United States Fish and Wildlife Service

Heather Bartlett USFWS

Sean Edwards (40680590754)

FWS patrol vehicles 1950

Albatross III

US FWS Blue Wing

RV John R. Manning (FWS 1002)

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is an agency of the United States Department of the Interior dedicated to the management of fish, wildlife, and natural habitats. The mission of the USFWS is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

History

The USFWS was established in 1940, consolidating the Bureau of Fisheries and the Bureau of Biological Survey. The agency's roots trace back to the late 19th century with the establishment of the Division of Economic Ornithology and Mammalogy in 1885, which later became the Bureau of Biological Survey.

Functions

The USFWS is responsible for enforcing federal wildlife laws, protecting endangered species, managing migratory birds, restoring nationally significant fisheries, conserving and restoring wildlife habitat such as wetlands, and helping foreign governments with their international conservation efforts. The agency also administers the National Wildlife Refuge System, which includes over 560 National Wildlife Refuges.

Organization

The USFWS is headquartered in Washington, D.C., and operates through eight regional offices across the United States. The agency is divided into several key programs, including:

• Ecological Services
• Fisheries and Habitat Conservation
• Migratory Birds
• National Wildlife Refuge System
• Law Enforcement

Key Legislation

The USFWS operates under several key pieces of legislation, including:

• Endangered Species Act of 1973
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918
• Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act
• National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act

National Wildlife Refuge System

The National Wildlife Refuge System is a network of lands and waters managed by the USFWS for the conservation, management, and restoration of fish, wildlife, and plant resources and their habitats. The system includes over 560 refuges and 38 wetland management districts.

Conservation Efforts

The USFWS works on various conservation initiatives, including:

• Endangered Species Recovery
• Habitat Conservation Plans
• Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program
• Coastal Program

Related Pages

• United States Department of the Interior
• National Park Service
• Bureau of Land Management
• Environmental Protection Agency
• Endangered Species Act of 1973
• Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918

See Also

• List of National Wildlife Refuges
• Wildlife conservation
• Biodiversity