The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is the principal Federal agency responsible
for conserving, protecting and enhancing fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats
for the continuing benefit of the American people. Today, the Service
enforces Federal wildlife laws, manages migratory bird populations, restores
nationally significant fisheries, conserves and restores vital wildlife habitat,
protects and recovers endangered species, and helps other governments with
conservation efforts. The Service will continue to be a leader and trusted
partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence,
stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and committed
to public service.
National Wildlife Refuge System:
The National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) began in 1903 with the designation
of the first National Wildlife Refuge and has grown to about 97 million acres
of strategically located habitats in all 50 states and U.S. Territories. It
is the only network of Federal lands devoted specifically to wildlife and wildlife
habitat conservation.
The NWRS offers outstanding wildlife-dependant recreational opportunities
including fishing, hunting, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental
education and interpretation. Approximately 40 million people visit the
NWRS annually.
Division of Refuge Law Enforcement:
The Division of Refuge Law Enforcement is responsible for maintaining wildlife
habitats and protecting the public land trust that includes the National Wildlife
Refuge System. Through education and enforcement, it is the mission of
the Refuge Law Enforcement program to protect employees and visitors, safeguard
public facilities and equipment, and protect the integrity of Service lands.
Refuge Law Enforcement Officers are deployed across the Nation and have authority
and jurisdiction to enforce Federal conservation laws throughout the United
States. The Officers’ primary enforcement activities are conducted
on Service lands and perform numerous law enforcement duties and responsibilities. They
conduct patrols, surveillance, short-term investigations, apprehensions, detentions,
seizures, and arrests. Cases are prosecuted in the Federal court system. Officers
deal with a wide variety of crimes, including but not limited to: natural
resource violations, traffic violations, crimes against person, crimes against
property, homeland security issues, and alien and drug smuggling. Refuge
Officers often work with other Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies.
In addition, the Division of Refuge Law Enforcement is assigned the responsibility
for Service-wide physical security and emergency management. This responsibility
includes overall management of programs and the development of policy and guidance
for the Service in physical security, emergency management, continuity of operations,
and national security.
