WASHINGTON, DC – January 31st, 2025 – The National Wildlife Refuge Association congratulates incoming Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on his confirmation. We look forward to working with him and his team to strengthen the world’s largest system of lands and waters dedicated to wildlife conservation— the National Wildlife Refuge System. 

“The National Wildlife Refuge System was created by President Theodore Roosevelt and we know that incoming Secretary Burgum values the conservation legacy created  by Roosevelt and sustained for over a hundred and twenty years by conservationists in our nation,” said Desirée Sorenson-Groves, President & CEO of the National Wildlife Refuge Association. “We look forward to working with him to ensure that the Refuge System continues to be a cornerstone of both our nation’s conservation efforts and its economic vitality.”

With over 570 national wildlife refuges spanning more than 95 million acres of land and 760 million acres of marine areas across all 50 states and U.S. territories, the National Wildlife Refuge System (Refuge System) is an American conservation success story. Supported by hunters, fishers, birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, these public lands and waters protect biodiversity, sustain migratory species, and enhance climate resilience, while also serving as places of recreation, research, and economic opportunity for millions of Americans. The Refuge System is cherished by a broad spectrum of supporters from a diverse constituency, including hunters, anglers, bird and wildlife watchers, scientists, and those seeking peace and rejuvenation in nature. 

For over a century, the Refuge System has been a unifying force, enjoying bipartisan support from leaders who recognize the value of protecting public lands for wildlife and people alike. Refuges are not only critical to conservation but also to local economies. From rural towns to urban centers, refuges generate billions in economic benefits through outdoor recreation, ecotourism, and conservation jobs. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Banking on Nature report, the Refuge System generates over $3.2 billion in economic output each year, supporting over 41,000 jobs in communities across the country. 

Hundreds of communities have rallied around their local national wildlife refuges, forming Refuge Friends groups that amplify the impact of every federal dollar invested in the Refuge System. In fact, for every $4 appropriated to manage the Refuge system, volunteers and Refuge Friends groups contribute the equivalent of a fifth dollar in time and resources, demonstrating the deep, grassroots commitment to these lands. 

As the administration looks to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and invest in conservation and local economies, the Refuge System provides a model for how public lands can support recreational opportunities, community engagement and biodiversity. 

“I look forward to seeing Secretary Burgum at a national wildlife refuge soon,” said Sorenson-Groves. “We stand ready to work alongside him and his team to ensure the Refuge System remains a cornerstone of America’s conservation legacy, benefiting both current and future generations.” 

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As the leading independent voice advocating on behalf of the National Wildlife Refuge System, the National Wildlife Refuge Association protects, promotes, and enhances America’s wildlife heritage through strategic programs that serve the System and wildlife beyond its boundaries. The organization addresses Refuge System funding, management, and strategic growth, while also promoting programs that maximize the system’s conservation impact.

For all media inquiries and questions, please contact Eden Taylor, Director  of Communications & Marketing at etaylor@refugeassociation.org.