Thompson, Wittman Introduce Bipartisan Refuge System Protection Act

Today, Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04) and Rob Wittman (VA-01) reintroduced the bipartisan Refuge System Protection Act. This legislation grants authority to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to collect civil damages to repair and restored damaged wildlife refuges.

“Wildlife refuges play an integral role in the conservation of public lands and the protection of critical wildlife habitats. Sadly, there have been times when these refuges are intentionally damaged and USFWS is forced to use taxpayer dollars to make the repairs rather than holding the vandals financially responsible,” said Thompson. “Our bill will allow USFWS to seek financial damages from the people who damage the refuges, saving taxpayer dollars and protecting the refuges.”

"The First District of Virginia is home to a diverse array of ecosystems,” said Wittman. “As a former state health official who conducted field research in the Chesapeake Bay, I’ve witnessed first-hand the ecological challenges facing Virginia waters, wetlands, and refuges. I understand how critical it is that we take care of our environment and precious natural resources, and this legislation will help ensure that our nation's refuges are protected for generations to come."

Wildlife refuges sustain thousands of dollars in damage each year and the USFWS has no way under current law to recover the costs needed to conduct repair. In fact, between 2017 and 2023 to date, at least 1,754 acts of vandalisms and 110 acts of arson were committed to refuges, which cost more than $1,034,557. This bipartisan bill gives the USFWS authority to collect civil damages from those responsible and use those funds to repair damages. Wildlife refuges nationwide host more than 67 million visitors each year and generate $3.2 billion for local economies.