Statement: DOI’s Expansion of Outdoor Recreation Opportunities for Hunting and Fishing Opportunity to Foster Legacy of Stewardship

WASHINGTON – Today the Department of the Interior announced the largest expansion of outdoor recreation opportunities in recent history by allocating 2.1 million acres of public lands for hunting, sport fishing, and other outdoor recreation opportunities such as nature watching and environmental education.  

The expansion aligns with the Biden-Harris administration’s America the Beautiful initiative to restore and conserve 30 percent of America’s lands and waters by 2030.  

According to a statement from the Department of the Interior, the increased recreational access will impact 88 National Wildlife Refuges and one National Fish Hatchery, with these changes being finalized in time for the upcoming 2021-2022 hunting seasons.  

“Increased access to the outdoors benefits us all, and today’s announcement from the Department of the Interior presents a tremendous opportunity for our communities to be able to engage with our nation’s public lands and waters,” said HECHO Executive Director, Camilla Simon. “HECHO is excited to support this initiative that will allow people across our country to practice nature-based traditions and to foster a legacy of stewardship for generations to come.” 

Four refuges in Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah will open to outdoor recreation enthusiasts for the first time. In Arizona, the Bill Williams River National Wildlife Refuge will expand hunting on new acreage. For the first time in Nevada, the Desert National Wildlife Refuge will expand upland game hunting. In New Mexico, the Las Vegas National Wildlife Refuge will expand upland and big game hunting for the first time. In Utah, the Ouray National Wildlife Refuge will expand on hunting opportunities. For a complete list of all expanded refuges and hatcheries, click here.