The Department of the Interior Releases Plan to Strengthen Refuge System

November 6, 2026 – Coleharbor, N.D. – Today, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Director Brian Nesvik announced the findings of Rooted in Purpose, a comprehensive review of the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) launched last December. The report’s 29 recommendations will be addressed through a new secretarial order directing USFWS to act on several areas, including mission and habitat, organization and public access, infrastructure, and partnerships.

“Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever commend Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik for their efforts to strengthen the National Wildlife Refuge System and its ability to deliver conservation on the ground,” said Ariel Wiegard, Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever’s vice president of government affairs. “The Refuge System is one of our nation’s most important conservation assets, providing critical habitat for upland wildlife while creating opportunities for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Today’s announcement will ensure that these public lands deliver meaningful conservation and economic benefits for generations to come.”

The USFWS will increase engagement with neighboring landowners and non-federal partners to improve conservation outcomes on and around Refuges. This includes strengthening alignment between the Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program and the Refuge System, enhancing the ability of federal staff to work directly with partners, and improving external contracting to advance conservation and access projects.

“Conservation happens on the ground, led by the people closest to our lands and wildlife who know them best,” said Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we’re cutting red tape and putting resources where they will have the biggest impact. These commonsense recommendations provide a practical path to healthier wildlife habitats, stronger partnerships and more opportunities for Americans to hunt, fish and enjoy the public lands that belong to them.”

“Refuge employees know what the land needs and what it takes to get the work done,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. “Their experience shaped this review, and their input will help us put its recommendations into action. We are focused on giving them practical tools and clear guidance to manage habitat, protect wildlife and provide Americans with quality hunting, fishing and other outdoor opportunities.”

The report’s recommendations include a renewed emphasis on active habitat management, including the use of prescribed fire, grazing, active forest management, and other beneficial practices. The plan also calls for directing more staff and resources for field operations and strengthening coordination around outdoor recreation and hunting access. Additional priorities include addressing deferred maintenance and improving essential infrastructure, increasing workforce flexibility and training, and establishing clearer direction and accountability for conservation planning and implementation.

About Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever
Pheasants Forever and Quail Forever make up the nation's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to upland habitat conservation. This community of more than 560,000 members, supporters and partners is dedicated to the protection of our uplands through habitat improvement, public access, education and advocacy. A network of 740 local chapters spread across North America determine how 100 percent of their locally raised funds are spent — the only national conservation organization that operates through this grassroots structure. Since its creation in 1982, the organization has dedicated more than $1 billion to 585,000 habitat projects benefiting 35 million acres. 

Media Contact
Mikayla Peper
715-294-0688
mpeper@pheasantsforever.org