The National Wildlife Refuge System is comprised of 549 refuges across the country. As the map indicates there is a national wildlife refuge in every state, and many are a one hour drive from most major cities.
Several years of stagnant or declining budgets have exacerbated the more than $2.5 billion operations and maintenance backlog at refuges, and have forced a dramatic 20 percent reduction in staff nationwide. This fact sheet details effects at refuges across the country.
