p. 9 Safety “Participants in the activity must be protected by accepted standards for the program being managed and should feel safe while participating.”

In thinking further about this, it becomes apparent to me that the only activity where FWS makes an effort to provide and document NWRs activities to promote safety efforts is for hunters,…[Read more]

General Comments

This document uses the words “National Wildlife Refuge System (System) but does not actually address the System as defined by law and regulation. It appears that the intent of this document is to address only the 561 refuge units and the administrative offices known as wetland management districts.

The writers/editor of this…[Read more]

Comments on Planning.Draft.Outline

I. 4. b. Communities & refuges grow into the future together

comments: The term “refuges” is undefined in this document. One would have to assume that the intended implication of the term “refuges” is probably what are considered to be the 553 “refuges” with the implied exclusion of everything else in the land…[Read more]

Here is a look at the issue in more of an outline format.

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE SYSTEM
• All lands,
• All waters, and
• interests therein

CURRENT ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE
• National Wildlife Refuges
• Waterfowl Production Areas
• Coordination Areas

CURRENT ISSUES
• Inconsistent Placement in Categories
• Units Don’t Fit Existing Structure
•…[Read more]

In order to do effective planning for the future of the NWRS, it is important to understand the laws, regulations and Service manual chapters that affect this issue. It is also important to realize that the DOI, Service, Refuge, State and public perceptions of the NWRS are often based upon feelings and impression and not on the facts.

Law – the…[Read more]

Susan,

Here are a few notes that help to clarify what the NWRS is with some observations about organizational structure.

NWRS Structure and Organization

A. Definitions

Refuge System – “… various categories of areas that are administered … for the conservation of fish and wildlife, including species that are threatened with extinction,…[Read more]