Fish & Wildlife Conservation:
 
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Description:

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a premier Federal fish and wildlife conservation agency. Our mission for over 60 years has been to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, and plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.

We are actively involved with State and Federal regulatory agencies to minimize the impacts of Federally- licensed, permitted, or funded projects on fish and wildlife resources. Our role in the review of these projects is mandated by the Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act⁽¹⁾, a law which requires Federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on all projects that affect wetlands, streams, lakes, and rivers. Land and water regulatory agencies, such as the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, rely on the biologically sound recommendations of our agency to minimize the environmental impacts of projects that they implement or authorize. Read more about our work to protect wetlands, ensure fish passage at hydroelectric plants, maintain and improve stream flows and habitat, and promote development options that also conserve fish and wildlife habitat.

1. Wildlife conservation shall receive equal consideration and be coordinated with other features of water-resource development programs through the effectual and harmonious planning, development, maintenance, and coordination of wildlife conservation and rehabilitation for the purposes of this Act."

1958 Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act (P.L. 85-624)