Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge System. It drives everything Refuge staff do from projects and research to the recreational activities offered. Using conservation best practices, the Refuge System manages Service lands and waters to help ensure the survival of native wildlife species.
At the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Complex a variety of tools are used across the four refuges toΒ ensureΒ healthy habitats for native wildlife.Β TheseΒ management toolsΒ include:
Habitat restoration
Cooperative farming
Agriculture
Invasive species management
PrescribedΒ fire
Conservation easements
Inventory and monitoring
Water management
“We are ambassadors of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We connect people with opportunities to actively engage with the conservation of our local wildlife and habitats. Together, we will move the biological needle with purpose and sound science. As leaders in our communities of practice, we are collaborative, dependable, and focus on the growth of the community and ourselves.”
Comprehensive Conservation Plans (CCPs)Β ensure that each refuge unit is managed to fulfill the purpose(s) for which it was established.Β TheΒ development of a CCPΒ isΒ aΒ citizen-centeredΒ process. Developing long-term plans relies on public participation and input. Local communities, volunteers and Friends of refuges, state conservation agencies, and partners help guide refuge management through the development of each CCP. CCPs also provide an opportunity to improve and increase recreation critical to connecting peopleΒ with nature.
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge Comprehensive Conservation Plan
Steigerwald Lake, Pierce and Franz Lake National Wildlife Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan