What does the establishment of a new acquisition boundary mean?
• A: The initial consequences of boundary establishment are not as drastic as many people believe. Essentially, boundary establishment draws a line on a map. The Service is authorized to begin purchasing or otherwise acquiring an interest in lands from willing sellers within this line. The boundary itself does not give the Service any special jurisdiction or control over these lands. Lands become part of the National Wildlife Refuge System when they are purchased from willing sellers or placed under agreements with willing participants. Some landowners choose not to sell, and they continue to manage their lands as before. Others choose to sell, donate, or enter into special agreements, and their lands are added to the refuge. These lands can then be managed for the protection of wildlife and habitat.
