Legal Definitions - United States Fish and Wildlife Service

The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of the Interior. Its primary mission is to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

The USFWS manages a vast network of public lands and waters, including national wildlife refuges and thousands of smaller wetlands. It is also responsible for administering and enforcing various federal laws related to:

• Protecting endangered species
• Managing migratory bird populations
• Conserving certain marine mammals
• Overseeing sports fisheries

Here are some examples of how the United States Fish and Wildlife Service operates:

• Example 1: Protecting an Endangered Species
  A construction company plans to build a new highway through a forested area. During an environmental impact assessment, biologists discover a population of the critically endangered Indiana bat, which roosts in trees and hibernates in caves within the proposed construction zone. The United States Fish and Wildlife Service would intervene, working with the company to modify the highway's route or implement specific conservation measures to avoid disturbing the bat's habitat and comply with the Endangered Species Act. This illustrates the USFWS's role in enforcing laws to protect endangered species and their habitats.

• Example 2: Managing Migratory Bird Populations
  A state wildlife agency proposes changes to its duck hunting season dates and bag limits. Before these changes can be implemented, they must be reviewed and approved by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Because ducks are migratory birds that cross state and international borders, the USFWS ensures that hunting regulations are consistent across regions and sustainable for the overall population, often managing national wildlife refuges that serve as critical breeding and resting grounds for these birds. This demonstrates their responsibility for the conservation and management of migratory birds.

• Example 3: Conserving a National Wildlife Refuge
  A local community group wants to organize a cleanup effort along a river that flows through a designated National Wildlife Refuge. Before they can proceed, they must coordinate with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, which manages the refuge. The USFWS would provide guidance on permissible activities, ensure the cleanup methods do not harm sensitive habitats or species, and might even provide equipment or staff support. This highlights the USFWS's role in managing and protecting the extensive network of land and water areas under its care.