U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

We in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service know that national wildlife refuges play a key role in the recovery of many endangered species. We also know that sometimes our best work to that end happens quietly, behind the scenes. Let’s take a moment to recognize what is perhaps one of our best kept secrets and lesser-known refuges as they celebrate 35 years of conservation. Ozark Cavefish National Wildlife Refuge in Missouri, has been protecting sensitive cave habitat since the October 22, 1991.

After two days of competition, Robert Hautman of Delano, Minnesota, emerged as the winner of the 2026 Federal Duck Stamp Art Contest with an acrylic painting of a long-tailed duck pair. The winning artwork was announced during an event at Ducks Unlimited, Inc. Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, and via livestream. Hautman’s artwork will be made into the 2027-2028 Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, or Duck Stamp, which will go on sale in late June 2027.

Wet Season Surveys and Wild Fish Health Screening The Peninsular Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office (FWCO) continued its partnership with the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida by completing wet season fisheries surveys within the canal system of the Miccosukee Reservation Area (MRA). The surveys followed dry season sampling, conducted in April 2026 and were completed in coordination with the Tribe’s Fish and Wildlife Department and Tribal members.

Interior Expands Program for Review of Prairie Pothole Wetland Easements Expanded effort will provide greater certainty for landowners, with special focus on older North Dakota easements WASHINGTON — The Department of the Interior today announced that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will incorporate feedback from North Dakota farmers, ranchers and conservation partners as it updates and expands an innovative Prairie Pothole Wetland pilot project addressing landowner concerns—particularly...

Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge Service Interns Impact U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Service Seven In the pursuit of achieving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife’s Service Seven, interns at Bear River Migratory Bird Refuge have worked hard, striving for excellence, through the building of community partnerships.

Department of the Interior Announces Appointments to Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council Members will serve on reestablished Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council WASHINGTON, DC – The Department of the Interior today announced the council members for the recently reestablished Hunting and Shooting Sports Conservation and Access Council.

Tribal Nations, Partners and Community Members Gather to Celebrate Another Successful Year at Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery As part of the Flags Across America initiative for America’s 250th anniversary, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is sharing stories from the places where our commemorative flags have traveled. From historic hatcheries to vibrant refuges, each stop celebrates conservation as an enduring American value.

Some holidays come with cake. Some come with fireworks. National Hunting and Fishing Day comes with muddy boots, tangled fishing line, early alarms, and the strong possibility that somebody will retell the story of “the one that got away.” Every year on the fourth Saturday in September, National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates two of America’s favorite ways to get outside.

Prescribed Burning Planned at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 21, 2026 Contact: Office of Communications, fws_press_r6@ios.doi.gov COMMERCE CITY, Co. — Weather permitting, prescribed burning will begin Monday, Oct. 19, at Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge. Burns will take place over several weeks between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. The Service plans to burn up to 1,462 acres.

From Chinook Helicopters to Chinook Salmon Bridging Tribal Heritage, Conservation, and Military and AmeriCorps Service, in Western Washington Story of Service: Addison Emerson When people ask how I became interested in conservation, they're often surprised to learn it wasn't a straight path.