Congressional Wildlife Refuge Caucus

The formation of the CWRC was largely a response to budget shortfalls that resulted in multi-billion dollar maintenance backlogs and staff shortages that, many agreed, was preventing the Refuge System from fulfilling its basic mission.

The CWRC also aims to educate members of Congress about the increasing number of challenges facing the System through briefings and other forms of outreach.

The REPAIR Act is intended to provide a cost-effective approach to maximize invasive species eradication efforts by establishing a grant program and codifying in law the highly successful Volunteer Invasives Monitoring Program (VIMP).

The co-chairs also author op-ed pieces magazines and newspapers to educate the public on the challenges facing the Refuge System.

Caucus members also play an active role in committee hearings concerning the National Wildlife Refuge System, primarily in the House Natural Resources Committee, to collect testimony from managers and experts on legislation concerning the Refuge System.