Columbus OH -

With growing concerns at the federal level about the backlog of maintenance problems within the National Wildlife Refuge system, the United States Congress summoned select experts to testify today in search of solutions to the problem. Leading the testimony was Bill Horn, the USSA’s director of federal affairs.

“USSA has been deeply involved in Refuge management issues since it first intervened in litigation in the 70’s to defend duck hunting on units of the Refuge system,” stated Horn.

His testimony centered on a comparison of the Refuge’s annual operating budget to other similar federal agencies, the backlog funding crisis, and possible solutions to the growing problems most Refuges face. The backlog has grown from an estimated $440 million in 1996 to $3.3 billion today. These needed repairs often affect the 44 million visitors who go to National Wildlife Refuges.

“Nonetheless, Fish and Wildlife Service continues to fall behind in its ability to effectively manage the Refuge system and the maintenance backlog continues to grow,” stated Horn. “This trend puts all Refuges at risk.” 

Among the solutions offered was directing the refuges to spend less on building new visitor centers and directing more currently budgeted funds toward solving the maintenance backlog.  Another suggestion was to hire state wildlife agency personnel to administer Refuge units.  State agency staff and associated costs are generally 20 to 30 percent less than comparable federal employees.

Horn served as Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish, Wildlife, and Parks under President Reagan and was the Chairman of the National Wildlife Refuge Centennial Commission in 2002-2003. He has represented the USSA since 1989.

The USSA lead the way in pressing Congress to establish hunting as a priority purpose of the refuge system.  The National Wildlife Refuge system offers more than 300 sites across the US where hunting is permitted. For more details, visit: http://www.fws.gov/refuges/hunting/pdf/huntingGuide.pdf.

About the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance: The USSA is a national watchdog organization that protects the rights of hunters, anglers and trappers in the courts, legislatures, at the ballot and in Congress.  Last year, the USSA served over 3.1 million sportsmen in 44 states through their work on bills and other issues, educational programs, and legal defense.  Currently the Alliance has more than 150,000 members who act as a powerful grassroots network for sportsmen and sportswomen from coast to coast.  For more information about the U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance, call (614) 888-4868 or visit: www.ussportsmen.org.