National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997: The
NWRS Improvement Act defines a unifying mission for all refuges,
including a process for determining compatible uses on refuges, and
requiring that each refuge be managed according to a CCP. The NWRS
Improvement Act expressly states that wildlife conservation is the
priority of System lands and that the Secretary shall ensure that the
biological integrity, diversity, and environmental health of refuge
lands are maintained. Each refuge must be managed to fulfill the
specific purposes for which the refuge was established and the System
mission. The first priority of each refuge is to conserve, manage, and
if needed, restore fish and wildlife populations and habitats according
to its purpose.