How does the Fish and Wildlife Service decide which public uses will be allowed on a refuge?
• A: Legislation offers clear guidance for determining appropriate public uses of refuge lands and waters. All uses of a refuge must be compatible with the purposes for which that particular refuge is established. Six wildlife-dependent public uses have been given priority consideration over other public uses. Priority public uses include hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation. If these uses are determined to be compatible with refuge purposes, and funds are available to manage them, they will be allowed. The specifics of public use will be addressed in a refuge’s Comprehensive Conservation Plan.
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- How does the Fish and Wildlife Service decide which public uses will be allowed on a refuge?
