Today, the Subcommittee on Water, Wildlife and Fisheries held an oversight hearing on sportsmen and women’s access to and the maintenance of the National Wildlife Refuge System. Subcommittee Chair Harriet Hageman (R-Wyo.) issued the following statement in response:

“Hunting and fishing are a way of life for millions of Americans, these activities grow rural economies and protect outdoor heritage. Today, we examined ways to improve stewardship of our resources and promote access for responsible sportsmanship.”

Background

The National Wildlife Refuge System (System) is a network of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service)-administered lands, submerged lands, and waters that provide habitat for fish and wildlife resources across the United States. These resources encompass nearly 900 million acres across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Hunting and fishing access is managed differently in each of these units. These activities generate billions of dollars in conservation funding each year.

The System currently has a deferred maintenance backlog of approximately $2 billion. Partnering with non-federal entities by granting the Service additional authorities, such as expanded Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) and Stewardship Contract Authority, helps to improve conditions across the System. GNA enables states, counties, and tribes to assist with active forest management on Service, U.S. Forest Service, and Bureau of Land Management lands. Stewardship Contracting Authority allows non-federal partners to provide additional philanthropic and on-the-ground support.

Additionally, on our nation’s water, fishing opportunities suffer from heavy-handed regulatory measures from the Biden administration. Inadequate data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Recreational Information Program has led to policies restricting fishing access in many parts of the country.

The diverse ecosystems found on America’s federal land require better use of existing stewardship resources and new funding opportunities. The future of hunting and fishing, which generate thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in conservation and economic activity in rural communities, depends on the health of these ecosystems.