Gathering in the sprawling and scenic Audubon National Wildlife Refuge north of Bismarck, North Dakota, the Department of the Interior and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) released a review of the National Wildlife Refuge System along with a new secretarial order by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum (second from left).
The order, Making American's National Wildlife Refuges Great Again, directs USFWS to strengthen field operations, support active habitat management, prioritize refuge purposes and expand compatible wildlife-dependent recreation.
“Conservation happens on the ground, led by the people closest to our lands and wildlife who know them best,” said Secretary 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.”
The review, titled Rooted in Purpose, features 29 recommendations that call for strengthening hunting and fishing coordination, increasing refuge law enforcement staffing, directing more resources to field operations and removing barriers to practical conservation work.
“Refuge employees know what the land needs and what it takes to get the work done,” said USFWS Director Brian Nesvik (second from right). “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 Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation appreciates Secretary Burgum and Director Nesvik for their continual support of hunting, conservation and public access," said Ryan Bronson, RMEF director of government affairs who attended the event. “These reordered priorities for the refuge system will benefit wildlife and sportsmen.”
RMEF is a longtime advocate of the wildlife refuge system. As recently as 2025, it collaborated with a private landowner and USFWS to acquire and convey nearly 2,500 acres of wildlife and riparian habitat to expand the Grays Lake National Wildlife Refuge in Idaho.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
(Bottom photo: Secretary Burgum, an avid elk hunter, shares hunting photos with Ryan Bronson)
