ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 12996Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 12996

Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System

This executive order establishes the mission of the National Wildlife Refuge System and directs the Secretary of the Interior to prioritize compatible wildlife-dependent recreational activities—specifically hunting, fishing, wildlife observation and photography, and environmental education and interpretation—while maintaining habitat conservation and biological integrity. It codifies four guiding principles (public use, habitat, partnerships, public involvement) and directs expanded opportunities for family-oriented outdoor recreation.

Federal Register Open PDF 61 FR 13647

Key directives

  • Recognize hunting, fishing, wildlife observation/photography, and environmental education/interpretation as priority general public uses
  • Provide expanded opportunities for priority public uses when compatible with sound fish and wildlife management
  • Ensure priority public uses receive enhanced attention in planning and management
  • Increase family-oriented wildlife-dependent recreation opportunities
  • Maintain biological integrity and environmental health of Refuge System
  • Continue authorized uses by other Federal agencies including military preparedness
  • Plan continued growth of Refuge System to conserve ecosystems and increase public support
  • Ensure cooperation with Federal agencies and State fish and wildlife agencies
  • Provide public involvement opportunities in refuge planning and management
  • Identify existing compatible wildlife-dependent uses on new refuge lands for interim continuation pending comprehensive planning

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • EO takes effect upon signing; Secretary of Interior directed to implement priority public use framework

Near term (90d)

  • No specific 90-day deadlines; implementation through existing planning and management processes begins

Long term

  • Ongoing growth and planning of Refuge System; continued integration of priority uses into refuge management; interim use identification for new acquisitions pending comprehensive planning

Risks & tensions

  • No hard deadlines or enforcement mechanisms create implementation uncertainty
  • 'Compatible' and 'consistent with sound principles' are subjective standards leaving discretion to agency
  • Judicial review waiver (Section 4) limits legal recourse for stakeholders
  • Potential tension between expanded recreation access and biological integrity mandates
  • Interim use provision for new acquisitions is vague on duration and process
Executive Order 12996: Management and General Public Use of the National Wildlife Refuge System · Executive Orders