US National Wildlife Refuges: 2007 Statistics & Newest Additions

The United States maintained 548 National Wildlife Refuges across the country as of July 30, 2007. One of the most recently established at that time was located in the Rocky Flats area of Colorado. These refuges, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, are dedicated to the preservation of natural habitats and the wildlife they support. The National Wildlife Refuge System originated with the establishment of Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge in 1903, under the administration of President Theodore Roosevelt. This initial refuge marked a turning point in federal conservation efforts, responding to the growing concerns over declining bird populations due to hunting and habitat loss. The system has since expanded significantly, now encompassing over 500 protected areas. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service categorizes the refuges by region. These regions include the Pacific Region (California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii), the Southwest Region (Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas), the Great Lakes Region (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin), the Southeast Region (Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, and the Virgin Islands), the Northeast Region (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia), the Plains and Prairie Region (Colorado, Kansas, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming), and Alaska. Hunting and fishing are generally permitted within the National Wildlife Refuges, unless specifically restricted by individual refuge regulations. This policy aims to balance conservation goals with recreational opportunities, and is consistent with the refuges’ classification as Category IV protected areas by the World Commission on Protected Areas. As of 2022, the number of National Wildlife Refuges had increased to 588, following the addition of the Green River National Wildlife Refuge. The refuges that span multiple states are listed only under the state where the main entrance is located. The system continues to evolve, adapting to new conservation challenges, and opportunities.