Summary

Description

This report describes the extent of oil and gas activity on refuges, identifies the environmental effects, and assesses the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services management and oversight of oil and gas activities. About onequarter, or 155, of the 575 refuges, have past or current oil and gas activities, some dating to at least the 1920s. Available studies, anecdotal information, and observations show that the environmental effects of oil and gas activities and the associated construction, operation, and maintenance of the infrastructure on wildlife and habitat vary in severity, duration, and visibility. Greater attention to oil and gas activities by the Fish and Wildlife Service would increase its understanding of associated environmental effects and contribute to more consistent use of practices and technologies that protect refuge resources.