What are our statutory authorities for requiring uses of national wildlife refuges to be compatible?
A. National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act of 1966 as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997, 16 U.S.C. 668dd-668ee (Refuge Administration Act). This law states that “The Secretary is authorized, under such regulations as he may prescribe, to — (A) permit the use of any area within the System for any purpose, including but not limited to hunting, fishing, public recreation and accommodations, and access whenever he determines that such uses are compatible” and that “. . . the Secretary shall not initiate or permit a new use of a refuge or expand, renew, or extend an existing use of a refuge, unless the Secretary has determined that the use is a compatible use and that the use is not inconsistent with public safety.” The law also provides that, in administering the National Wildlife Refuge System, “. . . the Secretary is authorized to . . . Issue regulations to carry out this Act.” A significant directive of the Refuge Administration Act is to
