refuge System to accomplish its wildlife conservation mission.
Shortchanging America's WildlifeA CARE coalition report on the National Wildlife Refuge System funding crisis profiling 12 refuges.
