Would problems similar to those caused by the separation of the Biological Resources Division (BRD) from FWS occur?
A major reason the BRD separation has been viewed as unsuccessful was the loss of control FWS experienced with regard to future needed research projects. The BRD separation was done administratively and with little congressional consultation. That resulted in considerable after-the-fact oversight by several committees. In contrast, the Refuge Service proposal will result from a congressional process, with full opportunities to identify important interrelationships and future needs. The separation of refuges will give refuge staffs more control over what occurs on refuges, rather than less control. Unlike BRD, the Refuge System has a broad and knowledgeable constituency to guard its interests.
