Advance Wilderness on Refuges
America was once a vast expanse of unbroken wilderness, but today only remnants of wild America remain and the number of threats to these wild places continues to escalate. Protecting these treasured places for fish and wildlife, as well as for current and future generations, is paramount. These wild places are part of our natural heritage. The Wilderness Society will work to designate wilderness, where appropriate, on wildlife refuges to protect the lands, irreplaceable fish and wildlife habitat, and America's heritage.
 
Defend/Maintain Biological Integrity of the National Wildlife Refuge System  
The Refuge System should ensure that wildlands protect wildlife. National wildlife refuges are also classrooms for children and sources of solitude, recreation, and deep inspiration for millions of visitors. Defending the integrity of the Refuge System requires TWS' attention on two fronts: offensive and defensive. On the offensive, TWS will work to ensure that the policies implementing the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act and the refuges' Comprehensive Conservation Plans are consistent with TWS' vision for the Refuge System. Our defensive efforts will focus on responding to unanticipated threats and opportunities to the Refuge System.

Address the National Wildlife Refuge System Funding Crisis and Promote Expansion of the Refuge System
Severe funding cuts have put all our national wildlife refuges at risk.  Staffing shortfalls, a decline of refuge habitat, deteriorating facilities, and inadequate water supplies are just a few of the problems on our refuges that must be addressed. 

These cuts are compounded by the $3 billion that is already needed to reduce the National Wildlife Refuge System's funding backlog that is causing a loss of staff, an inability to conduct routine maintenance activities, a failure to conduct essential science-based programs to protect wildlife and their habitat, and an incapacity to be a resource to educators, school children, families, and other refuge visitors. 

In order to fund expansion of the Refuge System, TWS supports the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF): a farsighted and bipartisan program established by Congress in 1964 to preserve public lands, preserve wildlife habitat, and enhance recreational opportunities. Since its adoption, the LWCF secured millions of acres of lands for the Refuge System. 

TWS will educate the public and policymakers about the funding crisis with the goal of securing adequate funding for the Refuge System. 
   
Build and Strengthen Partnerships and Support for Refuges
A strong and unified conservation voice is needed to ensure a healthy National Wildlife Refuge System.  Therefore, an essential element of TWS' work will be to build and strengthen coalition efforts, in order to build a base of power that will grow the Refuge System.