Washington, DC – 31 January 2025 – The National Wildlife Refuge Association congratulates the incoming Department of Domestic Secretary Doug Burgum with his confirmation. We look forward to working with him and his team to strengthen the world’s largest system of land and waters dedicated to the preservation of wildlife – the national wildlife escape system.
“The National Refugee System for Wildlife was created by President Theodore Roosevelt, and we know that incoming secretary Burgum appreciates the preservation inheritance, created by Roosevelt and sustained for over a hundred and twenty years by conservationists in our nation,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, president and CEO of National Wildlife Refuge Refuge. “We look forward to working with him to ensure that the refuge system remains a cornerstone of both our country’s conservation efforts and its economic vitality.”
With over 570 National Wildlife Refuges spanning more than 95 million Acres land and 760 million Acres Marine areas in all 50 states and US territories, National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) is an American success story. Supported by hunters, fishermen, bird nodes and wildlife enthusiasts protect these public countries and waters biodiversity, maintain migrant species and improve climate insurance, while also serving as places for recreation, research and financial opportunities for millions of Americans. The Refuge system is appreciated by a broad spectrum of supporters from a diverse constituency, including hunters, anglers, bird and wildlife surveys, researchers and those seeking peace and rejuvenation in nature.
For over a century, the refuge system has been a unifying strength that enjoys bipartisan support from leaders who recognize the value of protecting public countries for both wildlife and humans. Refugees are not only critical of preservation, but also to local economies. From rural areas to urban centers, the refugees generate billions in economic benefits through outdoor recreation, ecotourism and conservation jobs. According to the US Fish and Wildlife Service’s Banking on Nature Report, Refuge System generates over $ 3.2 billion in economic production and supports over 41,000 jobs in communities across the country.
Hundreds of communities have gathered around their local national wildlife interruptions and formed refuge throughout groups that reinforce the impact of each federal dollar invested in the refugee system. In fact, for every $ 4 granted to manage the refuge system, volunteers and refuge groups contribute to a fifth dollar in time and resources, demonstrating the deep, grassroots obligation to these countries.
As the administration seems to be expanding outdoor recreation opportunities and investing in conservation and local economies, Refuge System provides a model for how public countries can support recreational opportunities, community engagement and biodiversity.
“I look forward to seeing secretary Burgum soon in a National Wildlife Refuge,” said Sorenson-Groves. “We are ready to work with him and his team to ensure that the refuge system remains a cornerstone of America’s preservation inheritance, which benefits from both current and future generations.”
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As the leading independent voice advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, protects, promotes and improves the National Wildlife Refuge Association beyond its borders that serve the system and wildlife beyond its borders. The organization addresses the refuge system’s funding, management and strategic growth while promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.
For all media inquiries and questions, contact Eden Taylor, Director of Communication and Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.