The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed a change to open 2.3 million acres of land to allow hunting and sport fishing for the first time at eight U.S. National Wildlife Refuges (NWRs). The proposal (FWS-HQ-NWRS-2020-0013-0001) would also open or expand hunting and sport fishing at 89 other NWRs for the 2020-2021 Hunting and Sport Fishing Season, as well as at 9 units of the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHs).

The new plan could have wide reaching impact on a variety of birds, both migratory and local, fish, and mammals, such as the bobcat, mountain lion, and mule deer, many of whose populations are struggling. This proposal would impact hundreds of bird species already under stress. According to the National Academy of Sciences, 21% of all bird species are currently extinction prone.

The stated goal of the FWS proposal is to give Americans more recreational access to public lands, and according to Department of Interior Secretary Zinkle, to give “America’s hunters and anglers …something significant to look forward to in the fall…”        In actuality, most National Wildlife Refuges are already open to the public for recreational uses such as hiking, kayaking, education and photography; activities which do not negatively impact species. Research indicates that between only 7 and 15% of the U.S. population hunt.

The current period for public comment on this proposal is from the date of the proposal (April 9 2020) to June 8, 2020. Given the scope and magnitude of the proposed changes, the impact on a wide variety of species, as well as challenges presented by the current COVID19 pandemic, we request an extension of the public comment period from June 8, 2020 to September 8, 2020.