MAINE SUNDAY TELEGRAM • March 9, 2025
The National Wildlife Refuge System, managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is the world’s largest network of protected conservation areas. Maine is fortunate to be home to six national wildlife refuges. They protect wildlife habitat and important animal species, many of them endangered or threatened. The Department of the Interior just terminated 370 Fish and Wildlife Service employees. These are some of the hardest working, most dedicated public servants in the nation. DOI said the eliminated roles “are not in the public interest.” With fewer employees to manage the refuge system, habitats will degrade, endangered species will go unprotected, walking trails will fall into disrepair and visitors will lose valuable recreation opportunities. In Maine visitors to our refuges contribute as much as $45 million to the local communities. ~ Bill Durkin, Friends of Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge