WASHINGTON, D.C. — Increased hunting and fishing access on the National Wildlife Refuge System will create new opportunities for people to connect with and support some of our nation’s most important wildlife habitats.

“Hunters and anglers have long played a critical role in conserving wildlife and supporting public lands, contributing billions of dollars through licenses and Duck Stamp purchases that fund wildlife management and acquisition of many of the refuges we have today,” said David Willms, associate vice president of Public Lands for the National Wildlife Federation. “For many people, wildlife refuges are the only place close to home where they can hunt or fish and we support expanding these opportunities wherever consistent with conservation purposes of the refuge.”