House Republicans press USFWS director on refuge review amid fears of land divestiture
Loading...
Summary
Members pressed Director Brian Nesbick about a December directive ordering a comprehensive review of the National Wildlife Refuge and Hatchery systems. Nesbick said the review will examine founding purposes and execution, denied any intent to sell refuge lands, and committed to following statutory processes for exchanges or disposals.
Lawmakers pressed U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesbick about a December 16 directive that orders a comprehensive, 'top‑to‑bottom' review of the National Wildlife Refuge System and National Fish Hatchery System.
Members repeatedly asked whether the review aims to identify refuges whose original founding purposes no longer align with current agency missions and whether that could be used to spin off or sell refuge lands. Nesbick told the subcommittee the review will examine original acquisition documents and compare founding purposes with current execution, and he denied having preconceived targets.
When pressed about concerns raised in media reports that the review could precede proposals to divest public lands, Nesbick said the directive is not aimed at finding lands to sell and that the Service will follow three statutory pathways required by law before any land exchanges or disposals could occur. He cited land‑for‑land exchanges that are authorized under congressional statute as an existing practice.
Members sought more specificity about criteria for judging whether a refuge’s purpose 'no longer aligns' with the Service mission. Nesbick described the review as broad and said the Service would solicit input from states, tribes and stakeholders; several members asked for written follow‑up describing the legal criteria and safeguards that would prevent improper disposals.
The exchange highlighted a persistent political sensitivity: members want assurance that reviews and audits will not be used to accelerate land transfers without following statutory protections. The director repeatedly committed to following legal requirements and to working with Congress and state partners as the review proceeds.
