Number: 1984-22
WHEREAS, National Wildlife Refuges contain approximately 88,839,000 acres of land and water managed to benefit wildlife as primary resource; and
WHEREAS, refuges have been instrumental in wildlife restoration in the United States; and
WHEREAS, many refuges are located near human centers and have provided approximately 20 million hours of fish and wildlife recreational activities per year; and
WHEREAS, National Wildlife Refuges provide examples of wildlife management that are of interpretive value to other land managers, schools, 4-H, Scouts, clubs, federations and individuals; and
WHEREAS, the role of refuges sometimes has been controversial due to use of water for wildlife, harboring of plants and animals considered to be pests, removal of land from existing agricultural use, and urban development; and
WHEREAS, refuges provide ideal outdoor classrooms for promoting understanding within the community and beyond about natural and managed processes in nature; and
WHEREAS, existing facilities and personnel on refuges could assist with education in addition to management; and
WHEREAS, most education programs on refuges are poorly funded and not adequately managed relying mostly upon passive brochures and exhibits rather than proactive learning opportunities; and
WHEREAS, well-informed and involved adults and youth will refrain from poaching, vandalism and many other management problems;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, in annual meeting assembled March 15-18, 1984, in Atlanta, Georgia, hereby urges the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to more aggressively promote their existing management, facilities, and expertise within a planned education program including use of facilities and grounds by schools, clubs, organizations and individuals where such activities are compatible with the wildlife objectives for which the refuge was established; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation recommends that appropriations be provided and long-term plans be developed and implemented to provide quality conservation education opportunities at refuges where compatible, including useful facilities for learning, trained staff, learning aids and training of leaders in the community to use the facilities, grounds, resource persons and materials for their educational needs.