Managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), the National Wildlife Refuge System is one of our greatest treasures for wildlife conservation. Now these refuges that protect public lands and waters, conserve America’s fish and wildlife, and offer countless outdoor recreation opportunities are facing severe damages from the BP Oil Spill.
The USFWS estimates that 36 national wildlife refuges are at risk from the BP Oil Spill – many of which serve as critical migratory stopovers, support rare or diminishing ecosystems, and are the last remaining havens for threatened and endangered species.
Delta National Wildlife Refuge - Migratory Bird Sanctuary and Fisheries Recovering from Earlier Oil Spill take a Second Blow
Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Disappearing Wet Pine Savanna Under Attack
Mississippi Sandhill Crane National Wildlife Refuge - Fragile Habitat Protecting Endangered Cranes Being Closely Monitored
Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge - Oil Washing Ashore in What Should be a Safe Haven for Wildlife
Breton National Wildlife Refuge - One of Our Country’s First Refuges Took One of the First Hits from BP Oil
The gulf coast region is home to a number of protected natural areas including (both national and state) parks, forests, and wildlife refuges. These natural areas safeguard our shorelines and provide homes to many threatened and endangered species.
Other Gulf Coast areas threatened by the oil spill include:
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NWF is on-the-ground coordinating the restoration efforts with coalition partners.
The editors of Ranger Rick offer tips for talking about the oil spill with your kids.
In 1989, the Exxon Valdez oil tanker spilled 10.8 million of oil into the Prince William Sound in Alaska. How will the Gulf oil disaster compare?
Speak up for restoring the areas affected by the oil spill.