An updated approach strengthens responsible hunting and fishing opportunities
Washington, D.C. – Today, the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership welcomed Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3447, signed by Secretary Doug Burgum, which reaffirms hunting and fishing access on public lands, including updates to how these opportunities are managed on National Wildlife Refuges. These efforts reflect a balanced commitment to wildlife management and the outdoor traditions supported by hunters and anglers.
“Hunters and anglers have long been central to conserving wildlife and habitat in this country – funding conservation and supporting science-based management – and these actions help reinforce that legacy,” said Joel Pedersen, president and CEO for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership. “We appreciate the Department of the Interior’s focus on ensuring that public lands provide meaningful, well-managed opportunities to hunt and fish.”
The Secretarial Order contains directives for five DOI Bureaus. Among those are U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service-administered National Wildlife Refuges, which were created with strong support from hunters—who continue to contribute significantly to conservation funding today. The 1997 Wildlife Refuge Improvement Act identified hunting as one of six priority, wildlife-dependent public uses that receive enhanced consideration in refuge management. By increasing scientifically regulated hunting opportunities consistent with state management, refuges can demonstrate effective wildlife stewardship and provide the public with a direct connection to conservation.
The Secretarial Order also addresses how certain refuge management policies will be applied going forward, including the continued implementation of existing voluntary lead-free incentive programs.
“TRCP contributed to the development of the Fish and Wildlife Service’s voluntary lead-free program, and we appreciate DOI continuing to implement this incentive-based approach,” continued Pedersen “We are excited to dig in and help the Department implement this important Secretarial Order.”
The Secretarial Order aligns with the broader direction set by the Make America Beautiful Again Commission by emphasizing collaborative conservation and agency coordination around public access for hunters and anglers. Together, these actions reflect an ongoing federal focus on expanded recreational opportunities.
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