Consumers will access more than 2.1 million acres of potential RV destinations after a recent Department of Interior announcement.
The Interior Department and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will open or expand hunting and sport fishing across 2.1 million acres nationwide. The agencies called the additions the largest outdoor recreation expansion in recent history.
Increased access will cover 88 National Wildlife Refuges and one National Fish Hatchery.
“Increasing access to outdoor recreation opportunities is essential to advancing the administration’s commitment to the conservation stewardship of our public lands,” Interior Secretary Deb Haaland said. “Responsible hunting and fishing helps to promote healthy wildlife habitats while boosting local recreation economies.”
This final rule issued by the department opens or expands 910 opportunities – one species on one field station – for hunting or fishing. The agencies said the action increases hunting opportunities in the National Wildlife Refuge System to 434 and fishing opportunities to 378.
“Today’s announcement furthers a rich tradition of providing quality outdoor recreation experiences to the American people on our public lands,” Fish and Wildlife Service Principal Deputy Director Martha Williams said. “By expanding these opportunities, we are enhancing the lives of millions of Americans while stimulating the national economy to which hunting and fishing contribute significantly.”
A complete list of all refuges and hatcheries is available by clicking here.
The Fish and Wildlife Service said it worked closely with states in preparing this rule.
The National Wildlife Refuge System includes 567 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. There is a national wildlife refuge within an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas, the agencies said.
There are 70 national fish hatcheries visited by more than 1 million people each year. The new rule formally brings the total number of National Fish Hatchery System units open to hunting or sport fishing to 22.
