“We continue to make access to public lands for outdoor recreation a priority. National wildlife refuges protect iconic species and provide recreation opportunities that connect the American public with nature,” said Chief of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Cynthia Martinez. “In addition, our goal is to reduce the number of regulations, increase government efficiency, and reduce costs without compromising the health or safety of those seeking outdoor recreation on national wildlife refuges.”
This direct final rule removes certain duplicative regulations related to activities on national wildlife refuges, such as the use of fireworks, damaging vegetation, dogs that disturb wildlife or habitat, the use of firearms and other weapons, littering, alcohol use, and boat speed.
These revisions will not inhibit the Service from successfully fulfilling its statutory mandate to manage these refuges for the purposes for which they were established or managing each refuge to fulfill the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System. These efforts to reduce the number of regulations will still maintain essential protections for public health and safety and the conservation of species and their habitats on refuges.
This final rule is effective in 60 days on March 16, 2026, without further action, unless significant adverse comments are received within 30 days by February 17, 2026. If significant adverse comments are received, the Service will publish a notification in the Federal Register before the effective date, either withdrawing the rule or issuing a new final rule that responds to any significant adverse comments.
