About the Service

Vision: We will continue to be a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service.

Our work is guided by our conservation principles:

Science – Our work is grounded in thorough, objective science.

Stewardship – Our ethic is to conserve natural resources for future generations.

Service – It is our privilege to serve the American people.

Professionalism – We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, strive for excellence and respect others. 

Partnerships – We emphasize creative, innovative partnerships.

People – Our employees are our most valued asset.

Legacy – We ensure the future of natural resource conservation by connecting people with nature.

The Service Priorities are:

National Wildlife Refuge Ssystem (NWRS) – Conserving our lands and resources

Landscape Conservation - working with others

Migratory Birds – conservation & management

Threatened & Endangered Species – achieving recovery & preventing extinction

Aquatic Resources – National Fish Habitat Action Plan & trust species

Connecting People with Nature – ensuring the future of conservation

 

Overview

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service bureau is small compared to the other federal bureaus. The Service employs approximately 8000 men and women to carry out the mission: "working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people." We have a proud heritage of conservation of America's wildlife and habitat. As an organization we have evolved over the decades to meet the challenges of conservation in the United States and the world.

The Service seeks to restore declining species through wildlife conservation and management, enforcing fish and wildlife laws, controlling exotic nuisance species, and informing citizens about how they can help. National wildlife refuges and national fish hatcheries play a critical role in protecting and restoring depleted species.

Sustaining our Nation's fish and wildlife resources is a task that can be accomplished only through the combined efforts of governments, businesses, and private citizens. The Service works with State and Federal agencies and Tribal Governments, helps corporate and private landowners conserve habitat, cooperates with other nations to halt illegal wildlife trade, and works with volunteers at national wildlife refuges and other locations across the country.

A highly trained workforce and an informed public are critical to the future of America's fish and wildlife. The Service conducts conservation training for its employees and natural resource organizations both in the United States and around the world. The Service provides scientific, policy, and education information to the public.

People and nature are linked through spiritual, recreational, and cultural ties. Wildlife and wild places give people special opportunities to have fun, relax, and appreciate our natural world. Whether through birdwatching, fishing, hunting, photography, or other wildlife pursuits, wildlife recreation contributes millions of dollars to local economies. Our fish and wildlife heritage contributes to the quality of our lives and is an integral part of our Nation's greatness. As citizens of our global community, we can all work together to conserve the nature of our world.