From USFWS:
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service reports 97% satisfaction by visitors with the quality of the overall experiences offered by national wildlife refuges across the United States. This and other key findings are among new national-level results from the National Wildlife Refuge System’s National Visitor Survey. The survey monitored visitor experiences across national wildlife refuges with results demonstrating the Service’s ability to meaningfully connect people with fish, wildlife and the outdoors.
“Millions of visitors are drawn each year to the world-renowned wildlife-related recreation opportunities offered by national wildlife refuges—like hunting, fishing and wildlife observation—that also generate demonstrated economic contributions to local communities,” said Service Director Brian Nesvik. “This survey provides meaningful feedback to help us ensure these lands remain healthy, resilient and accessible for generations to come.”
The National Visitor Survey provides a foundation for telling the story of the Refuge System’s return on investment for the American people. The results demonstrate the relevance of national wildlife refuges to the public through high-quality visitor experiences. The results also show the Service’s commitment to maintaining access for priority uses and understanding changing demands for outdoor recreation experiences now and in the future. For decades, national wildlife refuges have drawn bird watchers looking to add a rare or iconic species to their life list, waterfowl hunters hoping to experience peak fall duck migration and local anglers looking to catch fish close to home.
“National wildlife refuges protect iconic species and provide world-class outdoor recreational opportunities that connect the American public with nature,” said Cynthia Martinez, Chief, National Wildlife Refuge System. With continued support and engagement from partners, we can uphold the legacy of conservation that defines the National Wildlife Refuge System. It truly is one of our nation’s best ideas.”
Refuges are surveyed every five years to understand how visitation trends are changing over time. The National Visitor Survey included refuges with 50,000 or more annual visits. The 2018-2023 cycle produced over 20,000 survey responses from visitors to 141 stations. These stations account for approximately 70% of total visitation to the Refuge System. In addition to national insights, results at the individual refuge level provide key information for local and regional decision making. Here is an overview of the key findings:
- A gateway to outdoor recreation: Refuges provide quality recreation experiences, as well as foster personal and emotional connections to these special sites and the resources conserved within. Visitor satisfaction was high for all wildlife-related opportunities, from hunting and bird watching to trail use and water-based activities. Visitors most often participated in wildlife observation (59%), hiking/walking (56%) and bird watching (46%) during the previous 12 months.
- Wildlife tourism is vital for local economies: Refuge visitors are an important economic driver for local communities across the country. Visitors enjoy refuges year-round with their family and friends and make repeat trips to national wildlife refuges over the course of a year. Over a quarter of nonlocal visitors (27%) spent multiple days at a refuge, bolstering local economies by purchasing lodging, fuel, food and more.
- Provides critical access to hunting and angling: Refuges provide wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities that are not widely found on other public lands. This is especially evident for hunting and fishing. Hunters (94%) and anglers (87%) were more likely than other recreationists (66%) to report plans to visit the refuge repeatedly for those activities in the next 12 months.
- Travel destination and nearby nature experiences: Whether visitors live in the local community and visit regularly or travel to destination refuges for once-in-a-lifetime experiences, the goal is to ensure everyone enjoys what national wildlife refuges have to offer. Local visitors (86%) visited the refuge multiple times, reinforcing the Service’s commitment to prioritizing programs that benefit local residents and ensuring that refuges are deeply integrated into the fabric of their communities.
- A focus on safety and access: With visitors traveling to a refuge by private vehicle (over 90%), the safety and conditions of refuge roadways matters. Visitors were highly satisfied with the condition of trails and boardwalks (96%) as well as roads and trails for nonmotorized users. Nearly 90% of refuge visitors were satisfied with the signage on refuges, including signs on highways directing them to the refuge, around the refuge once they arrived and while on refuge trails.
Taken together, the National Visitor Survey results reflect the importance of national wildlife refuges for high-quality outdoor experiences. Continued monitoring of these activities provides a foundation for ensuring access to these opportunities for future generations.
The National Wildlife Refuge System is an unparalleled network of 573 national wildlife refuges and 38 wetland management districts. There is a national wildlife refuge in every state and within an hour’s drive of most major metropolitan areas. More than 69 million Americans visit national wildlife refuges every year.
National wildlife refuges provide vital habitat for thousands of species and access to world-class recreation opportunities, from fishing, hunting and boating to nature watching, photography and environmental education. In doing so, they support regional economies to the tune of $3.2 billion per year and support more than 41,000 jobs.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov, or connect with us through any of these social media channels: Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and Flickr.
