Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland, alongside U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Martha Williams, announced the establishment of the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge in Nanjemoy, Maryland. This new refuge becomes the 573rd unit within the National Wildlife Refuge System. A 31-acre parcel marks the initial donation to this refuge, aiming to protect threatened species and enhance recreational opportunities for those in the Washington-Baltimore metropolitan area.
"Today, we mark an incredible milestone in locally led conservation efforts as we welcome the Southern Maryland Woodlands National Wildlife Refuge into our National Wildlife Refuge System," said Secretary Haaland. She emphasized collaboration with local communities under the Biden-Harris administration to protect public lands and waters.
Martha Williams noted that "today’s announcement is a great example of collaborative conservation" that supports community-led priorities. The new refuge aims to bolster outdoor economies while conserving important landscapes.
This marks Secretary Haaland's sixth addition to the Refuge System, following other projects across Oregon, Florida, Wyoming, Tennessee, and Montana. These initiatives align with expanding existing national wildlife refuges by over 1 million acres through voluntary conservation measures.
Under President Biden's administration, more than 610,000 acres have been added through acquisitions. The Service has worked closely with local alliances like the Southern Maryland Conservation Alliance to establish management priorities for these lands.
The Nature Conservancy plans further donations to conserve over 300 acres supporting various species such as northern long-eared bats and forest-interior songbirds. Future efforts aim to secure up to 40,000 acres across several counties in Maryland.
Maryland has seen significant habitat loss due to development since 1973. This initiative seeks to address threats posed by such losses on local wildlife and economies.
The National Wildlife Refuge System consists of a network of refuges providing habitats for numerous species while offering recreational activities that contribute significantly to regional economies.
