Richard J Wenning, Wenning Environmental LLC, Portland, Maine, US
Published on JD Supra, 07 January 2026
ABSTRACT:
Without much public announcement, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) ordered a top-to-bottom review on December 16, 2025, of the nation’s federal wildlife refuges and marine monuments in the National Wildlife Refuge System (NWRS) and fish hatcheries in the National Fish Hatchery System (NFHS). USFWS set an early January date for preliminary recommendations and February 15, 2026 as the deadline for a “detailed narrative of the results of the review,” including a “list of actionable recommendations with associated necessary actions required for implementation.” The 2025 “Christmas Review” concentrates on seven questions aimed at evaluating the purpose, costs, and long-term value of refuges and hatcheries, and whether they still align with the overall mission of USFWS. While the review is presented as overdue and aimed at evaluating program efficiency and mission alignment, it aligns with the Trump Administration’s broader systematic effort to reduce federal oversight and modify environmental protections on valued public lands and waters. The interim findings and February recommendations will likely shape the future direction of the NWRS and NFHS programs over the next three years.
