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The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Protection of the American Heritage

by Donald Lee
December 13 2024

In 1871 a Commission was established to oversee America’s fisheries to determine whether the fisheries were in decline. Today the agency, now called the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, works to keep wildlife, fishes, plants, and habitats healthy, safe, and productive in America. Along with the Federal Endangered Species Act the Service works to protect over 1,600 endangered and threatened species across America. They manage ninety-five million acres of land on more than 565 refuges, and thirty-eight wetland districts from the Atlantic to the Pacific.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service collaborates with Native Americans and Alaska Native Tribal governments who have a long tradition of protecting the environment through policies, science, conservation, and consultations. The National Eagle Repository provides bald eagles and golden eagle feathers for cultural traditions and ceremonies. The agency works with over 45 Native American and Alaskan Native tribes to stock over five million fish into tribal waters annually. The Service provides millions of dollars in grants to support fishing, hunting, boating and conservation.

The poaching of protected or managed wildlife and plants, the illegal trafficking in wildlife has become an international crisis. The illegal trade threatens elephants, sea turtles, macaws and other wildlife and impacts lesser-known species that are part of the wildlife ecosystem. Law enforcement officers protect wildlife and plant resources through enforcement of federal laws.