In a pleasant surprise from Congress, the just-passed “FY 2010 Interior, Environment and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill” will give the National Wildlife Refuge System a budget increase of $40 million, which was the higher amount that the House passed earlier this year.

From the press release by the National Wildlife Refuge Association:

This builds upon strong increases over the past two years and brings Refuge System funding to an all time high of $503 million, surpassing the amount appropriated during the System’s Centennial in 2003. The bill also doubles the amount of land acquisition funding for refuges through the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) to $86 million.

“Just a few short years ago the Refuge System was forced to close refuges, curtail popular recreational programs and eliminate 20% of their workforce due to devastating funding shortfalls,” said Evan Hirsche, President of the NWRA. “With this increase, Congress has made conserving our diverse wildlife heritage a priority, while providing outstanding recreational and educational opportunities for the American public.” Backing Congress’ decision to make refuges and wildlife a priority are 250 local refuge Friends groups, 38,000 refuge volunteers and over 20 national conservation and recreation groups with a combined membership of more than 14 million Americans. Along with the NWRA, these groups and individuals support annual Refuge System funding of at least $808 million. The impacts of global climate change, invasive species, and habitat loss pose serious threats to wildlife - from polar bears, to whooping cranes, to manatees - and funding our national wildlife refuges will help to ensure the survival of these species for future generations while providing ecosystem services such as clean air and water and storm protection.

Congress’ doubling of Refuge System land conservation dollars will also meet critical inholding acquisition and refuge completion needs, simplifying management, and reducing cost. In addition, funds will underwrite creation of new wildlife refuges that will help achieve vital species conservation objectives.

“The Refuge System was started over 100 years ago by President Theodore Roosevelt during turbulent economic times; it is gratifying to see Congress and the American people continue to uphold these same values in our own challenging economic times,” said Hirsche. “We look forward to working with the President and leaders of the House and Senate to fully fund the Refuge System at $808 million by the end of President Obama’s first term, and maximize the System’s capacity to conserve America’s rich diversity of wildlife.”

More details about the funding can be found at the NWRA 2010 Funding page.

Much congratulations to all the Friends, volunteers, and environmental and outdoor organizations that fought for this budget increase.

We know the National Parks are receiving the bulk of the attention and funding increases these days (for various reasons, including their upcoming centennial anniversary), but it’s crucial that the Refuge System stay on the radar screens of politicians who control the appropriations. Never have the challenges to the Refuge System been as great as they are today, so now is not the time for budgetary restraint when our climate is changing faster than nature can evolve.

Congratulations again to all the Refuge System supporters.

Tags:
National Wildlife Refuge System, National Wildlife Refuge Association, Interior Department budget