Refuge Support:

Support to National Wildlife Refuges
 
The New York Field Office provides environmental contaminants expertise to the National Wildlife Refuges in New York State: 
 
Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge
Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge
Long Island National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge 

Land Acquisition:
 
Biologists review potential land purchases to ensure that the Federal government does not acquire contaminated lands that may require costly cleanups later on.
 
For Example.....

Montezuma Lead Shot Study - The New York Field Office has conducted a study on lands to be acquired for Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge to determine whether spent lead shot presents a threat to fish and wildlife on the refuge.
 
Long Island National Refuge Complex and Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge - The New York Field Office has conducted Level I pre-acquisition surveys at former aviation-related sites in Sayville and Galeville to determine whether there are any contaminants present.
 

Refuge Studies:
 
For lands already within the National Refuge System, we monitor water and sediment quality and conduct biological studies to determine if contaminants pose a threat to fish and wildlife.

Montezuma Mucklands Study - The New York Field Office has been involved in evaluating whether contaminants (generally metals and organochlorine pesticides) on formerly agricultural lands pose a threat to fish and wildlife that use Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge.

Amphibian Deformities at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge - Many amphibians may be sensitive to environmental contaminants and other stresses. The Service is conducting a nationwide study to determine if amphibian deformities are occurring on National Wildlife Refuges.  Work has been ongoing at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.