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 system and urged new tools to permit private and state partners to assist with annual habitat management tasks. Tharpe said refuges remain "core areas of high quality habitat" but need investment to sustain waterfowl production, maintenance of pumps, levees and other wetland infrastructure, and public‑use enhancements.

Chris Butler, a South Carolina boat dealer, described economic harm from very short recreational seasons for red snapper in the South Atlantic and urged use of exempted fishing permits (EFPs) and better industry consultation; he said fisheries restrictions and right whale protections have cost his businesses and employees and argued for improved data collection.

Ryan Callahan (Backcountry Hunters & Anglers) and Paul Johansen (West Virginia Division of Natural Resources) stressed that access drives recruitment of new hunters and anglers and that user‑funded mechanisms such as Pittman‑Robertson and Dingell‑Johnson funds are central to conservation finance. Callahan and Johansen urged continued LWCF and Legacy Restoration Fund support and argued for prioritizing staffing and on‑the‑ground capacity to maintain access.

Members and witnesses also discussed active habitat management (controlled fire, silviculture), telemetry and data improvements for migratory species, and predator management where unchecked depredation affects fisheries and local economies. Witnesses asked the committee to keep the Legacy Restoration Fund and to involve state and private partners in practical management solutions.