Martha Williams Principal Deputy Director at U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service | Official website
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided to withdraw the final Land Protection Plan (LPP) for the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge. This move aims to support energy development, agriculture production, and local economies in line with President Trump's Executive Order 14154, "Unleashing American Energy," issued on January 20, 2025. The Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum further implemented this order through Secretary’s Order 3418 on February 3, 2025.
With the withdrawal of the LPP, the Service will stop land acquisition within the designated boundary. "Consistent with the priorities of the Trump administration, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is committed to reducing regulatory burdens, strengthening partnerships with state and local stakeholders, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources," said Service Principal Deputy Director J Shirley.
The initial plan involved a significant land acquisition program that could have added up to 700,000 acres to the Muleshoe National Wildlife Refuge across Western Texas and Eastern New Mexico. By retracting this plan, no actions will be taken to acquire lands within this boundary or seek funding from Congress or approval from the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission.
The final LPP was signed on June 15, 2023, but its withdrawal became official upon publication in the Federal Register on July 31, 2025. Muleshoe remains an essential part of its community as Texas's oldest national wildlife refuge. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service emphasizes its commitment to conservation partnerships in this area.
For more information about their work in conserving fish, wildlife, plants, and habitats for public benefit, visit www.fws.gov or connect via social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Information from this article can be found here.
