Guide to Federal Agencies for Transportation and Wildlife Policy

Explanation of all federal agencies that influence transportation and wildlife policy and practice in the United States.

Department of Transportation
Established by an act of Congress on October 15, 1966, the mission of the DOT is to serve the United States by ensuring a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future.

Federal Highway Administration
The vision of the FHWA is to create the best transportation system in the world for the American people through proactive leadership, innovation, and excellence in service. We also provide expertise, resources, and information to continually improve the quality of our nation's highway system and its intermodal connections. We undertake this mission in cooperation with all of our partners to enhance the country's economic vitality, quality of life, and the environment.

The FHWA is a part of the Department of Transportation and is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with field offices across the United States. The FHWA performs its mission through these main programs:

The Federal-Aid Highway Program provides federal financial assistance to the States to construct and improve the National Highway System, urban and rural roads, and bridges. The program provides funds for general improvements and development of safe highways and roads.

The Federal Lands Highway Program provides access to and within national forests, national parks, Indian reservations and other public lands by preparing plans, letting contracts, supervising construction facilities, and conducting bridge inspections and surveys.

Department of the Interior
The DOI's mission is

(1) to encourage and provide for the appropriate management, preservation, and operation of the Nation's public lands and natural resources for use and enjoyment both now and in the future;

(2) to carry out related scientific research and investigations in support of these objectives;

(3) to develop and use resources in an environmentally sound manner, and provide an equitable return on these resources to the American taxpayer; and

(4) to carry out trust responsibilities of the U.S. Government with respect to American Indians and Alaska Natives.

United State Fish and Wildlife Service
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

National Wildlife Refuge System
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.

National Park Service
The National park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the national park system for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.

United State Forest Service
The U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service is a Federal agency that manages public lands in national forests and grasslands. The Forest Service also provides technical and financial assistance to State and private forestry agencies. The phrase, "CARING FOR THE LAND AND SERVING PEOPLE," captures the Forest Service mission. As set forth in law, the mission is to achieve quality land management under the sustainable multiple-use management concept to meet the diverse needs of people.

United States Army Corps of Engineers
USACE’s mission is to provide quality, responsive engineering services to the nation including:

  • Planning, designing, building and operating water resources and other civil works projects (Navigation, Flood Control, Environmental Protection, Disaster Response, etc.)

  • Designing and managing the construction of military facilities for the Army and Air Force. (Military Construction)

  • Providing design and construction management support for other Defense and federal agencies. (Support for Others)

Environmental Protection Agency
The mission of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is to protect human health and to safeguard the natural environment--air, water, and land--upon which life depends.