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Sportsmen, industry and state agencies urge more refuge funding, better data and expanded access
Summary
Stakeholders told the committee the National Wildlife Refuge System needs investment and staffing, and urged reauthorization of the Legacy Restoration Fund, continued Land and Water Conservation Fund use for access, better fisheries data, and partnerships with private managers to address deferred maintenance and habitat management.
Representatives of Delta Waterfowl, Butler Marine, Backcountry Hunters & Anglers and the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources told the subcommittee the National Wildlife Refuge System faces a multi‑billion dollar deferred maintenance backlog and urged Congress to reauthorize the Legacy Restoration Fund and maintain Land and Water Conservation Fund support for access.
Jason Tharpe of Delta Waterfowl cited the Service’s current estimate of about $2.6 billion in deferred maintenance for the refuge…
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